Led dash lights?
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,271
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From: Mexia, TX
I converted all my dash lights to red with either colored incandescent 194s or, in the case of less-common bulb types (the bulb above the headlight and wiper switches, factory radio illumination and HVAC controls), I used red taillight tape. They are all plenty bright and IMO there's no real benefit to using LEDs, at least for the gauges. In the case of the gauges, the LEDs might not have the right light spread pattern to properly illuminate the gauge faces. In the HVAC controls it would work, since that uses a 194 as well.
Where LEDs work really well is with the exterior lighting. I have LED taillight bulbs and will eventually swap in some LEDs for the front parking lights. I have LEDs in the side marker lights as well.
If you want LEDs though you can check out some local auto parts stores or go to LED Lights, Bulbs & Accessories - SUPER BRIGHT LEDS and see what they have.
Where LEDs work really well is with the exterior lighting. I have LED taillight bulbs and will eventually swap in some LEDs for the front parking lights. I have LEDs in the side marker lights as well.
If you want LEDs though you can check out some local auto parts stores or go to LED Lights, Bulbs & Accessories - SUPER BRIGHT LEDS and see what they have.
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
LED's also give problems in the brake/turn circuits in the rear. The stock flasher will not work with them, and on the later trucks with RABS, the lights will stay on all the time, because they do not present enough load to the circuit.
The taillight problem can be overcome with electronic flashers or load resistors. If you could figure out the proper load needed to make the dash dimmer function correctly, you could probably add a load resistor to it also.
The taillight problem can be overcome with electronic flashers or load resistors. If you could figure out the proper load needed to make the dash dimmer function correctly, you could probably add a load resistor to it also.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 498
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Thanks for the replies. My lights have gotten dim and was looking to brighten them up. My truck is blue so do you think blue lights would be an option?
Along the lines of dim lights, I wonder if I don't have to much resistance in my dimming switch? Anyone experience this?
Along the lines of dim lights, I wonder if I don't have to much resistance in my dimming switch? Anyone experience this?
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I would guess that your blue/green lenses behind the gauges have gotten clouded up like all the other ones in the world.
I installed colored 194s.
You could also clean all the electrical contacts behind the cluster, that might help a little.
I installed colored 194s.
You could also clean all the electrical contacts behind the cluster, that might help a little.
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