I bought my 1999 XJ8 almost 2 weeks ago. It was taken in trade at the local Lexus dealer from the proverbial "little old lady" original owner who only put 84,000 miles on it and took it in every 5,000 miles for service.

I love it. Nice and smooth, great handling, nice looks, on and on. Anyway... tonight was the first time I drove it at night and the dash and controls are illuminated very nicely except for the clock. The clock is in darkness so my question is... is this normal or is the clock supposed to be illuminated also? And if so is the any common problems to cause this?

Thanks,

Ed

 

Clock is supposed to be illuminated. Pull it out (the whole wood panel just pulls out), and replace the bulb. You'll see what to do once you have the piece in your hands.

 

No, it's not a silly question.
Nice and simple with a quick and easy answer.
Let us know when you fix it.

 

I looked around the center vent assembly today but really can not figure out how to get the clock out. From the shop manual I can see there are 4 screws holding the center vent assembly to the dash under the wood panel. Question is how do I remove the wood panel without damaging it?

Thanks,

Ed

 

You need a plastic wedge (or something similar). Your wife has something in the kitchen I'm sure (don't get caught!). Wedge the thing under the wood panel, and pry slowly (go around). Once you can fit your fingers in there, pull. After you are done fixing the clock, put some lube on the "prongs" and push the wood panel back in place. It will be that much easier to pull it out next time.

I was removing all door panels last week, and I was dreading pulling off the wood trim, but surprisingly, the thing has a lot of "give", and it comes out with an awfull skreetchy sound. But nothing broke. A little grease on the prongs, and it slipped back in smoothly.

Don't be afraid, you will not break the clock panel. The biggest danger is to try to pry it with something metal, and scratch the clearcote. Plastic wedge, with a little flexibility and no problem.

If you feel like driving towards Palm Springs, I'll take it out for you!