Illuminated Scuff Plates

[Neil Clarke]

One of my Illuminated Scuff Plates has given up!

As they cost me £200 from Lexus 18 months ago (thus out of warranty), I wondered if anyone out there could advise me on repairing it, if it is possible that is?

Where do I buy the bulbs from etc.

Appreciate your help everyone.

Thanks

Neil

[d3fy]

Common problem on them I believe, you could just check the wiring but some one will be along soon to offer more info.

[Brettster]

They dont use bulbs, they use a high voltage EL Strip.

things to check are the power inverter, the black box that converts the 12v Battery into 115 volts AC to run the EL strip. sometimes they go,

I fit my own but had a loose wire on the actual EL strip which meant taking off the scuff plate to fix, worth checking there

if you know anyone handy with electronics and they have a multimeter, they should be able to fix it in no time.

[Neil Clarke]

Thanks d3fy and Brett.

I'll get a multi meter on it.

Appreciate your help

Neil

[Brettster]

remember to set your multi meter to the right settings, as DC volts goed into the inverter and 115volts AC comes out of it and into the scuff plates EL strip

[Gavin G]

Brett, if the inverter does give up the ghost on these, is it possibe to use an aftermarket inverter?

I've seen a few from the US which take 12v DC and convert it into 115v AC. However they seem a lot larger than the one supplied with the scuffs and have a cigarette lighter plug on them. I take it these are for powering tvs, radios etc.?

Also, what sort of wattage would be required?

In theory should they work with the scuffs?

Secondly, it it possibe to replace the EL strip if it goes?

[Brettster]

yes you can replace any part of it

I think Bazza got himself some red EL strip for his scuffs :)

I had a site that sold everythig EL

I'll post it up when i find it again

[Bazza]

yep the panels can be replaced .....but not easily

the invertor boxes come with two outlets, maybe worth trying the other pair

and be careful the ac voltage packs a fair punch

[Brettster]

here ya go

inverters from $8.00 here

http://www.elwirecheap.com/index.html