Can you further explain “badly disfigured”? Is it scratched or smeared? If it is scratched to the point of not being able to read the gauges, I think you will need to replace that piece. Maybe try a pick and pull yard.

 

There are definite swirl marks that makes everything look blurry. When I use an oil on it, it somewhat clears up, but not perfect. I'm kinda afraid to use anything else on it that was suggested here, as they just seem like guesses. I guess a boneyard will have to do. Can't be any worse than it is now...

 

What did you do; use a solvent to clean the plastic?
If you can take off the plastic transparency (OK, formerly transparent), you can buy a new piece from Toyota, or possibly use headlight restoration creme grit to polish out the ugliness. The 3M branded product is good, but one quality level down is the Harbor Freight kit.

 

The headlight cleaner is good stuff. You should at least be able to read it after.
Getting back to its original state might be asking a lot.
Another option is too pull one from a boneyard.

Would love to hear what caused this,,

 

Thanks. I have nothing to lose. I'll update when I get time to devote and do it right...

 

Salvage yard part? I think it's two push pins for the bezel then four screws to R&R the cluster.

 

Thanks. Seems like it won't be that hard to replace?

 

What did you do; use a solvent to clean the plastic?
If you can take off the plastic transparency (OK, formerly transparent), you can buy a new piece from Toyota, or possibly use headlight restoration creme grit to polish out the ugliness. The 3M branded product is good, but one quality level down is the Harbor Freight kit.

What did you do; use a solvent to clean the plastic?
If you can take off the plastic transparency (OK, formerly transparent), you can buy a new piece from Toyota, or possibly use headlight restoration creme grit to polish out the ugliness. The 3M branded product is good, but one quality level down is the Harbor Freight kit.

i used interior detailer on everything. Meguiars, if I remember correctly. I was not very bright to use it on the cluster...

 

Hell contact me guises customer service!!!!
They’ll deal with it.

 

Wipe on headlight restorer might work. You'll find it at the dollar store or checkout stand at auto parts stores. It won't make it worse. Clear lacquer should help also but if you're taking it off to spray lacquer, install a better clear panel.

Sixto
04 LE FWD 239k miles

 

Yes, check with Meguiar's customer service. I looked at a couple of interior detailer labels and none say to avoid using on transparent surfaces. Some say safe for LCD and nav screens.

Sixto
04 LE FWD 239k miles

 

Yes. I’ve had some experience with this sort of smudging and it may well be just a wax that’s been applied that could be removed.!
They’ll help

 

The clear plastic on my Sienna had gotten a lot of micro scratches in it over the years so I pulled the bezel and polished the plastic with Meguiars Cleaner Wax which worked excellent on cleaning and polishing it to like new. That bezel has a strange matte surface that doesn't clean very well. I sanded it down and painted it with Transtar #4663 2in1 Trim Black which is a close color match and so much easier to clean.

 

Hmm, If you get a new one, before installing...I wonder if using Turtle wax Hybrid Ceramic spray coating, (two coats, 24 hours apart) would help with future cleaning/dusting without scratching?
Obviously wipe with Clean microfiber gently.

 

Or Lamin-X if it comes in big enough sheets.

Sixto
04 LE FWD 239k miles

 

As I've said before, I really messed up my instrument lens with improper cleaning. I ordered a new one, read everything I could on how to replace the old one. All those instructions saying disconnect battery, remove the entire cluster unit, blah blah blah is incorrect. Took me about 4 minutes total time. 1) Remove the 2 push in screws holding the frame in. 2) remove the 2 upper screws holding the lens in place. 3) At the top of the lens, push down on clip holding lens in place.4) remove lens.
5) Put new lens in place. Clip automatically clips into place. 6) Screw in 2 upper screws previously unscrewed. 7) replace frame, push in both screws. Go in house, grab cold beer and pat yourself on the back.
No need to remove steering wheel, or instrument cluster. Piece of cake!

 

Please copy and paste this to a new reply in your original post. It will save time for others in the future.

 

I ordered a new one,

Is this the part?
83852-08130?

 

Part number and cost please.

38.00 delivered from Autonation.com

 

Thank you!

 

Thread merged into original thread. @grateful908 Thank you for posting the resolution for us! Glad you got it fixed so easily.