FD3S2005

iTrader: (11)

im off to work in 2 mins so i dont really have time for a search, i know i seen it somewhere. it was LEDs or something, do the LEDs still keep the dim feature? I have my cluster out getting repaired so i wanted to see if i could do this before i get it back and install it

DMoneyRX-7

iTrader: (2)

I'm wanting to do the same thing. I think you retain dimming with LED's as long as you have a proper resistor installed with the LED. I wouldn't want to use LED's though because the light is very concentrated. You can see that in the "Hypertite" gauge writeup. So I think using some high quality bulbs would work better at lighting evenly and more brightly. What are the bulb sizes for the cluster?

ObliqueFD

iTrader: (32)

If you look closely at the pictures it does appear the light is concentrated and doesn't allow for an even spread.

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/write-up-hyperite-gauge-mod-white-backlighting-473379/

BlowenByTwins

iTrader: (6)

for some reason when i turn up the brightness on my stock gauges my aftermarket ones (Greddy) dim and vice a versa

anyway to make them brighten at the same time?

ObliqueFD

iTrader: (32)

Your gauges are wired backwards. You need to swap the wires.

BlowenByTwins

iTrader: (6)

Wouldn't that just mean that the aftermarket gauges would get brighter as the stock ones get dimmer by scrolling up on the dimming control?

DMoneyRX-7

iTrader: (2)

no, you just fucked up the wiring when you spliced into whereever your source is. Get positive to positive and neg to neg and they will dim at the same level.

BlowenByTwins

iTrader: (6)

this is why i hate doing wiring

thanks though

RotaryRocket93

iTrader: (7)

Wiring is a tedious type of work i do some 2m stuff in the military....

DMoneyRX-7

iTrader: (2)

what the bulb size for the gauge cluster lights

FD3S2005

iTrader: (11)

well what can i do to make my gauges brighter

nguybao

iTrader: (6)

The dimmer is essentially a potentiometer, or a variable resistor, to control the amount of current to your light bulbs. You can experiment and make/buy a different one to maximize the current to your bulbs, but you will be limited by the bulb capacity and lighting circuitry. You can probably fry the lighting to the gauge cluster if or blow a fuse if you exceed the ratings (not sure what they are).
The safest bet would be to get higher efficiency bulbs that shine brighter on the stock settings.

RLaoFD

iTrader: (6)

Perhaps trying the right bulbs will work. Only the first few people to do the mod made the mistake of buying the wrong LED's. Purchasing the right ones will give you even dispersion. This is the thread I followed. Contrary to the other how-to, this provides an example of an even light distribution.

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/gauge-mod-719337/

thats how you make them brighter.

wstrohm

According to my 1994 FWM, page TD-17, the instrument cluster uses 3.4 watt (12 volt) bulbs. FYI, these should be the same as the glove compartment light.

DMoneyRX-7

iTrader: (2)

so can we get a clear answer on what size bulb or LED would be used for the gauge cluster and HVAC controls from someone who has experience replacing them?

Also, I have read that you should get LED's or bulbs that are the same color as what color you are trying to achieve. So if you are trying to maintain the "amber" color in your gauge cluster you should get "amber" LED's. I was thinking that everything would be the same but much brighter if you just used "white" LED's. Is this a correct idea?

staticguitar313

iTrader: (2)

whats the bulb size again? PIAA makes high output bulbs . . .

FD3S2005

iTrader: (11)

where would i get them from? this seems to be the easiest way

DMoneyRX-7

iTrader: (2)

I'm still waiting for someone to answer that.

Also, PIAA doesn't make bulbs smaller that 168 and I know the cluster and HVAC bulbs are smaller than 168.

staticguitar313

iTrader: (2)

I could care less about the HVAC, its the lack of brightness in the cluster that bothers me.

DMoneyRX-7

iTrader: (2)

ya well some lights in my HVAC are out so I need those.

I too want my cluster to be brighter but what I just realized is that I want the lighting to be more crisp instead of a glow. I think that would be achieved by using LED's.

staticguitar313

iTrader: (2)

i've heard its a headache to get LED's to dim. I hate wiring.

RLaoFD

iTrader: (6)

follow the thread that i provided up top and the first post gives you the correct types of LED bulbs to use. also, go here for HVAC controls:

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/addition-hyperite-gauge-mod-800698/

this thread and the other I provided are all you will need

DMoneyRX-7

iTrader: (2)

so #74 LED's from superbrightleds.com replace the bulbs behind the cluster, hvac, and ignition key hole. also, if you want evenly distributed light one should purchase the 74-xHP3 LED's.

My next concern is, what does cool white vs. warm white vs. amber vs. red vs. blue vs. green look like?

If I was wanting to retain the stock amber color lighting would it be advised to get cool white, warm white, amber, or red?

Do ya'll think all red lighting would look good?

nguybao

iTrader: (6)

Those are pretty good links. I think you'd be hard pressed to get better looking lighting than the stock look. The non-amber white LED look is too white for my taste. The amber lighting made it a little different than other cars back in the day...

DMoneyRX-7

iTrader: (2)

Ya, I don't really like the white either. It looks kinda tacky in the FD. I'm wanting to go all red.