instrument cluster backlighting

[Bowiemontecarlo86]

Hello today I replaced the Speedo cable on my Monte. I thought since im going to have it apart anyways why not install leds . Well I took out a bulb replaced it with a led and nothing. So I put the old bulb in and still nothing. But that same socket was working before I tried installing the led.

My question is what if anything did I **** up ? I have exactly zero clue how its all set up as far as electrical.

 

[307 Regal]

I have no idea, but did you undo any wiring and did you check your fuses?

 

[Bowiemontecarlo86]

Haven't checked any fuses but all other sockets are working except the ones I tried the leds in.

 

[307 Regal]

Well, like I said, I don't know much about this application but I'd start by trying to clean the contacts up, check fuses, and make sure none of the wires are bad. I did have an issue with a front turn signal once. Cleaning up the electrical contacts in the socket seemed to do the job, but I did break one part of the wiring (a plug-in) in the process.

 

[rangertom]

X2 on cleaning the contacts, especially where the guage cluster plugs into the wire harness. mine acted funny like this when i pulled it out also.

 

[81Regal]

Also if your cluster housing isn't bolted tightly to the dash you won't have good contact with the connector on the back. don't forget to check the connections at the headlight switch.

 

[Bowiemontecarlo86]

Ok guess i'm taking apart the dash again next week lol. Have any of you guys done the led upgrade? If so what bulbs did u use?

 

[Josh Hanna]

I used leds in my 1986 el camino and man what a difference, but when use leds you will not be able to use the dimmer.. small price to pay for better lighting...

 

[81Regal]

Never used leds, these are what I normally use,

Sylvania type 2825 lamps which are rated at 5 candle power. (Alternate part numbers: Wagner 17177, Philips 12961, GE W5W)


We recommend using the type 2825 lamps in this write-up. They are significantly brighter than the stock type 168 bulbs. You will want to turn down your brightness control (that's right.. turn down) when you use these to ensure bulb life and to reduce the amount of heat generated in the gauge cluster. The Sylvania 2825 bulb can be purchased at your local Pep-Boys or Autozone as well as other well stocked auto parts stores. In my case, I used one type 168 bulb, and 4 type 2825 bulbs to replace the 5 easy lamps on the cluster.

Quote borrowed from Montecarloss.com

 

[Bowiemontecarlo86]

Never used leds, these are what I normally use,

Sylvania type 2825 lamps which are rated at 5 candle power. (Alternate part numbers: Wagner 17177, Philips 12961, GE W5W)


We recommend using the type 2825 lamps in this write-up. They are significantly brighter than the stock type 168 bulbs. You will want to turn down your brightness control (that's right.. turn down) when you use these to ensure bulb life and to reduce the amount of heat generated in the gauge cluster. The Sylvania 2825 bulb can be purchased at your local Pep-Boys or Autozone as well as other well stocked auto parts stores. In my case, I used one type 168 bulb, and 4 type 2825 bulbs to replace the 5 easy lamps on the cluster.

Quote borrowed from Montecarloss.com

Ok ty for the suggestions fellas i really do apriciate it allot .