How to Fix Fading or Broken DRLs on Your 2022-2023 Lexus ES260: A Step-by-Step Guide

What Goes Wrong with the ES260 DRLs

The 2022-2023 Lexus ES260 features sleek LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that enhance both style and safety. However, many owners report that the DRL light guide strips begin to dim, develop dark spots, or even go completely out after a couple of years. The most common culprit is the LED board inside the headlight housing—over time, the LEDs degrade or a solder joint fails, causing the light guide to lose its bright, even glow. Another issue is physical damage: a minor fender bender or even a rock chip can crack the light guide strip, allowing moisture in and shorting the board.

Diagnosing the Problem

Before you order parts, you need to confirm the issue. Start by turning on the ignition and checking if the DRLs illuminate when the parking brake is released. If only one side is dim or dead, swap the left and right headlight assemblies (if possible) to see if the issue follows the assembly—this tells you it's the DRL module, not the car's wiring. Also, check for any visible cracks or moisture inside the lens. If the LED board is the problem, you'll often see a flicker or a segment that's darker than the rest. If the light guide itself is cracked, you'll notice a bright spot where light escapes.

Step-by-Step Replacement

Replacing the DRL light guide strip and LED board is a straightforward job you can do at home with basic hand tools. Here's how: 1. Disconnect the battery to avoid any electrical shorts. 2. Remove the front bumper – You'll need to unscrew the fasteners along the wheel well and under the bumper, then gently pull the bumper away to access the headlight bolts. On the ES260, there are typically two 10mm bolts and one screw securing each headlight. 3. Take out the headlight assembly – Unplug the electrical connectors and slide the housing out. Place it on a soft cloth to avoid scratches. 4. Open the headlight housing – This is the tricky part. Bake the headlight in an oven at 200°F (93°C) for about 10 minutes to soften the sealant, then carefully pry the lens off with a trim removal tool. Alternatively, use a heat gun around the edges. 5. Locate the DRL light guide and LED board – They are usually mounted along the top edge of the housing. Disconnect the wiring from the LED board and unscrew the board from the housing. 6. Install the new parts – Place the new LED board in the same position, secure it with screws, and snap the new light guide strip into its channel. Ensure the guide sits flush to avoid uneven light output. 7. Reassemble – Clean the lens and housing edges, apply fresh butyl sealant, press the lens back on, and bake again to seal. Reinstall the headlight and bumper, reconnect the battery, and test.

Fitment Tips for the ES260

When ordering the replacement, make sure it's specifically for the 2022-2023 ES260 – the DRL design changed from previous years, and using the wrong part will result in poor fit and light output. During installation, handle the light guide strip by its edges to avoid leaving fingerprints that can show up as dark marks when lit. Also, check the connector on the LED board – it should match your vehicle's harness; if it doesn't, you may need to splice wires, but for most 2022-2023 models it's plug-and-play. Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the connectors to prevent corrosion, and double-check that the light guide is properly seated before sealing the housing.

Why Choose the Right Replacement Part

OEM-style replacement parts are your best bet for a factory-like fit and performance. The Lexus ES 200/ES 260/ES 300 DRL Light Guide Strip & LED Board (2022-2023) is designed specifically for this model, using high-quality LEDs that match the original brightness and color temperature. It comes with a pre-installed LED board and a durable light guide that resists yellowing and cracking. By replacing both the strip and board together, you avoid the risk of mixing old and new components, which can cause uneven lighting. This DIY fix will save you hundreds of dollars compared to a dealership replacement, and it's a satisfying project for any hands-on owner.

Standards & further reading

Reference material for the standards and technology that govern vehicle lighting equipment:

• FMVSS No. 108 - Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment - the US federal standard governing vehicle lighting equipment - ams OSRAM - automotive lighting - light-source and LED technology reference - HELLA - automotive lighting and electronics - vehicle lighting systems reference

Standards reference: for the Lexus Es260, the daytime running lamp is governed by UN ECE Regulation 148 (which superseded R87) in most markets and by FMVSS 108 in the United States - these define when the lamp runs and at what output. With the failed part replaced, the lamp meets that definition again.