Hustler

I was wondering if anyone has ever tried to do the LED swap with the 03+ gauges, I have a coupe, and would like to get rid of the orange, for maybe a blue. Is the orange just a filter? Or is it actual LEDs? Anyone know?

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

So I'm guessing that you have the 01-02 gauges and you want to change the color?

And yes, the orange is made by a filter behind the gauge face and lit by regular bulbs from the back. I used acetone to clear out the filter and put some blue EL wire to make them like indiglos. Check my sig below for more info.

Hustler

No no, I have an 03, But I don't like the orange circles.

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

Oh okay. Then the answer is no. The circles are indeed a filter, but they are painted from the front and can't be changed. You could do a different color for the white numbers, since they are just lit up by LED lights. It would be a direct swap most likely.

Hustler

Arn't 03+ Sedan's rings blue?

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

Yes they are. They have a blue filter painted on the front instead of red. I suspect the white LEDs from the number backlight also shine through and light the rings. So by changing the white LEDs to blue for the numbers, I bet the rings would barely light up at all. I guess that's one way to do it if you don't like the red.

Hustler

Or just swap it for a 03 EX Sedan cluster =)

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

Well, it's not that easy. They are very expensive to get, and the cluster stores the visible miles. So the new cluster will start at 0 miles. A used one will start at it's own original miles when it was removed. I wouldn't mess with it. Just mod your old cluster if you know about wiring and leds.

skiboard

iTrader: (11)

I think it's EL lighting that you cant change without changing the actual EL stripes which are expensive

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

That would be interesting if they did that. I really would have to open one up to know for sure.

silverem2

iTrader: (4)

the sedam cluster is about 200 bucks U.S. And also a member has the blue cluster on his coupe

ViNRoCk8

iTrader: (2)

I always wanted the 03+ gauges in my 02 coupe.....but o well

silverem2

iTrader: (4)

i have a 03 and there not so great, with the brightness all the way up its like headlights in your face

skiboard

iTrader: (11)

yeah..it's so bright in the night if I put it all the way up. I dont turn it all the way up tho. just in daytime. it must be EL lighting

ELaudio

iTrader: (7)

So wait, if I replace my cluster can Honda re-program it to display the correct mileage?

silverem2

iTrader: (4)

i think so, it should work, just make sure that you get the correct milage

NeonImpact

iTrader: (37)

just listen to gearbox, he knows his **** when it comes to this stuff.

its not worth the time and hassle..

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

Thanks dude. But yeah, the dealer will slap a sticker on the door jamb saying the mileage was reset. Most dealers can't calibrate the new cluster with the correct mileage, although some speedo shops will be able to for around $100.

CivicTrip

I had a problem with my 02 lx coupe, the printed circuit board behind my gauges burned up, and the dealer replaced the gauge cluster under warranty, but when i asked about the mileage, the service guy said it was illegal to change the new cluster mileage from 0 to what my miles were on my old cluster, so they put a sticker on my door jamb that states the original mileage that the odometer was replaced. Too bad they couldn't have replaced my gauges with 03 gauges...

03HondaEx

iTrader: (1)

^^Agreed^^
But I do like how they look when they are dimmed down one notch at night...everything in the car matches perfectly...

AdamYYZ

I personaly LOVE the orange. Its non-distracting and sporty. I would never buy another car that didnt have amber/red guages.

lid6662

I love my 03 style coupe gauges. And Yea if there to bright which they can be i use only about 2 or so circles for brightness!

greggdogg

Don't your guys gauges dim once you turn on the headlights? Mine dim one notch.

03HondaEx

iTrader: (1)

Yes, everyones gagues dim one notch when they turn their headlights on, if they have it set that way...

dre2600

They don't just dim a notch, you can set the brightness settings independantly for dim/bright. When the headlights are off adjust the brightness of the gauge cluster and then turn the headlights on and adjust the brightness. Brightness settings will be retained for each and will not just be a 'notch'.

greggdogg

Once I turn off the car the "lit" setting always defaults to one below the highest. *shrug*