Ok, we all hate the dim bulbs of the 123 dashboard and climate control lights, but there isn't much we can do about it other than clean the housings or try higher wattage bulbs (which tend to melt the housings). Someone suggested on another post that LEDs (plain white or colored) would work well for this application.

Something like what's available here:

http://www.jamstrait.com/snakelights.htm

I went out to Autozone and got a set (different manufacturer, but same basic thing). The LEDs require a 12v power supply, which isn't provided by the stock wires going to the CCU, etc. I guess it'll take some rigging to a switchable 12v supply from the fusebox, preferably one that's linked to the headlights.

This seems like a workable solution. Anyone ever try this before?

__________________
Gil

2004 ML350
1984 300CD; Ivory (sold)

Unless each LED has a built in current limiting resistor, you will need to add one otherwise it will burn out. Let us know how it works.

__________________
85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

The ones I picked up were cheapos, 4 per pack for around 8 bucks. They're just LEDs at the end of two wires, that's it. I don't think there are any current limiting sensors. Are you suggesting a direct line to the battery will burn them out instantly? That wasn't what I had in mind.

Would this still be a problem hooking up to a fuse box sourced supply?

__________________
Gil

2004 ML350
1984 300CD; Ivory (sold)

What the OP is describing sounds like a boxed kit that is basically plug and play. No LED that I know is 12v, this kit already has the circuity to run them on 12v.

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-Dan
1983 240D AT, 163K running on VO, "The Patience Tester"

These guys have a large selection of both LED and incandescent bulbs for automotive (12V) applications.

http://autolumination.com/index.html

I've ordered from them. Quite reliable.

__________________
Bob
'82 300D Petrol B-G Metallic

Check out the info in this thread. I ordered from LEDlights.com and am very happy. I tried other bulbs and finally am happy with the results. The instrument cluster is so much brighter it looks like a newer cluster.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=200431

__________________
Chad
2006 Nissan Pathfinder LE
1998 Acura 3.0 CL
OBK#44
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

SOLD
1985 300TD - Red Dragon
1986 300SDL - Coda
1991 - 300TE
1995 - E320
1985 300CD - Gladys

Cool - which bulb model # is the one that fits into the CCU sockets? They weren't talking about 123s on that post, from what I saw.

__________________
Gil

2004 ML350
1984 300CD; Ivory (sold)

Is this what you bought?

http://www.ledlight.com/SearchResult.aspx?KeyWords=45689

Aren't there 3 bulbs (one for each gauge) in the cluster? Do these plug right in?

__________________
85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

Unsolder one of the LEDs, wire it up to the car battery and if it does not burn out you're golden.

__________________
85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

Do LEDS work with the dash light dimmer? Do they get brighter as you turn up the rheostat, or do they just have on and off?

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82 300D 225k

Yes, the intensity of LEDs will vary with voltage, but will likely not match the voltage/intensity curve of the incandescents. Also, at a certain low voltage (depending on the LED, resistor value, and supply voltage), the LED will simply go off instead of continuing to taper down.

To answer the questions, Yes this is the bulb I ordered: 194 super flux bulb #45689. There are two bulbs in the cluster. They are in twist-in sockets located in the top back of the cluster. These LED bulbs fit the socket with no problem. The LED head fits into the light tunnel snugly but easily. The side firing and top firing LEDs utilize the reflective tunnels very well. The LED bulbs are polarized so they need to be inserted the correct way into the socket. I got one right the first time and the second I had to turn around. They made the dash bright enough to see and read every gauge including the trip meter at the bottom in the dark. I also ordered the dome light LED replacement and it makes a huge difference also. These bulbs draw less power, produce far less heat and last a very long time. They are worth the price and there is nothing to do but plug them in and enjoy seeing the way it should have been from the factory.

__________________
Chad
2006 Nissan Pathfinder LE
1998 Acura 3.0 CL
OBK#44
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

SOLD
1985 300TD - Red Dragon
1986 300SDL - Coda
1991 - 300TE
1995 - E320
1985 300CD - Gladys

What about the itty bitty ones in the CCU panel, where the fan switches are? Did you put an LEDs in there also?

- ok, thx - just got your last post!

__________________
Gil

2004 ML350
1984 300CD; Ivory (sold)

I tried the 74 Wedge base LEDs in the CCU and wasn't impressed. I think the standard bulbs are better suited for that application. The LEDs ended up looking half as bright as the standard bulbs.

I haven't tried to dim the LED in the cluster, but if it doesn't dim who cares? The reason I want LEDs is so I can have my dash as bright as possible. There is never an occasion where I would want them dimmer.

__________________
Chad
2006 Nissan Pathfinder LE
1998 Acura 3.0 CL
OBK#44
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

SOLD
1985 300TD - Red Dragon
1986 300SDL - Coda
1991 - 300TE
1995 - E320
1985 300CD - Gladys

Thanks for the pic Chad. I wonder if it's gonna be too bright with the LEDs since my dimmer is bypassed. I have no complaints of the cluster lighting except for not being able to read the odometer and trip meter clearly at night. I was thinking of adding a bulb or LED behind the faceplate to light up the digital wheel counters. Don't know how well that would work. Anyone tried that?

__________________
85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked