Dash Light Replacement

Hojo · Post by **Hojo** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 8:32 pm

I have an NA model MX-5 and I am attempting to replace the face dials in the dash. I decided that while I had the dash pulled apart I would replace the lighting with blue lights (to fit with my blue car) but I can't find any documentation on the type of light that is used. Could anyone please enlighten me as to what light I have to use? will standard blue LED's do?

Any help much appreciated!

poison · Post by **poison** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 11:39 pm

Standard Blue LEDs will probably be too bright, you can buy dash lights off
TradeMe, for example,
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 119967.htm
but I think they will be bright as hell at night.

Post by **zorruno** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 10:18 am

poison wrote:Standard Blue LEDs will probably be too bright, you can buy dash lights off
TradeMe, for example,
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 119967.htm
but I think they will be bright as hell at night.

Those look like standard surface mount LEDs in a nice plug in package. It would definitely be easier to use those than roll your own. The trouble is that most LEDs will likely be pretty directional - i.e. you won't get the smooth glow you would get with standard lamps.

My suggestions would be to
1. get a dash light dimmer - they were standard in some NA models and also the earlier 323 ones may plug in (think the wiring is in the middle socket out of the three to the right of the dash on the MX5 - but this is from memory as my car is not here). You could also roll your own dimmer - the wiring is all ready to go.
2. If you make up an LED solution with standard (legged) LEDs and they are too directional you can file a bit of the top of the plastic off for a bit more light scatter, or cover them in some sort of hat made of opaque material... e.g. paper/plastic bag.

Euen · Post by **Euen** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 11:14 am

Simplest solution is probably to fit coloured sleeves to the standard bulbs. Narva do a range of silicone globe sleeves in red, orange, blue and green. I have never used them and don't know how effective they are but may be worth a look.

www.narva.co.nz and look in the globes catalogue.

E

Hojo · Post by **Hojo** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:10 pm

Thank you all for your valuable information. I found a pack of those sleeves (5 for $3.60) and I will see how they work out.

poison · Post by **poison** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:13 pm

Dimming LED's is not that simple

The following is taken from a very good article
http://www.mikesflightdeck.com/led_dimmer.htm

LEDs : Cool Light
Light emitting diodes are an inexpensive source of light for instrument,
panel and task lighting. They offer a choice of colors and even "white" LEDs
are now affordable. They have no filaments to burn out, and efficiencies
have grown to the point that some are amazingly bright.

Sometimes so bright, you'd like to be able to dim them.

Less current : less light
LEDs are current driven devices. Fewer amps in means fewer photons out. But
we don't generally power LEDs from a true current source. The vast majority
of power supplies are voltage sources, and that's what we usually find
powering LEDs.

Of course, it's not quite that simple
The relationship between current and voltage in an LED is non-linear. As the
voltage increases from zero there is only a trickle of current and no
noticeable light. At about a volt and a half (we're talking red LEDs here)
the current begins to increase appreciably and the first glimmers appear. At
two volts the LED is bright and with a fraction more it's very bright. Once
over about 2.2 volts, the current rapidly soars beyond safe operation. The
LED soon overheats and dies.

Post by **zorruno** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:39 pm

poison wrote:Dimming LED's is not that simple

that's not how you phrased it to my face! (damn work colleagues who know about electronics...)

Yes you are right, but I still think you will get some dimming out of reducing the current with the stock dash dimmer - not particularly 'tuneable' but still useable.

moot point now he is using standard lamps.

WideOpenThrottle · Post by **WideOpenThrottle** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 4:12 pm

Cool to see u you guys shedding some light on this matter! i now feel very enlightened & you have lit up my day!Of course i am no bright spark when it comes to these sorts of things! Adios!

poison · Post by **poison** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 8:20 pm

zorruno wrote:that's not how you phrased it to my face!

I was hoping to shed some LIGHT onto the subject but clearly you were not too BRIGHT or perhaps suffering from a LED (Learning Electrical Disorder) or maybe DIMMER than first thought.....lol.... sorry I just couldn't resist..... ha ha ha RESIST .... that was by accident.

Oh well I guess I’ll just have to GUAGE your understanding next time….. OK that wasn't funny... I’ll stop.

WideOpenThrottle · Post by **WideOpenThrottle** » Thu Apr 09, 2009 7:41 am

nothing like a bit of light hearted humour-it makes for a very punny day!Must Dash!

Hojo · Post by **Hojo** » Tue May 12, 2009 2:17 pm

Hey guys,

Thanks for your previous help with what lights to use.

I have since run into another problem with the install...

I pulled the dash apart to get to the lights and I got stuck when it came time to pull out the instrument cluster. It seems that the only way to get it out is to disconnect the speedo cable and I have no idea how or even if this is what I am supposed to do... can someone please help?

graynz · Post by **graynz** » Tue May 12, 2009 9:25 pm

this is what my book says .... [reach behind the cluster, disconnect the speedo cable by pressing/squeezing the retainer tab / lever ] . .. I 'spose you just 'feel' for it.
Hope that helps ...

Hojo · Post by **Hojo** » Wed Jul 01, 2009 1:11 pm

For anyone looking for a solution to this problem please go here

mazdad · Post by **mazdad** » Thu Jul 22, 2010 10:59 am

Euen wrote:Simplest solution is probably to fit coloured sleeves to the standard bulbs. Narva do a range of silicone globe sleeves in red, orange, blue and green. I have never used them and don't know how effective they are but may be worth a look.

www.narva.co.nz and look in the globes catalogue.

E

Spot on Euen - just got new bulbs from Repco and Narva Silicon Sleeve (P/No 49962BL as mine are red) from Appco. Work exactly as originals and total cost for four bulbs and sleeves was $12.68

Thanks for your assistance,

Eric