lamp for gauge

christophe

christophe

Active user
Feb 20, 2013
90
113
Bordeaux
Hi,
I research one solution for changing all lamps per the leds for the light of cluster gauge, climate control etc....
Many thank s for the information.
Christophe
 
I’ve fitted LEDs to my dash clocks. They are a pain to get right. The originals give a gentle all over glow. Diffused is the lighting term for it.
LEDs tend to be righter in a smaller area on the dash, the result can be too bright near the lamps and too dark elsewhere.
 
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100%, Mabo. I'm a firm believer in using LEDs where I can, but the clocks? Nope.

As you say, the design requires the light source to be diffuse, and LEDs - in the standard holders - just shine straight in your face ond only illumiinate a small area. No bueno.
 
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Thank you so much for sharing your experience. After 27 years, it's true the gauges aren't as bright.

But my eyes also have trouble seeing them at night.
So if you happen to have the Ford part number for new dashboard lights, thank you again for your help to this Frenchman who loves this car but is isolated.
 
christophe said:
But my eyes also have trouble seeing them at night.
Click to expand...
They're tiny little white 1.2W twist-locks mostly (which I hate removing).

If you're struggling with seeing the clocks I would probably go for amber-coloured lights rather than green, blue or white.

But you might also want to consult an optician. I don't know your age or visual acuity, but it's possible that you're developing astigmatism or are experiencing age-related macular degeneration. It can be corrected, but you need to get tested.
 
My memory says They are mounted in a holder which turns 1/4 turns out.
The lamps ( bulbs ) themselves are this type of plug in. Although this is an LED type.
IMG_1015.jpeg
 
Capless push-fit are the main big-dial illumination ones I believe, and dome LEDS will not fit as far as I remember...

The alert bulbs (fogslights, indicator, oil pressure...) are the tiny twist locks and they suck, but there are no valid replacements that I've seen. I might be wrong about that.
 
20260521_212441.jpeg

Left is dash panel and headlamp switch panel illumination - 3 watt wedge based bulb.*
Middle is, as Chris said above, 1.2 watt wedge based bulb for the warning lamps.
Right is for the HVAC display.

There is some discussion about alternatives for the HVAC bulbs here:


*Don't be tempted to fit 5w instead of the 3w as you could end-up with odd electrical gremlins going on with your dash and possibly a melted bulb socket in your headlamp switch.
 
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