How-to: Turn stock gauges to blue or red

[HemiDak]

First off, I know this looks a little weird. Me writing a stupid little how-to, on turning your gauges different colors. Well, of the many things I've done, this is the only one that could apply to EVERY Dakota and Durango out there. Well, if I think of it, it really applies to every vehicle. This is a pretty universal modification. So many people were interested to see how easily they can do it, and what to use. Though I know I could write a how-to on many other different things, this was the one people wanted to see...

1. The bulbs:
http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/yellowkota2k/273489.jpg

They look a little fuzzy, but they're 5-LED Wide Angle 194 LEDs. They can be pruchased below for the different prices listed:

http://www.superbrightleds.com/1157.htm
(scroll down about 3/4 and look for "WLED-x5 LED Wedge Base Bulbs")

Red - $2.79
Green - $4.04
Blue - $4.14
White - $4.29

2. The bases:
In order to use these LEDs on the gauges, you MUST buy new bases for them to go in the gauges. They are 1/2" instrument cluster gauge bases, which can be found at any local auto store which would have this type of stuff. I got mine at Autozone, because it was 9:00 at night, and didn't know where else I could get them quickly. Bad thing is, they cost a whopping $3 each.

http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/yellowkota2k/273492.jpg

3. Now before you track down these parts, you need to know how many to get. If you want to do JUST the gauges, get 5 of each. If you also want the turnsignal lights to be the same color, get 7 of them. I did the turnsignals also, so they would flash bright blue in the daytime instead of standard green. In the end you should end up with either 5 or 7 of these:

http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/yellowkota2k/273491.jpg

4. The rest should be fairly easy. It's just putting them in. Start by removing the dash. If you don't know how to do this, I honestly suggest you to stop, and let someone else do it, because it's the easiest thing do remove in your truck, besides your seatbelt when it's buckled.

5. Remove the gauge cluster. There are 4 screws that hold it in. Once they're out, just pull it away from the dash.

6. On the backside you'll see the stock bulbs. You may need to get a set of pliers to twist them. It really doesn't matter if you break them or not, since you won't be using them anymore. The top two in the center are the turnsignals, the rest are for the gauge lights.

The stock bulbs you will remove look like this:
http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/yellowkota2k/273490.jpg

7. After that, put everything back in. It was that simple. Now your gauges should have went from this:

http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/yellowkota2k/242327.jpg

To this!
http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/yellowkota2k/242326.jpg


This can also be applied to the red LEDs. I'm not sure what color will end up if you use the green or white, since the stock gauges are green, and lighted by white (dim white) bulbs. I know the blue and red will turn then to the exact color of the LEDs you use.

[BlackDak]

Nice, thanks! I think we are gonna see an explosion of colored dash lights in the next few weeks!

[realdeal7369]

any problems with the turn signals? i just scanned over the page, and it says you need to add a resistor to keep from having issues such as hyper flashing, or burnt bulb conditions. just askin!

[HemiDak]

any problems with the turn signals? i just scanned over the page, and it says you need to add a resistor to keep from having issues such as hyper flashing, or burnt bulb conditions. just askin!

Nope, they flash just fine. They're talking about if you replace the actual turnsignal bulbs on the outside of the vehicle. If go to LEDs with those, they'll flash faster.

[graphitert01]

Thank for telling us how to do that. I was curious if it is possible to change the gear selector? The interior looks great.

Jeff

[JethroStyles]

Uhh 1 question, Are your needles no longer lit? I can't really see them, they are definatly NOT bright orange as before... Does this cause problems reading the guages at night?

[Five9Dak]

Thats what I noticed, Im hoping its a bad picture. If he replaced white light bulbs shining through the red point to blue light bulbs shining through a red pointer they should be purple. Or if they have their own lights un affected.

The outside smaller gauges needles appear fine.

Any ideas on the gear selector? EDIT on second through leaving the gear indicator green looks fine, because the odomete will always be green, so it makes the lower half of the dash uniform. I plan to run a console shifter, has anyone removed their light?

Oh and how much would this have cost you if you planned ahead and didnt get the bases at autozone?

[Ben]

Very nice :biggthump

[JethroStyles]

Well I have heard / read that the needles work just fine. If that is the case, I only need to look into changing my HVAC controls to blue first, cause my Alpine has a blue face, and if my whole interior lit up blue, that'd be mad pimpin! (I almost bought the blue LED tubes for under the dash, then I relized I could spend $50 on far cooler things, like a nice Italian Dinner :drool: , shoulda bought the neon... :rant:

[Five9Dak]

Let us know when you figure out the hvac controls.

[realdeal7369]

Nope, they flash just fine. They're talking about if you replace the actual turnsignal bulbs on the outside of the vehicle. If go to LEDs with those, they'll flash faster.

ahh ok then. cool.

[HemiDak]

Thank for telling us how to do that. I was curious if it is possible to change the gear selector? The interior looks great.

I'm still not sure if it's possible to change that color. Someone suggested a blue film to change it. Not sure if I'll even mess with it since it'll probably just get dimmer.


Thats what I noticed, Im hoping its a bad picture. If he replaced white light bulbs shining through the red point to blue light bulbs shining through a red pointer they should be purple. Or if they have their own lights un affected.

The outside smaller gauges needles appear fine.

Any ideas on the gear selector? EDIT on second through leaving the gear indicator green looks fine, because the odomete will always be green, so it makes the lower half of the dash uniform. I plan to run a console shifter, has anyone removed their light?

Oh and how much would this have cost you if you planned ahead and didnt get the bases at autozone?

The RPM and Speedo needles are a bit darker at night, but are still visible. They look MUCH darker in the pic than they really are.

I tried to look around for bases from other places, but found little luck. I'm pretty sure they can be found elsewhere for cheaper, but I didn't care at the time.

[JethroStyles]

We sell em at Napa, I'll get the P/N for ya'll tomorrow, I have no idea how much they are. I once put Green bulb in my old dakota (to make em REALLY green) but I didn't know they made the sockets, so I broke the stock soldering and soldered in green bulbs... It was a PITA but it did what I wanted it to!

[DaKoTa-BoY]

We sell em at Napa, I'll get the P/N for ya'll tomorrow, I have no idea how much they are. I once put Green bulb in my old dakota (to make em REALLY green) but I didn't know they made the sockets, so I broke the stock soldering and soldered in green bulbs... It was a PITA but it did what I wanted it to!
:mullet: :mullet:

[Five9Dak]

We sell em at Napa, I'll get the P/N for ya'll tomorrow, I have no idea how much they are. I once put Green bulb in my old dakota (to make em REALLY green) but I didn't know they made the sockets, so I broke the stock soldering and soldered in green bulbs... It was a PITA but it did what I wanted it to!


Yeh find out the p/n, I have an account at napa.

[Magnum]

Very cool Josh!! :biggthump

I see your gonna turn 100,000 soon. :drive:

[jmac2000dge]

Any luck on p/n's from napa? i'm gettin anxious to do this. Thanks for the How-To info on this. Looks great :biggthump

[AFDakRT]

Sweet, i've been wanting to do this. I used to have an old BMW and everything lit up blood red, it was bitchin. I just wish there was a way to change the color of the factory stereo, or else it'll look like christmas in my interior.

[Five9Dak]

Sweet, i've been wanting to do this. I used to have an old BMW and everything lit up blood red, it was bitchin. I just wish there was a way to change the color of the factory stereo, or else it'll look like christmas in my interior.

Upgrade the stereo with one thats blue. You can usually ebay the stocker for liek 125, so it will only cots 50-75 bucks to upgrade.

[Boomin5POINT9]

I just ordered the bulbs from that site. Kinda pricy (like $25 for 5) but it should look great when it's done. Thanks for the info, always wanted to do this.

[HemiDak]

It was kind of expensive, but definitely looks different. I was willing to pay the money since I didn't want to put different gauges in.

[Doug F.]

Hey, does the needle have it's own bulb? I see 2 different part numbers for the dash lights. Numbers 161 and 74.
Curious before I dig in.....

[brettfields]

Hey, does the needle have it's own bulb? I see 2 different part numbers for the dash lights. Numbers 161 and 74.
Curious before I dig in.....
no the only light that i see that is different is for the brights. i did this the other day and love it. the ac lights are even easier just need to get some 12v 5 mm leds. i also didnt buy new clips i just resoldered. wasnt that hard.

[jmac2000dge]

12V 5mm leds? Are these easy to find at normal automotive places? I'd really like to do the AC and Fan controls after just doing the blue in the instrument cluster. YellowKota2K, thanks again for posting this, looks great. I love it. :biggthump

[Five9Dak]

Nobody try to take apart their head light switch, When you do, the contacts are spring loaded and u have to break the foglight contacts just to get it apart, then I realised the bulb is really strange and prolly not replaceable. I got it back together and working, but it required a lot of soldering to get the fog light section to work again.

DONT TRY IT!

[slvdak]

I broke mine about 3 weeks ago, had to buy a new one. I destroyed the inside LOL.
But I took the bulb out, it can't be changed?

[PhL0aTeR]

sweeeeeeet..... being as this is so cheap, im guna do it.

One thing that sold me on my old grand am was all the red dash lights. I think ill go blue in the dak tho since my stereo is blue as well.

[Gellys01R/T]

Sweet!

One question that hasn't been asked.

How do you take the needles off and get them back in the exact same spot?

I haven't played around with gauges before.

[HemiDak]

How do you take the needles off and get them back in the exact same spot?

I can't say it's possible for anyone to get the needles exactly where they were before, that's why I haven't taken them off. I don't like aftermarket gauge faces because it screws up the calibration of the gauges that I actually rely on to be accurate...

[Gellys01R/T]

Cool soo... all the lights are not behind the face of the gauges?
You don't have to remove the needles in order to get the replacement lights in?

I thought the gauges and turn signals were all back lit, is that not the case?

Sorry just trying to make sure when I do this, I get it right and don't F anything up.

[AtlDak]

I now have blue gauges! Looks great! Just one question. I have unscrewed the a/c cluster and there are crap load of wires coming out of it. What needs to come off to get to the bulbs. Just little nervous about taking it apart. And the bulb is a 12v 5mm led? There 3 of them.
Thanks!
-Mike

[HemiDak]

Cool soo... all the lights are not behind the face of the gauges?
You don't have to remove the needles in order to get the replacement lights in?

I thought the gauges and turn signals were all back lit, is that not the case?

Sorry just trying to make sure when I do this, I get it right and don't F anything up.

They are behind the gauge panel, at the back of the housing. You'll see them when you take the whole cluster out.

[realdeal7369]

what about the dimming function? still work just like the regular bulbs?

the whole dash doesnt have to come out right? just the gauge cluster...?

[HemiDak]

I now have blue gauges! Looks great! Just one question. I have unscrewed the a/c cluster and there are crap load of wires coming out of it. What needs to come off to get to the bulbs. Just little nervous about taking it apart. And the bulb is a 12v 5mm led? There 3 of them.
Thanks!
-Mike

I also ordered the "74" small LED bulbs, with and without the bases from the same place. They don't fit because they're too big for the hole the little stock ones come out of. I might think of something to make them work if I get some spare time.

what about the dimming function? still work just like the regular bulbs?

the whole dash doesnt have to come out right? just the gauge cluster...?

They dim just like normal, they're just a little brighter overall. Correct, only the gauge cluster comes out.

[realdeal7369]

cool thanks again. think i may do this in a week or two.

jim

[KREWZER]

I was wondering, but it sounds like it might be a little bit of work. What if u got different color bulbs, like green and blue, or yellow and red, whatever u like and wired em into seperate or one dial switch, so u could change the colors whenever u want? Or would all those bulbs not fit back there?

[XtremeDakota]

Will these work that I found on ebay??? Also can you do a two tone display. example- The tach and speedo one color and outer gauges another????

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2pcs-168-194-Wide-Angle-6-LED-Spark-Blue-Wedge-Bulb_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33713QQitemZ800032 9911QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[realdeal7369]

looks bad ass too. thanks again dude~~!! i also fixed my gear selector while i was in there. finally saw how it was set up, just tightend up on the little string there, and done! :woowoo: :banana2:

i did try the turn signals, but when i turned them on, they blinked real slow. so, im leaving them be.

[HemiDak]

Yes those from ebay will work, and no you can't do a two-tone without them looking like mixed colors.

[realdeal7369]

Will these work that I found on ebay??? Also can you do a two tone display. example- The tach and speedo one color and outer gauges another????

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2pcs-168-194-Wide-Angle-6-LED-Spark-Blue-Wedge-Bulb_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33713QQitemZ800032 9911QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW


well, the way mine instrument panel is set up, you could do something like that, but it would be alot of fabrication to do it (i think). you would have to make up something that would block off the light and make each gauge seperate from one another. like a divider or something. just like how the smaller signals along the bottom are setup. dont know if this effect would be woth it or not. jmo.

jd

[BlackDak]

Are these the bulbs I need?

http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?product=CAR&keywords=&cart_id=1206624.563&next=0

The image on the page shows a green one as an example, described as

WLED 5-LED Wide Angle LED bulb
12 VDC 5-LED Wedge Base bulb (194/168 type)
Super Wide Viewing Angle bulb uses 4 radially mounted LEDs aiming out the sides and one High Flux LED on top
Non Polarized
$ 2.79

[HemiDak]

Yes, those are the ones.

[BlackDak]

Okay, I don't dothe credit card thing, but I do the PayPal thing. I went to ebay and found these. Sounds like they will work as well...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8009264879&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

What do you think?

[bakerlaw67]

Sheesh! Kinda get you on S/H don't they? How much can lightbulbs really cost to box and ship?

USPS (United States Postal Service) 2~5 days Average:
USPS mail with Delivery Confirmation: $9.00

Ship UPS Daily (M~F) for 48 States only:
Ground : $12.00

Looks like this one can do it for $1.80 S/H!
Another eBay link (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2pcs-161-168-194-6-LED-Spark-Blue-Wedge-Bulb_W0QQitemZ8008102329QQcategoryZ33713QQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem)

[HemiDak]

Neither of those two are wide-angle. Notice the ones I used and recommend, have 4 little LEDs that literally face out the sides. They also have a special LED that produces a MUCH wider beam that standard ones. They project light more like a standard filament bulb, while most others just face in one direction. You can try them though, but no guarantee that'll come out as good as the wide-angle ones.

[Fuller]

I did this to my truck about a month ago in red. I love how it looks. But i man-handled my cluster out. In doing so i broke the clip for the gear select and now it is all messed up. Any hints for that? :rofl:

[Kooopsd]

Anyone have a link to order the bulb holders...thanks!

[BlackDak]

I bought all three holders that my local NAPA store had, and ordered 4 more which will be here tomorrow. All seven ran about $25. I think for the money, it's a relatively cheap mod that makes a big impression.

Still looking for some LEDs on the 'bay... :help:

[Kooopsd]

I think i'm just going to order those led's that you put the link up a couple posts ago...this way i get the right ones...Thanks for the tip on the holders....what exactly are they called so i can ask for them..

[BlackDak]

If you are going to order the right ones, maybe you can do a favor?

I will paypal (if you can do that) in advance if you could order 7 blue LEDS for me and send them my way! I just don't have/use/want a credit card, so I get into a bind like this once in a while...

[bridqer]

I have a 2004 dakota and I just put the wled-r5(going red) in the instument panel. The oem bulbs came out of the twist sockets so I did not have to buy new sockets. I also put a red single led wedge base in for the brights indicater, I turn the brights on so I can see better! Not so I can be blinded by the dash lights. I got some T1.5 instument lights for the hvac controls(3). They fit the holes but did not light the controls very well. I think light does not spread because the leds are too long, extending into the cluster 14mm while the oem bulbs stick in about 5mm.
I have found these that look shorter(also come in color changing leds) in europe(have not found any US suppliers). I don't know that they would work any better, but will cost $21 just to get 4 leds.
http://www.m-99.co.uk/Car_Neon_LED_Lighting/Dashboard_LED_Bulbs/dashboard_led_bulbs.html
Has any one had any success changing hvac lighting.

[BlackDak]

bridger, welcome to the site!

[Natedogg625]

Is there any place I can get the bulbs w/o ordering them online?????

[HemiDak]

You can call them.

[Natedogg625]

Well I did a test fit for the bases and they fit, but they didnt look like they were making any contact. anybody else have this problem???

[Kooopsd]

Blackdak...its going to be about a week untill i order some, i can let you know when i'm going to order them and make sure you still want some...Maybe it'll work out better for us since the shipping might be lower... :biggthump

[Natedogg625]

Problem solved, and will These (http://cgi.ebay.com/194-168-161-Oval-Wide-Angle-Led-Leds-Bulbs-Bulb-Gauges_W0QQitemZ5728038806QQcategoryZ71537QQssPage NameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) work for the bulbs??

[BlackDak]

Blackdak...its going to be about a week untill i order some, i can let you know when i'm going to order them and make sure you still want some...Maybe it'll work out better for us since the shipping might be lower... :biggthump

That sounds perfect. I already invested the $25 in the bases, I am committed now! Let me know when you are ordering, maybe they can even ship mine directly to me to get them faster, unless that would up the shipping charges. Nevermind, it probably would. You couls ship them to me for cheap.

I'll PayPal you, just give the the total needed and your paypal info!

[HemiDak]

They'll work better than the other ebay ones posted above, but still not as well as the ones from Super Bright LEDs. Those have the wide-angle LED on the top, but not the ones on the side.

[2kSLTDurango]

Anyone ever try the UV (black light) bulbs? That might look kinda cool lighting up the white numbers. If no one has maybe ill order acouple to try them out.

[Youngb]

Nobody try to take apart their head light switch, When you do, the contacts are spring loaded and u have to break the foglight contacts just to get it apart, then I realised the bulb is really strange and prolly not replaceable. I got it back together and working, but it required a lot of soldering to get the fog light section to work again.

DONT TRY IT!

Why not? I did, didn't break it (the second time). You have to take the knob off, then pull it apart that way. The balls go everywhere, but a bit of JB Weld on the bearings hold them to the spring. Then use a thin knife and it slips right back togather. You take it apart from the backside (like you and I did first) you end up breaking the contacts. Mine was not fixable.

Barry

[BlackDak]

Did anyone happen to take pics with the switch apart? It would be easier to understand what you guys are talking about if I could see it...

[Youngb]

Did anyone happen to take pics with the switch apart? It would be easier to understand what you guys are talking about if I could see it...

Sorry, no pics here.

Barry

[bsRT]

Any ideas on the gear selector? EDIT on second through leaving the gear indicator green looks fine, because the odomete will always be green, so it makes the lower half of the dash uniform. I plan to run a console shifter, has anyone removed their light?



My gear selector and odometer are both blue after switching to the NuImage guages. My HVAC are also blue after putting on the NuImage overlay for that, and they also make one for the headlight controls.Would cost more to buy the NuImage guage overlay, but I wanted the flamed guages anyways.

[3rdstrike]

Hmm, you could get the same effect for the same $50 by putting in a Nu Image gauge set (or a similar set), plus the gauges would be a cool silver or white instead of an ugly black, and it wouldn't take very long to do - about 30 mins or so. Just thought I would point that out. You can also get a matching AC cover that will convert your panel to blue for $25. Do a search for Nu Image on Ebay. You will be surprised how cheap you can get these, and since most of you guys are out of the factory warranty anyway, why not add some class to the dash??

Examples:
http://i15.ebayimg.com/03/i/05/9c/0d/37_1.JPG
http://i24.ebayimg.com/02/i/05/3a/09/fc_1_b.JPG
http://i19.ebayimg.com/02/i/05/3e/c7/6a_1.JPG

This one is on Ebay for $25!
http://images.andale.com/f2/108/117/13162990/1109120186525_RIG_251.jpg Gauges (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DODGE-DAKOTA-01-02-03-REVERSE-WHITE-FACE-EL-GLOW-GAUGES_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43952QQitemZ8019 398186QQrdZ1)

And while you are at it, get one of these and get rid of the black ring around the gauge set ($15!):

http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/30055924/Images/P312a.jpg http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/30055924/Images/P312b.jpg

[HemiDak]

...why not add some class to the dash??

Because when you pull the needles, the calibration will be permanently messed up. Sure you can get it pretty close, but I will bet that no one can perfectly get all of them back on like they were. I've done gauges like those before, and would rather keep the factory calibration of all six needles.

[BlackDak]

Because when you pull the needles, the calibration will be permanently messed up. Sure you can get it pretty close, but I will bet that no one can perfectly get all of them back on like they were. I've done gauges like those before, and would rather keep the factory calibration of all six needles.

How do the needles fit on anyway? Are they just a press fit? I would be interested if I knew I could keep pulling and reinstalling the needles until they were accurate again!

[HemiDak]

Yup, that's all that's to it.

[BlackDak]

Hmmm, maybe not such a terrible idea after all!

[TheDecline]

Just thought id mention, the accuracy of the stock gauges is crappy at best to begin with. I wouldn't be too concerned about where the needle is. Try driving beside someone with a digital speedo/tach and see how far off they are.

[2kSLTDurango]

Anyone ever get a part number for those bases? My autozone/pepboys/advance must be poorly stocked because they dont have any of these.

[elfman]

I was able to use my existing bases and they seem to work fine. I purchased the extra bases, and had nothing but trouble because they were loose and kept falling out! Would there be any problem with just using the existing bases if you can get the lights out?

[BlackDak]

I bought NAPA part number LS6500. I have not been able to get my hands on the LEDS yet, though!

[2kSLTDurango]

Sweet, finally a way to track down this part. Thanks BlackDak!

[BlackDak]

No problem.

The only reason I had it available is because I can't get the LEDS!

If anyone is going to order some, let me know. I'll PayPal you the money if you can order some for me as well!

[caulk04]

Does the newer style cluster (with 7K tach) take the same number of bulbs? I only saw one reply from someone with an 04 that used red bulbs.

I'd like to do my signals as well so I should need 7. Don't wanna tear it apart just to look at that if someone knows. :)

Thanks, looking forward to this mod.

[HemiDak]

They (97-04) should all be the same style bulbs, and take the same amount.

[caulk04]

Ohhtay! Just ordered 7 blue WLED-5LED wide angle bulbs.

What hood is that? Looks great with the matching grilles!

[HemiDak]

What hood is that? Looks great with the matching grilles!

Thank you. It is the Moore Performance SRT-10 hood.

[caulk04]

Got my bulbs earlier today...

I had a few of the sockets lying around, but the stock ones (at least in my 02) can be reused to save the $20 or so spent on new ones.


Use a small pick to loosen or break off the old bulb contacts (small wire wrapped around the socket contact) and remove the old bulb. You'll have to bend the contacts on the LED's so they point straight down, wide enough to make contact in the socket (hard to describe, but you'll see).

I did notice a couple of the bulbs were tricky to get into the circuit board, but be gentle and they'll fit.

NOW... Anyone figure out the HVAC control and headlight switch for the new dash? All bulbs are easily removed just like the dash cluster, but I don't know what the bulbs are...

[Migraine]

Has anyone tried installing the red led's ,and could you post a pic of what it looks like with them on? i would like to change mine from the stock color to red.

[Natedogg625]

will this mod work for 2002 rams?

[caulk04]

I don't see why not, as long as it takes 194 type wedge base bulbs.

I'd yank the dash to be sure and to count how many bulbs you will want to buy.

[ajbringle]

Don't wanna make this sound like a joke... IT IS NOT.

I did this mod to my Cavalier about 2 years ago, and can tell all of you about a much easer and cheaper way to go about this.

They sell (in most auto stores) a colored "gel cap" that slides over 194 - 164 wedge bulbs for much cheaper. You simply pull out your existing cluster lights and slide the desired color gel cap over your stock bulb and your done.

I said before I am not joking, nor do I want to take away from the kewl-ness of this mod, but simply wanna offer a cheaper and easier way to all to go about it.

Here is a link to a place that sells them so you can see the idea. I have found them at Wal-mart, Autozone, and Napa in Upstate NY.

http://www.trucknvans.com/Small_Bulb_Covers_p/8088_.htm

[dogthenine]

Would THESE (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2pcs-168-194-Refractor-5-LED-Spark-Blue-Wedge-Bulb_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33713QQitemZ803793 6561QQrdZ1) work?

[HemiDak]

Yes, those are the same exact ones as I used.

[dogthenine]

Finally got mine done, (in blue), and used the stock bulb bases. Worked like a charm, once I figured how to get the bulbs out! Waiting for single Leds to come in to do the headlight switch, and Hvac controls. (tried a purple one in there, but it isn't very bright--But looks very good!)

I sure wish the mileage display could be changed!

[caulk04]

You and me both man!! I'd kinda like to tear apart my door switch panels and change those lights, but I couldn't get the one of mine apart so I just left it alone.

Looks great inside with the HVAC, headlight and 4x4 panels all in blue too. :)

[myrango]

So whats the deal with the HVAC controls? What kind of bulb do i need? Just a 5mm LED or an LED with a base? I cant figure it out from the previous posts.

[caulk04]

Go to this page: http://www.superbrightleds.com/leds.htm

Scroll near the bottom to the 360º veiwing angle LED's. For a blue dash (comes out a light blue) you want the white 5mm LED. The red ones might be too dim, don't know for sure. PN: RL5-W45-360

I used these in my HVAC and headlight switch. They light it up very well, nicely filled the panel, just like the stock bulb. Only not green...

[myname88k]

srry if this is a repeat but was the part number from napa ever listed for hte bulbs and bases needed...? im not a big fan of online ordering

[jtaylor42]

Well I FINALLY had the time to get on this project. Thanks a million YellowKota for posting this. You always are around to help whenever I need it. :bow: I do have a question for those of you who have done this though. I decided to go with red LEDs and I purchased them from the superbrightleds link in the original post. However, once installed they are somewhat dim. You can still see them but just not as bright as I had hoped. The needles are super bright though with red LEDs. I was wondering if there was somewhere I could get brighter ones from. Or even I was gonna ask if anyone just used regular 194 colored bulbs. When I had my 69 camaro I changed the dash lights to red using colored regular bulbs. Would this be brighter than the LEDs?

[dogthenine]

srry if this is a repeat but was the part number from napa ever listed for hte bulbs and bases needed...? im not a big fan of online ordering

The part number on the package is 85835, I don't know if it would be the same at napa.

Hope that helps.

[caulk04]

As for the dim dash with red...I think it would be hard to get away from that. Maybe pick up a red incandescent bulb or two and try it but I wouldn't expect much. I tried a couple amber LED's for the turn signals and they were also very dim.

Reason (as far as I can tell) is that the stock dash overlays have a light blue tint to them. This is how they get a green dash with 'white' incandescent bulbs (the light is rather yellow, and as you all know yellow and blue make green). Seems to me that other colors don't shine through this blue tint very well.

[Migraine]

jtaylor42 do you have any pics of your red guages ? i would like to see what they look like. i have been wanting to do this mod for awhile now..

[BadAssDak]

so i finally tried this the other night. Im not sure if i bought the right bulbs though. The ones i bought look just like the stock ones but the bulb is blue. it seems to work ok it just isnt as bright at all.

[lilguido1]

so i finally tried this the other night. Im not sure if i bought the right bulbs though. The ones i bought look just like the stock ones but the bulb is blue. it seems to work ok it just isnt as bright at all.

You should have bought the 5bulb LED's - they are much brighter than the single bulb. Hell, you can see the blue light on mine during the daytime in full sun!

[BadAssDak]

ya i think im gonna try it again. the bulbs i got are cheap. i got the bulbs josh gave the description for tho. these were the only ones i found at ALL the shops that match this application and are blue. wierd

[dogthenine]

ya i think im gonna try it again. the bulbs i got are cheap. i got the bulbs josh gave the description for tho. these were the only ones i found at ALL the shops that match this application and are blue. wierd

These (http://cgi.ebay.com/2pcs-501-Refractor-5-LED-Spark-Blue-Dash-Wedge-Bulbs_W0QQitemZ8074668013QQcategoryZ72233QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem) are the ones you need to get, they light it up very well!
You need 7, but you already know that: however, you will have to buy 8 if you get them from him (only sets or 2).

[lilguido1]

These (http://cgi.ebay.com/2pcs-501-Refractor-5-LED-Spark-Blue-Dash-Wedge-Bulbs_W0QQitemZ8074668013QQcategoryZ72233QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem) are the ones you need to get, they light it up very well!
You need 7, but you already know that: however, you will have to buy 8 if you get them from him (only sets or 2).

Yup, but save the shipping costs and get them from SuperBrightleds.com - they did me right on price, shipping and sales help (they are located here in STL)

[bumpin_blazer]

just ordered 7 from superbright:D. 2 day air as i'm impatient lol. hoping to get them monday or tuesday:D.

[theiceman72]

Is it safe to assume this can also be done in a Dodge Caravan? My wife has one and it would be cool to do both my Durango and Her Mini Van and surprise her.

[KotaStampede]

Is it safe to assume this can also be done in a Dodge Caravan? My wife has one and it would be cool to do both my Durango and Her Mini Van and surprise her.

yes. I did this mod way back when on my stratus. DONT get the overlays unless you want problems. mine look great, but my gas gauge does not work at all anymore :cussing: :rant: . and my speedo is 5-7 MPH off. I have tried fixing them, just dosent work.

[theiceman72]

thanks for the quick responce.

[theiceman72]

anyone know where online I can buy the 1/2 bases? I have been going to local auto shops with no avail.

[lilguido1]

anyone know where online I can buy the 1/2 bases? I have been going to local auto shops with no avail.

Well, they are hard to find online to buy - but do this...call Rock Auto and tell them what you are wanting - they will take your order right there.

http://www.rockauto.com/
Just remember you need 1/2" Instrument cluster bases. I'm suprised that you haven't been able to find them. All parts stores have or can order them relatively quickly.

Good luck

[theiceman72]

many thanks

[fastboy559]

question does the dimmer for the dash still work with the led's and if not are they to bright at night

[HemiDak]

Yes, the dimmer still works but they are a lot brighter than stock.

[wreckless123]

To those of you asking about the red LED's. I got my 5 way LED's from superbrightleds today and threw the cluster in just to see what they looked like with the stock cluster and the results are borderline. They look better then the pics but I am not sure I would spend the money on the LED's just to make the stock cluster red. I am having a custom overlay made that will hopefully look better.. Here are a few pics..

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40/wreckless123/IMG_3099.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40/wreckless123/IMG_3098.jpg

[sick 660r]

Damn your really getting on it and not going anywhere. jk. I think it looks ok but the numbers arnt bright enough. Personally I like the stock cluster better then aftermarkets, they just seem to tacky to me, but thats just my opinion.

[wreckless123]

Damn your really getting on it and not going anywhere. jk. I think it looks ok but the numbers arnt bright enough. Personally I like the stock cluster better then aftermarkets, they just seem to tacky to me, but thats just my opinion.

Yea I like to rev her nice and high.. :banana2:

Seriously though, the numbers do look better in real life then the pics but I am not sure it is worth the investment to go red with the stock cluster. From what I am told is our stock cluster has a green film and when you try to put red light through it, it just cancel out each other.

[sick 660r]

I finally did mine and the strange thing is my gear selector lights up blue. Maybe because its a 2000. Now all I need to do is the hvac/lights. Should I use white or blue LED's?

[sick 660r]

I just got this code about 3 days after doing the mod. P1687 No MIC BUS Message No CCD/J1850 messages received from the mechanical instrument cluster (MIC) module. Has anybody else got this code?

[rebelfootball]

I finally did mine and the strange thing is my gear selector lights up blue. Maybe because its a 2000. Now all I need to do is the hvac/lights. Should I use white or blue LED's?

I did mine a while back, and my selector never turned blue, and its also a 2000 :huh: Everything is blue now though, because I got a nu image gauge face.

I just got this code about 3 days after doing the mod. P1687 No MIC BUS Message No CCD/J1850 messages received from the mechanical instrument cluster (MIC) module. Has anybody else got this code?
I've had a lot codes, but never that one

[98BlackDak]

So is this the bulbs I need from Superbrightleds.com?

WLED 5-LED Wide Angle LED bulb
12 VDC 5-LED Wedge Base bulb (194/168 type)
Super Wide Viewing Angle bulb uses 4 radially mounted LEDs aiming out the sides and one High Flux LED on top
With built-in voltage regulator
$ 2.99

I was hoping to do red, I think I will try it anyways. And has anyone tried the cool/warm white? Which one would be brighter?
edit- would the white make it light up green just like stock? I think I will order a set of them and maybe the UV one's to! A quick response would be great. I want to order these ASAP. I hate the green!!!!!!!!! I usually just turn them off at night.

[AllThingsEnd]

if you get the white ones they will turn blue. if you get the blue ones they turn dark blue/purple almost

[dogthenine]

if you get the white ones they will turn blue. if you get the blue ones they turn dark blue/purple almost

The blue leds I used show up as electric blue, not dark blue or purplish.

How would white ones turn blue? The normal bulbs are white and go through a green film, aren't they? Wouldn't white leds have the same green effect?

Maybe I'm missing something.:huh:

[AllThingsEnd]

its a light blue film. incandescent bulbs give yellow light. yellow + blue = green

[dogthenine]

its a light blue film. incandescent bulbs give yellow light. yellow + blue = green


I guess I was missing something.:huh:

:woot:That must be why my blue leds look so good!:woot:

[sick 660r]

Get the blue LED's. I still need to figure out how to do the HVAC lights.:rant:

[98BlackDak]

sorry not a fan of blue, Doing the truck up in red and black. But I also have regular red 194 bulbs coming from autozone. Gona be here tom. So if the red LED's don't light it up good the ones from autozone should.

[guthix12]

I have all the bulbs... I just need the bases. Called two different autozone's and checked their website - they dont stock them. I dont know where else to look - Ive been looking online and ebay, etc... Any help?

[dogthenine]

Somewhere in this thread is a napa part number. However, I got mine at autozone, just go to the store and look for them.

[bwdakrt]

I have all the bulbs... I just need the bases. Called two different autozone's and checked their website - they dont stock them. I dont know where else to look - Ive been looking online and ebay, etc... Any help?

LS6500 at NAPA. http://napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=ECH&PartNumber=LS6500&Description=Instrument+Panel+Light+Socket

bwdakrt

[ki4dmh]

So should this mod work for my 1996? Thanks for the info.
Scott

[Butchnut]

I have all the bulbs... I just need the bases. Called two different autozone's and checked their website - they dont stock them. I dont know where else to look - Ive been looking online and ebay, etc... Any help?

I've got some extras. Three I think. How many do you need?

[guthix12]

I appreciate it guys - There is a NAPA 3 miles down from me, I'll check it out tomorrow. Went to Autozone tonight, didn't have the bases but I got a cool switch :)

I need 5. I'll let you know by tomorrow what the deal is. Thanks again guys

[AllThingsEnd]

happen to have any more :P? i need some as well. the dumb guy at autozone is trying to tell me the bases are a dealership item. im like listen here guy theres a thousand other people buying them from autozone, i even printed out the pic of the bases with the autozone price tag on it that Yellow2k posted. he said they dont stock it anymore. lol. well im just going to put this on hold until i get some bases.

[Mr5150]

happen to have any more :P? i need some as well. the dumb guy at autozone is trying to tell me the bases are a dealership item. im like listen here guy theres a thousand other people buying them from autozone, i even printed out the pic of the bases with the autozone price tag on it that Yellow2k posted. he said they dont stock it anymore. lol. well im just going to put this on hold until i get some bases.


Yea when all the dash bulbs blew on my Ram I went to AutoZone and they said the same thing. I went to the dealer in town and they looked at the bulb and said "Uhh.. they don't make these anymore. To get one, you'll have to buy a new instrument panel. They are about $750." I laughed in his face and walked out. I got my panel fixed for $200 from the same place DX has theirs done.

[guthix12]

Went to NAPA, they only had one in stock. Ordered a few more about $2 each, should be here by monday. Great success!

[jdmccright]

I had a burned out bulb in my IP cluster and I had already done this mod on my Jimmy so I had a couple extra blue LEDs left over (not the 5-bulb wide-angle LEDs, these were the 4-bulb LED wedge base. So far I have the two LEDs in the upper corners, giving the panel a subtle blue to green shift. I've seen the LED swap where it shifts from red to blue on a Blazer which looks very cool. The 4-bulb LEDs are a little spottier in the corners, but give off decent light. For now, I can see my IP better (I spotted three other blackened but not dead bulbs as well as the dead one, so swapped them out with the old Jimmy 194 bulbs I kept). This is where I should've stopped when I was ahead.

I also had a few single LEDs left over so I thought I could replace the headlight switch's backlight. A turn of the screwdriver and out it came, a long plastic holder with a small bulb at the end (also blackend...is this common???) I pulled out the old bulb, slid in a new blue LED and plugged it back in. Plugged the connector to the back and turned the key. But when I turned the headlight switch, *snap*, *piff*!!! I pulled the LED back out, it had overheated and popped...I had a 50/50 chance of getting the polarity right and I guessed wrong. I replaced the old bulb but the lighting circuit is now fried. Hafta go back in there to see what damage was done. At least the switch itself still works fine, it's just not illuminated. Oh well, two steps forward, one step back...

Is the bulb blackening a common thing in Daks, or Dodges? I even saw a blackened stop lamp when I pulled the CHMSL/cargo bed lamp assembly. If so, I definitely think LEDs would save money over frequent bulb changes.

[ucimaplaya2]

I had a burned out bulb in my IP cluster and I had already done this mod on my Jimmy so I had a couple extra blue LEDs left over (not the 5-bulb wide-angle LEDs, these were the 4-bulb LED wedge base. So far I have the two LEDs in the upper corners, giving the panel a subtle blue to green shift. I've seen the LED swap where it shifts from red to blue on a Blazer which looks very cool. The 4-bulb LEDs are a little spottier in the corners, but give off decent light. For now, I can see my IP better (I spotted three other blackened but not dead bulbs as well as the dead one, so swapped them out with the old Jimmy 194 bulbs I kept). This is where I should've stopped when I was ahead.

I also had a few single LEDs left over so I thought I could replace the headlight switch's backlight. A turn of the screwdriver and out it came, a long plastic holder with a small bulb at the end (also blackend...is this common???) I pulled out the old bulb, slid in a new blue LED and plugged it back in. Plugged the connector to the back and turned the key. But when I turned the headlight switch, *snap*, *piff*!!! I pulled the LED back out, it had overheated and popped...I had a 50/50 chance of getting the polarity right and I guessed wrong. I replaced the old bulb but the lighting circuit is now fried. Hafta go back in there to see what damage was done. At least the switch itself still works fine, it's just not illuminated. Oh well, two steps forward, one step back...

Is the bulb blackening a common thing in Daks, or Dodges? I even saw a blackened stop lamp when I pulled the CHMSL/cargo bed lamp assembly. If so, I definitely think LEDs would save money over frequent bulb changes.
did you remember to put a resistor on that led? Im going to guess no since it went poof. Also lights getting blackened is normal for almost every vehicle.

[jdmccright]

Thanks John. Anope, it's been awhile since I messed with LEDs, so forgot that little tidbit abt the resistor. Reading up on the LEDs I had, the max reverse voltage they would take was only 5V...had I known that then I probly wouldn't have tried it in the first place. Just thankful I still have headlights. What should the resistance be for the resistor? I have some 400-ohm, 1/4-Watt resistors, but thinking I need a higher resistance.

As far as bulb blackening, I've seen them do it, just not so many at once. Thanks for the response.

[porksoda]

I ordered the LEDs tonight and i am gonna try it when they come in. I am gonna do red. Also i ordered "Ultra White" lights for the inside of my cab like for the dome and floors and glovebox and for the cargo lights. I cant wait till they come in! I will post pictures!

[wreckless123]

I ordered the LEDs tonight and i am gonna try it when they come in. I am gonna do red. Also i ordered "Ultra White" lights for the inside of my cab like for the dome and floors and glovebox and for the cargo lights. I cant wait till they come in! I will post pictures!

In my opinion, red is not worth it. Red LED's just are not as bright as blue. Look back at pg 8 of this post, I posted pics of my red LED's in a stock cluster. I even had a custom overlay made and the red LED's still sucked..

[03'Dakota]

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee182/SilverDak03/DSC01884.jpg

don't need the LED's bulbs will give you the same effect. but not as bright as the LED's. I am happy with my blue gauges

[Hit_it]

Will the B8.5D Twist Lock lamp work for this mod?

http://www.superbrightleds.com/specs/inches/74_t15.htm


Eric.

[ucimaplaya2]

no those are actually quite small

[bwdakrt]

NAPA's part # for the twist-in sockets is LS6500. You will need 7 of them.

[dogthenine]

If anyone wants to save money on the bases, you can now get them on ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/6pcs-168-194-2825-T10-W5W-Twist-Lock-Wedge-Base_W0QQitemZ200314833206QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotor s_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item20031483320 6&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1171|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18).


Anyone found a plug and play led bulb for the HVAC controls yet?

[jeremy04/3.7]

Are these the bulbs I need?

http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?product=CAR&keywords=&cart_id=1206624.563&next=0

The image on the page shows a green one as an example, described as

WLED 5-LED Wide Angle LED bulb
12 VDC 5-LED Wedge Base bulb (194/168 type)
Super Wide Viewing Angle bulb uses 4 radially mounted LEDs aiming out the sides and one High Flux LED on top
Non Polarized
$ 2.79


is this the right bulb that is needed?

[slicksdingo]

you can modify the stock bulb housing to fit the led.
i built a bunch of custom clusters for the stratus/cirrus/breeze, and thats what i done.

[dogthenine]

is this the right bulb that is needed?

You can also get the bulbs here! (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190289188459&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&viewitem=)

[jeremy04/3.7]

You can also get the bulbs here! (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190289188459&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&viewitem=)

biding has ended

I just wanted to make sure they are the right ones before i order them

[dogthenine]

biding has ended

I just wanted to make sure they are the right ones before i order them

Try this one, over an hour to go! (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/10x-194-168-W5W-5-LED-BLUE-Refractor-Wedge-Bulbs-Lights_W0QQitemZ190290226878QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMot ors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item190290226 878&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A727|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A131 8)

[jeremy04/3.7]

Try this one, over an hour to go! (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/10x-194-168-W5W-5-LED-BLUE-Refractor-Wedge-Bulbs-Lights_W0QQitemZ190290226878QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMot ors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item190290226 878&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A727|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A131 8)

haha i missed that one again....ill try to look later on tonight

[dogthenine]

haha i missed that one again....ill try to look later on tonight

Just search for "194 5-LED BLUE Wedge Base" in his store or just in Ebay.

[phooker]

Just so I don't waste my money, I need 5 194 base wide angle LED's for my 96. Just asking so I don't get the dash apart and be po'd

[phooker]

anything guys?

[P71Ryan]

Well today I got in my Blue LED's form SuperBright and I started the search for bases.

Found THESE (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200325104589&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:MOTORS:1123) on eBay and was wondering if they would work right? I asked the guy who is selling them and he said he doesn't know what 1/2" bases are. He has 10 and I need 7 so hopefully they don't sell(if those are the right ones).

Thanks.

[phooker]

Has anybody done this on a second gen?

[99R/T-Kota]

can someone post some more pics of the red please, thanks in advance

[phooker]

Just for the record...a second gen takes 7 to do the whole instrument panel...9 if you want to do the blinkers...I ordered eight thinking I would put on in the cig lighter hole....nope...not enough...reordering tonight. The HVAC controls take three 74 style bulbs...I'll post up a how to in the second gen forum if anybody is interested.

[99R/T-Kota]

yeah i would like to see a full how to

[03'Dakota]

yeah i would like to see a full how to

the full how-to is on page 1 of this thread... maybe I dont get what your asking? :huh:

[phooker]

I was talking about a full how to on the second gen. It's fairly easy to do, but some people, like myself, are a little hesitant to take some things apart without seeing just how everything goes. I noticed that this is for strictly the third gen daks so I figured I could do one for the second gens seeing as how they are a little different. That and there is a crapton of lights on the back, took me a little while to figure out which ones to change. But experimenting is half of the fun I guess.

[99R/T-Kota]

i just like readin how to's, if its a mopar im interested

[03'Dakota]

ya I get wanting a how-to for a gen 2, I just got thrown off by 99R/T saying he wanted a how too... lol if he in fact has a 99 he wouldn't need a how to for a gen 2. I agree some projects are scary, took me a little while to build up the courage to rip my entire dash apart, its really not that hard I promise!

[99R/T-Kota]

yes i do indeed have a 99 r/t but have owned older dakotas, i just recently sold one, but anyways i like seeing mods for dakota yr. doesnt really matter that much

[03'Dakota]

ya I got rid of my 94 a little while ago, I wish I knew about this place back then

[99R/T-Kota]

yea my dad owned a 89 model when i was little, thats what got me started

[phooker]

I'll take some pictures when I get my next order in, ordered the 74 lights for the hvac controls and gonna try to change the shift light to green...

[03'Dakota]

ya lucky as hell! I just saw they offer the HVAC bulbs on there now! I had to get mine made! LUCKY!!!!

[suprchgd99rango]

anyone do white LEds?

[01dakotaqc]

anyone do white LEds?

it makes the gauges blue. not as deep of a blue like when you use blue leds, but they will be a little lighter blue.

[domay11]

I tried it yesterday using the OEM bulb holders. I messed around for a while using Caulk's tips and got 1-2 to work, but just ended up getting the new holders that HemiDak suggested anyways... more reliable.

Small issue with the new holders though - they don't stay in very well, like they don't grab the board nicely? Anybody else have this issue? :huh:

[domay11]

I figured it out... you just have mess with it long enough and they will fit like a glove. They fit better if you use the OEM holders. You could put a little bead of silicon on the new ones to make sure they don't go anywhere.

.02

[domay11]

I'll take some pictures when I get my next order in, ordered the 74 lights for the hvac controls and gonna try to change the shift light to green...

Did you get the HVAC bulbs in? How do you do it? I took the switches out (on my 98) and didn't see any bulbs. I could take that front black piece off but I have heard horror stories about that??? :huh: This is all I have to do now. Except I have to order a new LED for my gauges cause I lost one :rant:

[domay11]

So, I did this today and my tach and speedo flipped all the way over to 5k and 120mph, and the tach works now but the speedo still reads 120... how do I fix this?

Nevermind they fix themselves...

Wow I raped this page...

[tjbugs1]

I'll take some pictures when I get my next order in, ordered the 74 lights for the hvac controls and gonna try to change the shift light to green...

Do you have pics

[homer135]

Hey guys!

I did my instrument panel last year on my dakota and now its done on my durango..

But is there a small LED i can buy for the little Cruise light?
It's coming on Green, and with the blue panel i don't really like it..

And what about the HVAC?, easy to do?

[mlobitz]

Hey guys!

I did my instrument panel last year on my dakota and now its done on my durango..

But is there a small LED i can buy for the little Cruise light?
It's coming on Green, and with the blue panel i don't really like it..

And what about the HVAC?, easy to do?

Look down a few posts, there is a how-to for the HVAC as well...

[homer135]

Nice!

Now just wondering about the small light bulb :huh: (Cruise)

[domay11]

Anybody use those little black bulb holders for there new bulbs? Mine don't stay in very well. One keeps falling out... :rant:

[domay11]

Nobody huh?

:bump:

[skAbs]

Just for the record...a second gen takes 7 to do the whole instrument panel...9 if you want to do the blinkers...I ordered eight thinking I would put on in the cig lighter hole....nope...not enough...reordering tonight. The HVAC controls take three 74 style bulbs...I'll post up a how to in the second gen forum if anybody is interested.

So hey, What happened to this gen II writeup? I searched for it but I can't find it. I'm going to do this either way, but I'd really like to see some pictures if possible. Also, does that mean you need a total of ten to put one in the lighter hole? And what about the ashtray light?

And I wanted to make sure that the leds and bases for the gen III are the same ones I'd need for a gen II since it's not really covered here.

WLED-x5 LED Wedge Base Bulbs
1/2" instrument cluster gauge bases

[SynRG]

anyone do white LEds?

Meeeeeeeee!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/rerc85/sub%20box/DSC02508.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/rerc85/sub%20box/DSC02509.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/rerc85/sub%20box/DSC02510.jpg

During the day you can see the hint of blue.

[zclif2601]

Anyone do Blue cluster and red turn signals?

[spastic88]

I know this is a little older, but I have a question...

SYNrg,yours looks BAD ASS. what bulbs did you use for your hvac? and did you just put them into the stock holders?

and what bulb did you use for the headlight? again, did you use use the stock bulb holder?

and lastly, how did you get your gear selector and odometer to be the same color as the gauges?

THANKS

[Will.]

don't want to look through 12 pages, does this work with Gen II's?

[rollers888]

what about gen 1 rango?

[Rebel13]

what about gen 1 rango?

Same as Gen III Dakota!

[rollers888]

Same as Gen III Dakota!

schweet! learned something new today.

Why do you have to buy new bases? why cant you just use the old ones

[Dak4life]

The old ones are soldered in with the bulbs. i did it on my truck. i bought the bulbs on ebay for $4 and the housings for the bulbs were $16 at napa. the bulb number is pc194 and u just ask em for the housings

[domay11]

schweet! learned something new today.

Why do you have to buy new bases? why cant you just use the old ones

You can use the old ones - you just have to be careful. I did it - they fit so much nicer than the ones you buy too. I would suggest trying to use the old ones before you buy new ones.

Yes the bulbs are soldered to the old bases, but you can break the solder and bend the wires on the leds to make it work.

[Dak4life]

the ones i bought fit just like the ones that were originally in there, only downside was the price that they cost me. but i am happy with the outcome.

[domay11]

Hmm.. we must have bought different ones then. The ones I bought fell right out.

[spastic88]

honestly, its just easier to buy new bases. thay way when the bulbs come in, you can put them right in the bases before you even take your dash off. there like 2 dollars each, so the extra 15 bucks makes it well worth it. I bought mine at Napa and they fit like a glove. I love my new blue dash!

[Dak4life]

Ya i bought mine at napa. they fit well too

[rockhound]

the new head unit for the rango has blue lights, so this mod seems like a no brainer.

i am going to leave the turn signals green, and the cruise also seems like having the lights that are for a specific use should be a different color so they stand out like they are meant to.

i picked up all the bulbs off ebay for $23 including shipping. 10 of the 194s and 10 of the 74s so i will have extras for replacement if necessary.

[2k1AmberR/T]

Is there any way to change the color of the stock radio buttons? I have 2-3 buttons that no longer light up and it bugs me.

[Rebel13]

Is there any way to change the color of the stock radio buttons? I have 2-3 buttons that no longer light up and it bugs me.

Yep, I removed my gel caps. There is between 9-11 of them, kind of costly to change over, might want to consider getting a new radio? I noticed one of my bulbs are completely gone, must have rattle out before I got the truck, numbers 2 and 3 never glowed cause of it.

[rockhound]

you could probably just find a used factory radio easier.

I would sell you mine if its the same