help with instrument panel backlighting

fivespeedsteed · Dec 27, 2006

how can you make the gauges brighter? the light sockets on latemodel resto are like 80 bucks. does this put out the light? im trying to find a 160mph gauge cluster, but is there anyway i can take the stocker off and clean it so it is brighter? my dimmer switch sucks too, to make it bright, you have to have it almost in the dome light on position, so sometimes when i go to my car after it has been sitting for a while the dome light will be on, if i turn it down the first half inch of the dial the gauges are completley dark. what should i order and do? should i do the parking light foglight fix while im at it?

fivespeedsteed · Mar 4, 2007

so now its getting worse, they got allot dimmer. im bidding on a motorsport speedo, can i fix this when i put that in? should i go on ebay and get a new dimmer switch,or look for the light socket? what lights the instrument cluster, the socket? i need help....

millhouse · Mar 4, 2007

I'd venture to guess the reason yours are so dim is because you have one or more bulbs burnt out. Go to the parts store and pick up some 194 interior bulbs.

fivespeedsteed · Mar 4, 2007

how do i install them? do these go in the light socket? how do i get to the socket?

millhouse · Mar 4, 2007

fivespeedsteed said:
how do i install them? do these go in the light socket? how do i get to the socket?

You'll have to remove the instrument cluster, twist out the holders and then swap the new bulbs into the holders. Put the holder back in and twist it back into position.

Saleen0679 · Mar 4, 2007

There are something like 13 bulbs behind the instrument cluster that provide the illumination. The sockets don't usually require replacing, just the bulb. The socket comes out of the cluster with a quarter turn and the bulb plugs into the socket.

superhuaman · Mar 4, 2007

you have to pull the cluster out and remove the bulbs from the backside of the cluster.

millhouse · Mar 4, 2007

Saleen0679 said:
There are something like 13 bulbs behind the instrument cluster that provide the illumination. The sockets don't usually require replacing, just the bulb. The socket comes out of the cluster with a quarter turn and the bulb plugs into the socket.

Only six bulbs illuminate the cluster. All others are for blinkers, lights, dummy lights etc.

fivespeedsteed · Mar 4, 2007

are there 2 sockets total? one for the instrument cluster and another for the HVAC controls? while im at it, is the hazzard light triangle supposed to be illuminated? mine isnt, my defroster is illuminated green, and the triangle isnt.

so these bulbs you say i can get at advanced auto? there called 194 interior bulbs?

millhouse · Mar 4, 2007

fivespeedsteed said:
are there 2 sockets total? one for the instrument cluster and another for the HVAC controls? while im at it, is the hazzard light triangle supposed to be illuminated? mine isnt, my defroster is illuminated green, and the triangle isnt.

so these bulbs you say i can get at advanced auto? there called 194 interior bulbs?

The HVAC controls are seperate alltogether. I believe they too take the 194 bulbs...but have not yet confirmed.

The lights in the hazzard switch, defroster switch etc. are a different type of bulb. I have not yet replaced those myself...but the parts stores should be able to tell you what they are.

194 is the style of bulb you need for the dash illumination.

fivespeedsteed · Mar 4, 2007

so you dont think i need a dimmer switch?

fivespeedsteed · Mar 4, 2007

because when its all the way to the left (most dim) gauges are black, and they say black until atleast 1/4 of the way toward the right. they may even be black still once the dimmer is halfway between most dim and smallest dim. what does that sound like?

millhouse · Mar 4, 2007

fivespeedsteed said:
because when its all the way to the left (most dim) gauges are black, and they say black until atleast 1/4 of the way toward the right. they may even be black still once the dimmer is halfway between most dim and smallest dim. what does that sound like?

It sounds like you probably need to replace the dimmer as well.

fivespeedsteed · Mar 4, 2007

should i get a new one off latemodel or should i just get one for 10 bucks off ebay

superhuaman · Mar 4, 2007

new is always better

glowstang93 · Mar 5, 2007

This is a reply to the hazard light triangle not being lit:I called the Ford dealer, the bulbs and switch were sold as a unit, but is obsolete now. I checked 3 different part store websites and did not find an aftermarket one there either. I thought it was a 2182 bulb based on my manual, but could not find anything online to match a picture to it. It wouldn't hurt to take it to your local auto parts store to see if they have something that will work. Otherwise, if your missing the bulb or its blown, I suggest the jy. A small flat screwdriver and it will pop out of the instrument cluster. After this find, I will be popping out a few on my next trip to the jy.

fivespeedsteed · Mar 5, 2007

ok i just got back from advanced. i got some flat black rustoleum, and 4 silvania 194 long life interior bulbs. the guy told me he thought there was probably 3 or so in there. how many are really in there? do i need to go get more? i asked about the hazard switch. i had him bring up a pic of the headlight switch and told h im it was just like that but on the other side. he said he thought those were made to be sealed and not opened, so i needed a new one if i wanted it to light up. can i take that switch apart and get the bulb out and take it to him to show me what i need to replace it.? or should i just get a new switch? do i need to know anything odd about taking the cluster apart to replace the bulbs, or can i just take it apart and i'll end up there?

thanks again guys.

superhuaman · Mar 5, 2007

dont disassemble the cluster, just remove it from the car. then go on the back and twist out the bulb sockets. they will be marked "ILL" for illumination.

millhouse · Mar 5, 2007

I have heard the bulbs in the switches are hard wired in. I have also heard that you can take them apart, un-solder the bulbs, pick some new ones up at your local hardware store and re-solder them in.

glowstang93 · Mar 5, 2007

Time for some pictures.

This is a picture of a defroster/hazard switch. According to the Ford dealer I called, the switch is obsolete, the bulbs do not have a separate part number and comes as a unit. With a little ingenuity a small led could be wired and dropped inside the hole to at least light up the switch.

View attachment 398875

View attachment 398876

View attachment 398878

View attachment 398880

View attachment 398883

This is a picture of the back of the headlight switch. You can still buy this switch and the bulbs are sealed inside.
View attachment 398885

help with instrument panel backlighting

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