LED Dashboard
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New User
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Colorado
LED Dashboard
I'm trying to install LED Bulbs in the dashboard of my 1979 Ford F150. I have replaced the light switch and the dashboard voltage regulator. The LED bulbs (blue) that I installed do not light. Regular 194 incandescent bulbs work fine. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what might be the issue? Thanks. Lyle
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,146
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Where did you get you bulbs at? https://www.superbrightleds.com/
https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/...s-/20-514-43-/
Read the important note and guidelines in the above link.
https://www.superbrightleds.com/carbulb_notes.php
It sounds like they should be working ok since you changer the VR
https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/...s-/20-514-43-/
Read the important note and guidelines in the above link.
https://www.superbrightleds.com/carbulb_notes.php
It sounds like they should be working ok since you changer the VR
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Where did you get you bulbs at? https://www.superbrightleds.com/
https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/...s-/20-514-43-/
Read the important note and guidelines in the above link.
https://www.superbrightleds.com/carbulb_notes.php
It sounds like they should be working ok since you changer the VR
https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/...s-/20-514-43-/
Read the important note and guidelines in the above link.
https://www.superbrightleds.com/carbulb_notes.php
It sounds like they should be working ok since you changer the VR
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 12
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From: Colorado
I ordered some more expensive and, I assume, better quality LED bulbs form SuperBrightLEDs as recommended. Changing the polarity did not correct the problem but thanks TylerJ150 for the suggestion.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 654
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From: The Lone Star State
I'm trying to install LED Bulbs in the dashboard of my 1979 Ford F150. I have replaced the light switch and the dashboard voltage regulator. The LED bulbs (blue) that I installed do not light. Regular 194 incandescent bulbs work fine. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what might be the issue? Thanks. Lyle
I recently installed an LED light kit that I got from Hi Po Parts:
1961-79 Ford Truck & Bronco LED Gauge Light Conversion Kits - HiPo Parts Garage
I realize that might not help you at this point but it's another option and they sell a good kit.
As TylerJ150 mentioned they are polarity sensitive and the ones in this kit come marked along with instructions.
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New User
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Colorado
I did try putting in an old bulb based on something I had read. That did not fix the issue either, but I thank you for the suggestion. As soon as I get the new bulbs in, I'll try them and see if that takes care of the issue. I'll let everyone know when I find a solution and what it is so anyone else having the same issue can hopefully benefit. Thanks again. Lyle
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2005
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Add a resistor to the LED bulb and see what happens, like a 10 Ohm. I suspect the voltage regulator won't turn on the 12V until it sees enough load. One regular bulb equals quite a few LED bulbs. A multi-meter would make this much easier to figure out. Find out for sure if you are getting power to the bulbs. If not, you may have a bad fuse or some bad wiring. Could also be a short somewhere as well.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,997
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From: NE Ohio
I did try putting in an old bulb based on something I had read. That did not fix the issue either, but I thank you for the suggestion. As soon as I get the new bulbs in, I'll try them and see if that takes care of the issue. I'll let everyone know when I find a solution and what it is so anyone else having the same issue can hopefully benefit. Thanks again. Lyle
New User
Joined: Mar 2006
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That's exactly it. .. after raking my brain to figure of why they wouldn't work, turning them 180 degrees and they light right up. Dimmer even works!
Senior User
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 394
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From: Arkansas
Common LED issue for first time installers lol glad to help
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New User
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Colorado
LED Dashboard
To all who responded to my question about LEDs in my dashboard; As many of you suggested, the issue seems to be a combination of crappy LED bulbs and getting the polarity correct. I changed the polarity on the LED's that I had and they at least lit up but wouldn't stay lit because the bulb was loose in the base. I received some LEDs from SuperBrightLEDs as was suggested and they work great. My only issue now is that some of the bulb sockets are loosed because of the deterioration of the plastic in the instrument cluster housing. I have ordered a new housing and printed circuit. Between that and the good quality bulbs, I should be up and running by the end of next week. Thanks for all the suggestions. Lyle