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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
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L E D Bulbs In Stock Gauge Cluster

  • Thread starter Thread starter Gearbanger 101
  • Start date Start date Apr 18, 2015

Gearbanger 101

Straight Outta Locash
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 10, 2002
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Ontario, Canada
Apr 18, 2015
#1
  • Apr 18, 2015
  • #1
So last season, I bit the bullet and did the swap. First off, I gotta say.....HUGE improvement. Made me like my stock gauge cluster all over again.

I changed all of the bulbs, but the "low battery" indicator light.

My issue....

After changing the high beam indicator bulb, I've noticed it doesn't seem to come on right away? The lights need to be on for a few minutes and the high beam indicator used for a minute or so before it will illuminate. Once it comes on the first time, it works flawlessly for the duration of the drive?

if I manually pull the lever in (like you would to flash someone) it lights up right away....but will only stay lit while the arm is depressed? Otherwise, the above has to occur?

I initially though it was a bad bulb, or the bulb in backwards (polarity reversed), so I both switch and switched them around an there was no change. I then assumed it might be an issue with the cluster itself, so I put a stock bulb back in....and it worked flawlessly?

What's the deal. Is this a polarity, or a voltage issue with the LED bulbs?
 

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician
Aug 27, 2012
11,606
8,859
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In the garage
Apr 18, 2015
#2
  • Apr 18, 2015
  • #2
Could be similar to the battery light, it requires the higher resistance bulb?
 

rbohm

Founding Member
Apr 12, 2002
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tucson,az
Apr 19, 2015
#3
  • Apr 19, 2015
  • #3
i am thinking you have a dimmer switch issue.
 

Gearbanger 101

Straight Outta Locash
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 10, 2002
9,457
1,377
234
Ontario, Canada
Apr 19, 2015
#4
  • Apr 19, 2015
  • #4
rbohm said:
i am thinking you have a dimmer switch issue.
Click to expand...

How so? Dimmer switch functions perfectly? No other bulbs are affected other than the high beam indicator light?
 

rbohm

Founding Member
Apr 12, 2002
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tucson,az
Apr 19, 2015
#5
  • Apr 19, 2015
  • #5
a little dirt in the worn place in the switch means that one light wont light up, usually the high beam indicator. i had the same issue with a foot mounted dimmer switch in my old 70 falcon. high beams worked just fine, but the indicator light would not light up. after a while though, after a little use, the switch self cleaned and the indicator started working just fine.
 

Gearbanger 101

Straight Outta Locash
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 10, 2002
9,457
1,377
234
Ontario, Canada
Apr 19, 2015
#6
  • Apr 19, 2015
  • #6
rbohm said:
a little dirt in the worn place in the switch means that one light wont light up, usually the high beam indicator. i had the same issue with a foot mounted dimmer switch in my old 70 falcon. high beams worked just fine, but the indicator light would not light up. after a while though, after a little use, the switch self cleaned and the indicator started working just fine.
Click to expand...

Its plausible I guess.....I'll give one of my spare switches a try and see if it becomes more consistent.
 

rbohm

Founding Member
Apr 12, 2002
6,698
550
204
tucson,az
Apr 19, 2015
#7
  • Apr 19, 2015
  • #7
Gearbanger 101 said:
Its plausible I guess.....I'll give one of my spare switches a try and see if it becomes more consistent.
Click to expand...

actually you might first try shooting a little WD40 into the switch if you can and see what happens.
 
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