dash lights work but are dim

I went under the dash after removing the package tray and radio. Take a flashlight with you to see with. Disconnect your battery first just to be on the safe side

 

Yes, they have no effect on the side markers.

I painted the interior of the cluster white and used LEDs that were capable of bing dimmed. (sorry, I dont recall which ones) My dash lisghts are so bright that I have to turn them down a little.

Micah

 

Just pull the cluster out. You can use LEDs in the 3 places for illumination with no problems.

The LEDs have polarity, so if they don't work when you first install them, reinstall them 180°.

I got mine from here:
https://www.superbrightleds.com/

They are the WLED-GHP5 Green. They will have a brilliant green illumination. No need to paint anything; just make sure your cluster is clean.

 

I switched all of the dash bulbs with LEDs for illumination and longevity with no problems.

 

Very few of these cars came wired like that. I've personally never actually seen one. For most of these cars, you'll be fine running them in the side markers. If your side markers DON'T flash with the turn signals, you'll be fine.

Also not mentioned in this thread, if you have dim lights, the very first thing you need to do is check voltage at the socket with the car running. If it's below about 12-12.5 volts, you need to figure out why.

 

My cluster is currently out and I will be changing bulbs. My 74 dash lights are just fine with me, but I thought I would upgrade the Sprint. I went to Autozone today and compared the 194s and 2825s. (Incandescent, Im not interested in LED) The 194s say 3.8 watts at 14 volts, the 2825s say 5 watts at 13.5 volts. The temp rating for both, were 200 degrees. I don't think heat will be an issue and bought the 2825s.

 

any particular reason for not using the leds seems like they would be better, brighter,and last longer,probably. Never replace them again,

 

I will be dead before the standard bulbs give out. Im happy with them. Tried LED tail lights and was disappointed in them. I will stick with what I know.

 

I just wanted my lights to be brighter very dim , maybe I should just try regular ones before I spend the money on the led lights ,thanks for your opinion

 

Well yeah, LED tail lights suck, but LED dash lights are awesome.

 

If you don't want to spend the money for LEDs, new 194s will probably fix your problem.
Like I said before, they lose brightness when they get old.

 

I replaced every possible light I could with LED.

1. They dont burn out.
2. They draw less power
3. The color/temperature of LED bulbs are whiter/hotter than incandescent.
4. They put out more lumens.

Taken with my iPhone:






Micah

 

looks great can you tell me what you used and where you got them,

 

Jamie,
I'm going to disagree with you on this one. This is how they are wired. I wanted LEDs in my side markers and this caused problems. I worked with Cougars Unilited, http://www.thuntek.net/cougars_unlimited/ to create an adapter which allowed the use of LED bulbs in the side lights and turn signals and have them operate properly. Part number DOWY-15A34-ADP



Micah