...or should I be looking for a problem, and... Yes, I have checked the dimmer switch! It's really hard to see the guages without staring at them for a longer than is safe while driving. Tach and Speedo are readable (not bright, just readable) but the other guages are much dimmer.

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RickN
White 88GT 5spd
White 85GT Auto

RickN-----I would not think so but do the lights change when you move the dimmer switch?
EDIT------- I re-read your statement about checking the switch, but does anything change when dimming?

[This message has been edited by LT188GT (edited 12-17-2004).]

The non-backlit gauges ARE really dim in comparison to the others.

My '88 cluster is nice and bright.
Hop in my '85 and go "huh?!".

I even just replaced all the bulbs with nice bright new 168's - still sucks.

My '88s are good too, I just find it hard to believe that Pontiac put out a car that has such dim dash lights unless the years have just taken there toll on some of the electrical components.

Had the same problem with my 85gt as do all owners of fieros with the Non-backlit gauges.

The January 2000 GTA Fiero Club Newsletter had an article by Justin Cohen:
"Non Backlit Dash Modification-Brighter Dash"

The stock bulbs are # 194 with a 3 watt output

Remove the # 194's and replace with # 168 they have the same configuration and are 5 watt output.

I went to CTC and bought a handfull of # 168's and changed them out, also cleaned the glass as recommended. I forget how many bulbs it took. I bought ten the first time arround and was so impressed I went back for more. The old bulbs can be used to replace the ashtray lights, both mine were burned out.

WOW! what a difference, I can see the instruments. Almost five years later and I have never blown a fuse so the circuit can handle the extra load.

quote Originally posted by Tinkrr: Remove the # 194's and replace with # 168 they have the same configuration and are 5 watt output.

Excellant!

Thanks!

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RickN
White 88GT 5spd
White 85GT Auto

The non-back lit gauges are in the 88 coupe as well. They are so dim I thought they were broken. I changed to back lit gauges and put in the brighter bulbs; it makes all the difference in the world.

quote Originally posted by jscott1: The non-back lit gauges are in the 88 coupe as well. They are so dim I thought they were broken. I changed to back lit gauges and put in the brighter bulbs; it makes all the difference in the world.

The gauges is my 88 coupe are really bright...