Triumphrat

timwu · 10-15-2009, 03:48 AM

ok, so I can't see my clusters at night...like at all. The lights in there are SUPER dim, so is there a mod that I can do to improve this? LEDs maybe?

bradtx · 10-15-2009, 09:06 AM

Timwu, I have nearly the same problem. I don't see the red needles well at night on the '98. This winter I'm going to try new bulbs, double check connectors and etc. to see if that helps.

Brad

PS I have almost the same problem with the '02 and it's white tach face, but no problems with the '04 and it's black faced tach. Maybe there's an overlay in the aftermarket.

Speed3 · 10-16-2009, 12:40 PM

This might help you find brighter bulbs. I have a burned out bulb in my speedo, and am going to upgrade, probably with led's before next year.
http://www.alpineroads.com/t595/inst...ghts/index.htm

DEcosse · 10-16-2009, 01:09 PM

Lots of mini-wedge options available here - check the specs for the intensity - they vary quite a bit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed3

.... am going to upgrade, probably with led's before next year.....

Note that you can't install an LED lamp in the turn signal indicator slot without modifying the wiring to it via a pair of diodes. That indicator lamp normally has current through it in opposite directions, depending on whether left or right switched.

Connect each signal line to a diode, their common Cathodes both connected and supplying the Anode of the LED with a common ground on the cathode.
That diode mod needs to be done regardless* if you plan to install LED turn signals, or else you'll get hazard mode.
(if doing for LED turn signals, the OEM incandescent bulb can be retained, but still needs to be wired as shown)

(*This only applies to the 97-01 Analog cluster)

timwu · 10-16-2009, 01:35 PM

DECosse, so your wiring diagram is to turn the turn signal indicator from a regular bulb to LEDs right? Not necessarily to turn the instrument cluster into LEDs?

DEcosse · 10-16-2009, 01:56 PM

You need if you either
a) fit an LED lamp in the instrument cluster turn signal indicator location (# 6 in the diagram)
b) want to use LED turn signals

All the other slots in the instrument cluster (indicator lamps 1-5 and background illumination) don't care whether LED or incandescent bulb.

.

Speed3 · 10-18-2009, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEcosse

You need if you either
a) fit an LED lamp in the instrument cluster turn signal indicator location (# 6 in the diagram)
b) want to use LED turn signals

All the other slots in the instrument cluster (indicator lamps 1-5 and background illumination) don't care whether LED or incandescent bulb.

.

I've never opened my instrument cluster, and have led signals. The indicator works the same as it did with the oem signals. Why do some have to add the diodes?

DEcosse · 10-18-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed3

I've never opened my instrument cluster, and have led signals.

Did you use an electronic relay, or add resistors when adding the LED turn signals?

Quote:

The indicator works the same as it did with the oem signals. Why do some have to add the diodes?

Because of the low impedance of the indicator bulb (that is connected between the two signals) it will drive the LEDs on both sides, whenever one is operated.
Current flows directly to the LED on one side, and through the indicator lamp to the LED on the other side.
However if parallel resistors are used across the LEDs (to simulate an incandescent bulb for 'regular' relay) then it would work as before.

Regardless of this, that diode mod would have to be done if using an LED indicator bulb as the current can only flow one way through it.

Speed3 · 10-18-2009, 05:12 PM

Yeah, I have resistors in parallel, because I'm using the Kisan Signal Minder relay. I'll have to do the diode thing when going with led's in the cluster.

DEcosse · 10-18-2009, 05:58 PM

Did you try it without the resistors Speed3?
I would have thought the Kisan would be electronic non-load dependent relay anyway - although something niggling that there may have been thread about this before ........