I'm making some interior modifications and faced a problem with instrument panel lights. I tried to replace panel bulbs with leds. They just dont get enough voltage because of the dimmer. The dimmer cuts down the voltage to 9 volts max. Ok, it should be easy to unplug the dimmer and put new wires to bypass dimmer and get 12 volts. Well, not so easy. Gauges won't lit unless the dimmer is plugged. Does anyone have any ideas of getting the 12 volts to the gaugelights or better...made working led mods.

 

Year, model, etc. please.

 

1992 fd3s R1 Japanese model (RHD)
Completely in original condition.

I get 12 volt reading when the dimmer is unplugged but then instrument panel lights won't lit. Dimmer plugged in and lights come alive but only 9 volt reading and it isn't enough for leds.

There are 3 wires to dimmer. 2 x 12 volt and ground. Correct me if I'm wrong but shouldn't I ground the wire from instrument panel to bypass dimmer and get 12V to leds?

 

what leds are you using? a few companys sell leds that fit in the spot of the regular bulbs and no modification is needed. also look into the conversiom to white gauges instead of the orange. search "hyperite gauge mod"

 

also i have the blue halogen bulbs you can buy for cheap at kragen in mine they are alot whiter than regular bulbs almost like leds

 

I don't think leds are the problem because they work when dimmer is in place. Just not bright enough. When I unplug dimmer and and ground the panel wire: no light. No matter if I'm using old regular bulbs. Hmmm...