cleaning instrument cluster

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biglatka

New member
Does anyone have a good method to clean the 3 plastic lenses covering the instruments? I’m looking for something that will clean them without leaving scratches or clouding them up. In the past (on my other cars) I’ve just misted them with water first, and then wiped them with a soft lint free cloth.
Thanks,
 
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Mine are already scratched from the first time I Cleaned them, I wish they reversed the way the glass comes toward the driver then I wouldn't see all the marks.. :(
 
are the lens that sensitive to scratching? i havent cleaned them yet since i got my truck so theres a nice coat of dust waiting to be wiped off.
 
I used an Armorall cleaner that said it was safe on all dash material and plastics. It looked great after I did it, but when the sun came out the next day, there were the scratches. I am thinking of using some sort of CD scratch remover or something like that.
 
I picked mine up a few weeks ago from the dealership, brand new, and when I was driving it home I noticed it was scratched. Actually I thought it was just smeared, then the next day I rubbed my finger on it and noticed it was actually scratched. It bugs me on a brand new vehicle so I contacted the dealership about replacing it. Has anyone ever had theirs replaced?
 
I had dealer replace mine. It is an inexpensive part (about $35 Cdn) and takes about 0.3 hr to replace. My new one is dusty and now sure what to clean it with. Seems to be a very soft material and suspectible to being easily scratched.
 
I find that using a vacuum cleaner that has an upholstery brush attachment works well. I very lightly use the brush on the surfaces to loosen the dust and the vacuum picks it up. I find this works real well for all the little crevices in your car (like those little square recesses that label your shifter position on the console)and for cleaning the dust out of the air vents instead of playing around with Q-tips.
 
Saturate a cotton ball with Windex or similar, carefully swab it off, then carefully blot the remaining windex with a dry cotton ball.

Pretty anal, I agree. OTOH, my lenses still look like new @ 30 K miles/18 months.
 
Does anybody know if CD scratch remover will remove the scratches on the lenses? If not, what is a good solution to use to remove the scratches? I realized how bad they were scratched yesterday in the bright sunlight!
 
Mark86 said:
Does anybody know if CD scratch remover will remove the scratches on the lenses? If not, what is a good solution to use to remove the scratches? I realized how bad they were scratched yesterday in the bright sunlight!
Click to expand...

I believe that the CD scratch remover does not actually remove scratches but rather fills them in, albeit, temporarily. I use a "plastic polish and protectant" on the rear window of my 1991 Miata, that is supposed to fill in the scratches, leaving a shiny film that protects against dirt, dust, and water spots. But this is only a temporary treatment and has to reapplied from time to time. I don't think I would use this on the instrument cluster lenses. It may be ok but I'm not sure and don't want to chance it. From my experience with other cars I've owned and the plastic rear window on the Miata, I would first blow off the dust (gently), and then mist the lenses liberally with water from a clean aerosol bottle (I used my wife's hair spray bottle... empty and cleaned of course:)). Then, while the lenses are still wet, I'd wipe them with a soft lint free cloth. Has anyone come up with a better method?
 
Despite having my cover replaced about a month ago, I have concluded that the instrument cluster cover is too soft a material to be durable for the long-term.

I used my vacuum with a computer keyboard brush to vacuum dust, and it appears that even the bristles of the brush have scratched the surface. Of all the vehicles I have owned, the 4Runner cover appears to be the least resistant to cleaning.

Toyota should seek a new supplier of a more resilient material. I think most will agree?
 
Re: PolyWatch might work

Kevin Deaton said:
Polywatch is a polish used to remove scratches on plastic watch crystals so I assume it will work on the instrument cluster. You can by it here: http://www.tztoolshop.com/FB_Catalog_Xtal_Accessories.html

Another option you can try is tooth paste.

Kevin
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link to the polywatch crystal polish...I have a good watch with a scuffed crystal and this may just be the trick to clean it up.

Kevin - Have you tried either of these two methods on the instrument cluster lenses?
 
I've used Polywatch on a plastic watch crystal with good results, but never on the instrument cluster. I plan on trying it soon.

Kevin
 
leftyrb said:
I had dealer replace mine. It is an inexpensive part (about $35 Cdn) and takes about 0.3 hr to replace. My new one is dusty and now sure what to clean it with. Seems to be a very soft material and suspectible to being easily scratched.
Click to expand...

was looking at my parts list to answer someone else's question and saw the part listed there, so I thought I'd post it if anyone else wants it. from my parts list for the 2003, it lists part number 83852-3G390 Glass, Cluster and a cost of $23.09.

sounds pretty inexpensive to get another if your's is scratched bad... But if you're me, you'll find that a nice protective layer of dust helps to keep it from getting scratched...oh wait...you wanted to clean it! sorry.... :)

Cheers!

Kevin
 
They can be polished, NEVER paper towels!!

Don't do it!! NEVER use a paper towel for cleaning clear plastic, especially a polycarbonate. Paper towel fibers are abrasive.

I only use a damp cloth to clean the instrument cluster, radio display, rear view mirror (sensitive to scratching, special coatings).

And yes, there are polishing agents for sale that are designed to remove the small scratches from polycarbonate like the instrument cluster. ALSO good for motorcycle helmet face shields, and CD's.
 
I used some spray on lens cleaner (use it for my glasses) and a microfiber towel. No scratches so far.
 
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