Dim Dash Lights
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 668
Likes: 2
Dim Dash Lights
I have very dim dashlights. I have replaced the 194 bulbs with new 194 bulbs, I replaced those with LED's. At night, even with the LED's, you can barely see the guages. The headlight switch is about 5 years old.
If anybody has a voltage spec for the output of the headlight switch to the dash or at least the input voltage spec to the dash, I'd appreciate it. A schematic would be nice as well.
Any Ideas?
It is a 77 F150 4x4 with guages in the dash. The heater control light is as bright as expected like factory.
If anybody has a voltage spec for the output of the headlight switch to the dash or at least the input voltage spec to the dash, I'd appreciate it. A schematic would be nice as well.
Any Ideas?
It is a 77 F150 4x4 with guages in the dash. The heater control light is as bright as expected like factory.
Rusty Roller
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 5
From: Santa Cruz Mountains
Does the heater light dim when turning the dimmer **** counter clockwise? If it does then it is the bulb holders on the dash. Try cleaning the holders and board. If not it is probably the switch. Repair or replace.
Here is a link to how I have fixed mine but it is easy to bend the tang and permanently end the dimmer part of the switch.
That said you can also run a jumper between the "tang" post and the "center contacts" post and that bypasses the rheostat dimmer action and gives full power to the dash lights. Full bright only!
If jumping these doesn't make your dash lights brighter then might be the actual contacts where the bulb holder meets the dash circuit board or grounds.
Caution try at your own risk! Link below:
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Single Post - Turn signal/brake light problem
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Here is a link to how I have fixed mine but it is easy to bend the tang and permanently end the dimmer part of the switch.
That said you can also run a jumper between the "tang" post and the "center contacts" post and that bypasses the rheostat dimmer action and gives full power to the dash lights. Full bright only!
If jumping these doesn't make your dash lights brighter then might be the actual contacts where the bulb holder meets the dash circuit board or grounds.
Caution try at your own risk! Link below:
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Single Post - Turn signal/brake light problem
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MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
I agree with OldStyle on looking at where the bulb carriages mount into the dash cluster; the contacts on the printed circuit can oxidize over time.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,417
Likes: 32
If you have LED's jumping the dimmer will do nothing. You need to take the gauges apart and remove the blue filters. That is what is keeping them dim. Also you have to run green LED's for the turn signals, red for the reds, blue for the blues. LEDs are almost pure colors. Not like a light bulb that puts out almost full spectrum. If you run a white led and a red filter it will be very dim to non visible. If you run a red led it will be nice and bright.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 8,501
Likes: 4
From: Lynchburg, VA
Holy crap! Bright as he//. So shields on the sides of the gauges. Ill have to try that.
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MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
If you have LED's jumping the dimmer will do nothing. You need to take the gauges apart and remove the blue filters. That is what is keeping them dim. Also you have to run green LED's for the turn signals, red for the reds, blue for the blues. LEDs are almost pure colors. Not like a light bulb that puts out almost full spectrum. If you run a white led and a red filter it will be very dim to non visible. If you run a red led it will be nice and bright.
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Rusty Roller
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 5
From: Santa Cruz Mountains
I didn't pick up on the LED either. I don't know much about them but I have a question. If there was a problem with the dimmer and it was only putting out say 5v wouldn't bypassing the dimmer so there was a full 12v's be good? or Are they wired differently?
Anyway, co425, Thanks for looking out!
pat67shorty: Thanks for the link! Very cool.
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Anyway, co425, Thanks for looking out!
pat67shorty: Thanks for the link! Very cool.
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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 668
Likes: 2
Guy's, thanks for the info! I do have the white LED's in the dash and the side markers. I'll purchase the corect color ones from superbrightleds.com. I already cleaned the light socket contacts. The heater control and dash lights do dim with the headlight switch, it's just the dash lights are very dim. I now know why.
pat67shorty: Thank you for the link. Do you have the P/N's you used? I assume you used blue, green, and a red LED's. I dont recall a blue filter, but I'll check after I purchase the LED's. I assume you remove these blue filters then install green LED's? I like the brightness of your dash lights!
Anyone use the tail/turn signal LED's from this site? Which one do you recommend? I'm a little confused with all the types available. Also, if you have used these bulbs, did you have to use their turn signal relay? They do not have a P/N of the relay for these trucks.
pat67shorty: Thank you for the link. Do you have the P/N's you used? I assume you used blue, green, and a red LED's. I dont recall a blue filter, but I'll check after I purchase the LED's. I assume you remove these blue filters then install green LED's? I like the brightness of your dash lights!
Anyone use the tail/turn signal LED's from this site? Which one do you recommend? I'm a little confused with all the types available. Also, if you have used these bulbs, did you have to use their turn signal relay? They do not have a P/N of the relay for these trucks.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,417
Likes: 32
My whole dash including the ashtray, glove box, dome and courtesy lights and outside marker lights and back up lights are from super bright LEDs. Good company.
Here's a small list I have
Cluster gauges are 194 bulbs
Washer/headlight,ashtray/glove box are BA9S bulbs
Courtesy lights 1156 base*
Just pick the number and color of LEDs you want. The 4x's fit nice in all of the dash bulb spots.
Here's some older crappy pics.
Here's a small list I have
Cluster gauges are 194 bulbs
Washer/headlight,ashtray/glove box are BA9S bulbs
Courtesy lights 1156 base*
Just pick the number and color of LEDs you want. The 4x's fit nice in all of the dash bulb spots.
Here's some older crappy pics.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 668
Likes: 2
Can someone dumb it down for a dummy like me? For example, W4LED-XHP6-AC vs WLED-x6 vs WLED-xHP5 vs WLED-xHP, all of these models, among several others posted on their web site, are recomended for a 194 bulb replacement with the same color options. Jeesh, look at all of the LED 1187\1186 bulb options! I want a turn signal\hazard light relay that will work with these LED's as well. I'm confused. I want the brightest and "bestis" LED's for this truck, so to speak.
Specific P/N's would be appreciated.I'm hoping these answered questions will help somone else as well.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,417
Likes: 32
Yes the more LEDs the brighter. But you are limited to what fits into the gauges. 4x fits 5x might but I don't know. The 32 degree are good for your gauges all of the light is aimed mostly straight ahead. The 90's are good for your glove box light courtesy, and dome. Also anything bigger then 4x wont fit in the housing for the wiper/washer, the radio or the heater.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 779
Likes: 9
From: Tumwater, Wa
pat67shorty: Thank you for the link. Do you have the P/N's you used? I assume you used blue, green, and a red LED's. I dont recall a blue filter, but I'll check after I purchase the LED's. I assume you remove these blue filters then install green LED's? I like the brightness of your dash lights!