LED Dash Bulbs?

[JDanger]

I have a bulb or two out in the dash cluster and wanted to go with some LED's. Does the cluster use all the same bulb size? And what LED's fit the 03 cluster?

 

[adsm08]

The dash illumination bulbs are 194s, the warning lights are something else.

Some people report issues with lights not working or being very dim after putting in LEDs in the dash. I have not had this issue, but sometimes my dash lights stay on.

 

[Haywire6000]

Just be aware of what type of 194's you get, 20 SMD are tight.

 

[JDanger]

OK, thanks guys. Haywire, theres more than one type of 194 LED?

 

[Curious Hound]

theres more than one type of 194 LED?

Yes. "194" refers to the general shape and size of the "bulb", mainly the wedge base. You can get 194 style LED replacements in various configurations, such as these pictured below. Not all will physically fit in your instrument cluster locations. Also, LED's use less current than incandescent bulbs, so they may cause some circuits to act strange. I used 5 SMD LED's (like the top picture) in the cluster in my '93 and took a couple of them back out because they stayed on all the time. I'll check my thread later to see which ones. Also, LED's have a polarity. they only allow current flow in one direction. So, They must be installed in the right direction.

 

[JDanger]

adsm, when the lights stay on, what did you do remedy the problem? Or did you?

 

[chewy012]

I just did this a few months ago now, I wouldn't recommend it. Two work, two randomly flicker on and off. Plus they were like $4/ bulb. I'd stay with the regular ones.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I went back and fourth, just got a 10 pack of 194 bulbs for $4. I have never had one go bad but while I have the cluster out I thought I would put new bulbs in it.

 

[adsm08]

adsm, when the lights stay on, what did you do remedy the problem? Or did you?

It only happened once. It may have been bleed-through at the switch, I don't know.

 

[adsm08]

I went back and fourth, just got a 10 pack of 194 bulbs for $4. I have never had one go bad but while I have the cluster out I thought I would put new bulbs in it.

Dude, we 1st gen guys have it easy for dash lights. I can reach up there and switch out bulbs all the way up to the turn signal and high-beam indicators without taking anything apart.

 

[Curious Hound]

adsm08,

That is WAAAYYYY too easy. You should be punished in other ways to compensate.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Dude, we 1st gen guys have it easy for dash lights. I can reach up there and switch out bulbs all the way up to the turn signal and high-beam indicators without taking anything apart.

It is even easier when the cluster sitting on my kitchen counter after I painted the needles and updated the gauge faces.

I have had the truck 16 years and have never had to touch one... so I figured I am probably getting due.

 

[JDanger]

Now you guys have me on the fence on weather or not to go with LED's. Decisions.

 

[Clatterman]

Excellent youtube on replacing Ranger dash bulbs:
Chrisfix https://youtu.be/qRMSvFO7org

I would only put LEDs in the bulbs that don't dim (such as the flasher arrows).

 

[Conor Knoxx]

Are the LED's dimable? I know with home lighting, LED's - some are dimable and some are not.