Anyone know of a guide for putting LEDs in the Dash? Also, a strange vent...

[Prince_Polaris]

All right, so I have just two questions this time around. As with most old cars probably, my Dash lights are... okay, but they could be brighter or look nicer. Is there some sort of guide somewhere that I could check out to see if my skill level is enough for me to install some nice LEDs in my dash? And if I do, are there other places I should be sticking them too? The outside mirror lights come to mind... Ah yes, and where do I get them too?

Also... I can't help but be bothered by it, what the heck is this little vent next to the radio bezel? https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/163822726979518465/274795891217661952/P_20170127_102221.jpg

 

[Mr. Alligator]

There are lots of threads with great information on here about the LED dash light conversion. Just use the Search function to find and review. Also, there are some informative videos on YouTube about removal of instrument cluster. You can get the LED bulbs at most auto part stores, or WalMart. This is an interesting project! The skill level required is mostly just patience and wlllingness to pursue it. Good luck!!!

 

[bobflood]

And the little vent is where air goes in for vehicles with the automatic HVAC controls (know as EATC for the Explorer) where you set the temperature digitally. Guess the vent is on all vehicles, even those with manual HVAC.

 

[FF_RSQExplorer]

The vent is for the inlet for an electronic cabin temperature sensor for EATC.

LED conversion is nothing more than bulb replacment with specialist LED 194 type bulbs.

 

[MAS Tequila]

You don't need a lot of skill to change out the bulbs in the instrument cluster.

You need considerable PATIENCE though.

The first time it's a little overwhelming, but the second time it flies.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...cluster-removal-and-led-conversion-v2.240166/

This thread will show the removal steps.

Bench testing isn't necessary, I didn't do it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/T10-Canbus-...ash=item3ac7529267:g:6-MAAOSweWVXfYoo&vxp=mtr

These are the bulbs I used.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?media/image.125/

MT

 

[koda2000]

A couple of negatives to using LED's are that you can't dim them and they are polarity sensitive, so you'd better test that you've inserted them the right way before you put stuff back together.

 

[MAS Tequila]

On mine, they dim down to about 50%.

They won't go less than that except for off.

MT

 

[Spaznaut]

Yeah buy a pack of 10 if you can that way if you get some that flicker you can switch them out. I have one that is flickering. I went with a blue because mine are kinda blue from the factory. Looks real nice. I thought about red to go purple but it wouldn't have matched the ac/heat lights.

 

[96eb96]

The only issue is removing the instrument cluster, the wheel has to tilt down and I think the gear shift has to be moved (set parking brake for sure).
The LEDs I used are nice blue but some had to be reset twice to stay lit (terminals spread a bit).

Also, the illumination isn't as consistent as the incandescent bulbs. Not horrible but if you have OCD it may bother you. I see some with lenses but they are more expensive, I guess those are more uniform.

 

[koda2000]

Here's how you change the bulbs (I'm assuming you have an automatic trans):

1. Remove the 2 screws from the radio bezel and pull it out about an inch.
2. Remove the 4 screws from the driver's side lower dash trim (2 of which hold the hood release handle) and remove the trim panel.
3. Remove the 5 bolts that hold the metal plate behind the lower trim panel, and remove the plate.
4. Unhook the thin, red wire/cable that hooks on to the shifter. It goes to the gear indicator. Be very careful not to break it.
5. Remove the single screw that holds the cable adjuster under the column.
6. Remove the three screws at the top of the instrument cluster trim and any more you see around it's perimeter.
7. Remove the cluster trim. You don't need to unplug the headlight switch to do this, but you can. Drop your tilt-wheel all the way down and place your shifter lever in LOW (don't forget to set the parking brake first).
8. Remove the 4 screws holding the instrument cluster to the dash.
9. Pull the cluster loose from the left side enough to get your hand behind it. start fishing the gear indicator cable up through the dash.
10. Reach behind the cluster and release and unplug the 3 electrical connectors you'll find there.
11. Pull the cluster toward you and fish the gear indicator cable out with the cluster.

There are 6 #194 gauge illumination bulbs. They twist out with your fingers, or pliers. You will be reusing the black base part. I like to test the bulbs before installing them in the cluster, as you can get a bad bulb and you don't want to have to so this job twice. If installing LED bulbs they will only work if inserted the correct way, so test them before reinstalling the cluster.

That's pretty much it. If I forgotten anything it should be obvious as you work. The cluster trim panel and lower dash trim panel both use the same push-in clips that the radio bezel uses in their upper corners.

Tip: If your gear indicator doesn't point exactly to the gear you're in, this is an excellent time to adjust it. There's a small thumb wheels where it's screwed to the dash. it's also a good opportunity to remove the lens from the cluster to get the dust and dead bugs out.

Note the black knobs on the below pic of the back of the cluster. Those are the illumination bulb locations. you can also see the locations of the 3 electrical connections.

 

[Prince_Polaris]

Here's how you change the bulbs (I'm assuming you have an automatic trans):

1. Remove the 2 screws from the radio bezel and pull it out about an inch.
2. Remove the 4 screws from the driver's side lower dash trim (2 of which hold the hood release handle) and remove the trim panel.
3. Remove the 5 bolts that hold the metal plate behind the lower trim panel, and remove the plate.
4. Unhook the thin, red wire/cable that hooks on to the shifter. It goes to the gear indicator. Be very careful not to break it.
5. Remove the single screw that holds the cable adjuster under the column.
6. Remove the three screws at the top of the instrument cluster trim and any more you see around it's perimeter.
7. Remove the cluster trim. You don't need to unplug the headlight switch to do this, but you can. Drop your tilt-wheel all the way down and place your shifter lever in LOW (don't forget to set the parking brake first).
8. Remove the 4 screws holding the instrument cluster to the dash.
9. Pull the cluster loose from the left side enough to get your hand behind it. start fishing the gear indicator cable up through the dash.
10. Reach behind the cluster and release and unplug the 3 electrical connectors you'll find there.
11. Pull the cluster toward you and fish the gear indicator cable out with the cluster.

There are 6 #194 gauge illumination bulbs. They twist out with your fingers, or pliers. You will be reusing the black base part. I like to test the bulbs before installing them in the cluster, as you can get a bad bulb and you don't want to have to so this job twice. If installing LED bulbs they will only work if inserted the correct way, so test them before reinstalling the cluster.

That's pretty much it. If I forgotten anything it should be obvious as you work. The cluster trim panel and lower dash trim panel both use the same push-in clips that the radio bezel uses in their upper corners.

Tip: If your gear indicator doesn't point exactly to the gear you're in, this is an excellent time to adjust it. There's a small thumb wheels where it's screwed to the dash. it's also a good opportunity to remove the lens from the cluster to get the dust and dead bugs out.

Note the black knobs on the below pic of the back of the cluster. Those are the illumination bulb locations. you can also see the locations of the 3 electrical connections.

Ok, this is perfect! While I'm at it, do you think it would be easy to replace my blinker light.... thing? It's been working fine, however, I really have to fiddle with it to turn on my windshield washers, and with the roads being such a mess I have to use it quite a bit. It's as if the connection you need to make when you push down on it isn't working right, and it's getting annoying having to hold it in certain positions just to get it working.

Also... what if I just use normal bulbs, but newer ones? Is there even such a thing as traditional bulbs of this type that are perhaps whiter, so I could avoid the problems LEDs have? I'd sure hope that after 18 years there's nicer ones... Kind of like how I replaced the aging headlights with brighter ones, though I know those are two different situations.

 

[koda2000]

You can replace your multi-function switch if it's flaky, but it has nothing to do with removing any of the pieces related to changing light bulbs in the instrument cluster. You just need to remove the plastic cover on the steering column (3-4 screws from underneath).

I think you'll find that new Long Life (194LL) bulbs will work fine. Your old bulbs, even if they still work, will probably look like they've been chromed on the inside because they're so old. This chrome-like coating really cuts down on the illumination. Do not use non-LL 194 bulbs unless you enjoy doing this job often.

 

[Prince_Polaris]

You can replace your multi-function switch if it's flaky, but it has nothing to do with removing any of the pieces related to changing light bulbs in the instrument cluster. You just need to remove the plastic cover on the steering column (3-4 screws from underneath).

I think you'll find that new Long Life (194LL) bulbs will work fine. Your old bulbs, even if they still work, will probably look like they've been chromed on the inside because they're so old. This chrome-like coating really cuts down on the illumination. Do not use non-LL 194 bulbs unless you enjoy doing this job often.

Ahhh all right, well, I figure while I'm screwing with that area I might as well do it!

And about the lights, that's the exact solution I think I'll go with, replace those old bulbs with new ones that haven't been working hard since 1998. And I could dim them too, which is cool. (Honestly I never dim the dash lights in whatever car I'm driving but it'll be cool to know I have the feature working)

Oh and I'm still curious about that tiny vent...

 

[Rhett]

How is the longevity of an LED compared to an incandescent 194LL?

 

[Prince_Polaris]

So is this here what I need? And will 10 of em be enough?

https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-Long-Miniature-Contains-Bulbs/dp/B00BJEZEL6

 

[96eb96]

How is the longevity of an LED compared to an incandescent 194LL?

Very long. I have the same leds installed in my dash and outdoor walkway lighting now for 5 years and all bulbs work. The exterior ones are on in all weather, from sunset to sunrise. Nothing fancy either, just 194 type bulbs.

 

[Prince_Polaris]

Sorry to bump this old thread, but here's amazon's top seller in LEDs, how does this look?

https://www.amazon.com/SiriusLED-Extremely-Chipset-Interior-Courtesy/dp/B0186P1MUW

 

[96eb96]

Sorry to bump this old thread, but here's amazon's top seller in LEDs, how does this look?

https://www.amazon.com/SiriusLED-Extremely-Chipset-Interior-Courtesy/dp/B0186P1MUW

not good for the dash, you want light on all sides.

 

[Prince_Polaris]

not good for the dash, you want light on all sides.

All right, I'll have to keep looking. And as a side note, the temperatures are shooting up and this van's got no AC, I hope she's fixed soon!

(Well, it's also embarassing having to park a broken minivan on the side of the road so I can get out and bang on the brakes with a hammer because they got stuck again)