Is it possible to replace the dim bulbs in the instrument cluster/dash lights with brighter LED ones? If so, where would you find the LEDs that would go into the sockets? Even after replacing the transistor and checking the grounds the lights are just too dim to see properly.

With regular 194 bulbs it should be plenty bright to see, I think you still have an electrical problem if its really that dim. Do you have the backlight dash or the base, non-backlit dash?

LED lights don't filter well so its not a good idea to use white LEDs. Red LEDs will work, but the needle will also be red (instead of yellow) which loses some of the contrast. Something like this is probably the most economical, and they are quite bright too:

http://www.amazon.com/Cuteq...keywords=194+red+led



You could also consider using 168 incandescent bulbs instead of 194 bulbs. They are the same physical size but are 5 watt bulbs instead of 4 watt, and put out about 50% more light.

[This message has been edited by masospaghetti (edited 03-13-2014).]

It's the backlit dash. I just read the Fiero Cave section about the LEDs and realize now that may not be a great idea... I may try the 168 bulbs instead. I changed out the transistor already, I may also take a look at the dimmer wheel and see if it needs cleaning.

quote Originally posted by masospaghetti: With regular 194 bulbs it should be plenty bright to see, I think you still have an electrical problem if its really that dim.

Yup... 6 194 is bright enough that most dim down the light. Dim means trouble with dimmer circuit, bad socket(s), old/dead bulb(s), etc.

See my Cave, Dash Dimmer

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top and bottom of every forum page...)

Topbulb has Phillips 168LL bulbs for $1.67 a pair (not sure what shipping is)

http://www.topbulb.com/phil...Wpkr0CFcli7AodSmgAPw

Advance auto has Sylvania 168LL bulbs for $4.99 a pair, but you can get between 30-40% off this using the online promo codes. 30% = TRT30 (no minimum), 35% = WD11 ($50 minimum), 40% = TRT37 ($75 minimum, $30 off). The Sylvania bulbs are the only ones I've found that aren't Chinese, they are still made in Europe. Not sure about the Phillips bulbs.

Many Sylvania bulbs available thru walmart at ~50% less that AZ etc.

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 03-14-2014).]

quote Originally posted by masospaghetti: With regular 194 bulbs it should be plenty bright to see, I think you still have an electrical problem if its really that dim. Do you have the backlight dash or the base, non-backlit dash? LED lights don't filter well so its not a good idea to use white LEDs. Red LEDs will work, but the needle will also be red (instead of yellow) which loses some of the contrast. Something like this is probably the most economical, and they are quite bright too: http://www.amazon.com/Cuteq...keywords=194+red+led hello i seen this on the forum how many leds do i need to do the entire light for my 1988 fiero gt? and i am thinking about the red t10 leds how do you think blue do you know if anyone has samples in their fieros with red ,blue or white t10 leds so i can see ? thanks You could also consider using 168 incandescent bulbs instead of 194 bulbs. They are the same physical size but are 5 watt bulbs instead of 4 watt, and put out about 50% more light.