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So I got amber LED bulbs with T5 sockets for replacements.
I changed all gauge lights and LCD panel backlights, cruise control and high beam indicator bulbs.
New socket (only had to use one) was really stiff when I had to spin it around so I had to use pliers.
Here's current status.
Didn't took 'before' picture but cruise control, LCD backlight and fuel gauge is now lit but left side gauge lights are still dud.
Could it be the socket's problem, or maybe something more pesky behind this? I did put the original sockets in the left side.
Problem solved, so apparently I've put it the wrong way... just pulled the LED lamp from socket and 180'd it and put it back on, and now it's lit.
I'm guessing LED's light doesn't spread as much as regular bulbs and making the gauge dimmer between the lamps. Well, I can live with that (LCD backlight looks awesome )
For some reason, high beam indicator just hates LED lamps so I had to put back one of less burnt lamp back in there. It just didn't wanted to lit up (kind of blinks really shortly when I turn it on).
Just out of curiosity, what will happen if I put colored lamps in indicator slots, like signals and immobilizer? And how does other indicators like seat belt or CEL lights up? Are there lamps that's not accessible behind the dash?
Yes LEDs are directional, one side is positive and the other negative. Seems you've figured that out now.
At one time I put blue LEDs in every spot I could on the cluster including turn signals, high beam, immobilizer, and LCD backlight. I couldn't stand the dead space in between the bulbs so I ended up just swapping to a '03 cluster. There are some lights that cannot be replaced, they are LED on the PCB itself. Check engine light, ABS light, SRS light are examples.
How's the highbeam indicator with the headlights on? It might just not like the lower voltage from the drl
With LED in, it blinked just once really shortly with the headlights on, I think. (Tried pushing and pulling the lever)
Now with regular bulb in, it's quite solid- brighter now since better bulb's in there now.
By the way, thanks so much for all the replies and tips Colin. Cheers
Originally Posted by BrotatoChip
Yes LEDs are directional, one side is positive and the other negative. Seems you've figured that out now.
At one time I put blue LEDs in every spot I could on the cluster including turn signals, high beam, immobilizer, and LCD backlight. I couldn't stand the dead space in between the bulbs so I ended up just swapping to a '03 cluster. There are some lights that cannot be replaced, they are LED on the PCB itself. Check engine light, ABS light, SRS light are examples.
Haha, my thumbs hurt from squeezing those wire clips so many times now that I'll just keep this as it is now- but if I have to do this again I'll definitely buy regular bulbs with amber color. Another one to the long list.
But sounds like it's gonna be pesky if the LEDs inside the PCB goes out.
)
