brighter instrument cluster
#1
brighter instrument cluster
Maybe the bulbs are getting dimmer, they are 20 years old after all, or maybe my eyes are getting worse (equally if not more likely), but I'll be darned if I can see the numbers on the odometer at night.
I'd like to be able to make the illumination of my instrument cluster brighter. Currently I have the adjuster at the max setting and it just isn't enough for me to see it all clearly.
Here is a parts diagram of the cluster for my truck. Which bulbs do what? In other words, I'm not worried about warning lights, turn signal indicators, or hi-beam indicator, etc, etc.
The main goal is to brighten the main illumination including the odometer. Which of the bulbs should I replace.
For extra credit, I would love to experiment with LED's so if you have a line on which LED would be an appropriate replacement I'd really appreciate a suggestion, recommendation, or link.
http://www.allbrit.de/UNI.cfm?PAGE=810746&SPRACHE=EN
I'd like to be able to make the illumination of my instrument cluster brighter. Currently I have the adjuster at the max setting and it just isn't enough for me to see it all clearly.
Here is a parts diagram of the cluster for my truck. Which bulbs do what? In other words, I'm not worried about warning lights, turn signal indicators, or hi-beam indicator, etc, etc.
The main goal is to brighten the main illumination including the odometer. Which of the bulbs should I replace.
For extra credit, I would love to experiment with LED's so if you have a line on which LED would be an appropriate replacement I'd really appreciate a suggestion, recommendation, or link.
http://www.allbrit.de/UNI.cfm?PAGE=810746&SPRACHE=EN
#2
#3
#4
The bulbs that will make the gauges seem dim are in the illumination assembly (#7 in that diagram). If either one of those are INOP the needles will seem very dim and hard to see. When I bought my 98 LSE they were both out and once I replaced them it was a total difference. I'd inspect those first, and then you could replace the 194 bulbs with some LED ones, but DO NOT use the Sylvania ZEVO's as they aren't tall enough to get 100% coverage of the Speedo illumination.
#5
Nothing useful to post yet, but subscribing because I have pictures of the instrument cluster torn down on my other computer. #7 & 8 provides overhead illumination but isn't what lights up the numbers or needles. That will be one of the 3 different back bulbs. My pictures will help identify them once I get to them...
**Edit**
I found pictures, but it isn't as detailed as I had hoped. It was after reassembly and I had put covers back on. I did flip the backside photo though, so you can use it to reference the bulb locations from the front view. Here is what I recall from memory on what bulbs did what.
#8- Your overhead bulbs. They assist in lighting the bezel for parts that don't have their own lights.
#14- Your warning lights. Most get clear bulbs because the warning filter will have the color of the indicator.
#15- Large bulbs for illuminating numbers & ticks.
#16- Long candlestick holder for the Security light that sits bottom center of the cluster.
I hope that helps
**Edit**
I found pictures, but it isn't as detailed as I had hoped. It was after reassembly and I had put covers back on. I did flip the backside photo though, so you can use it to reference the bulb locations from the front view. Here is what I recall from memory on what bulbs did what.
#8- Your overhead bulbs. They assist in lighting the bezel for parts that don't have their own lights.
#14- Your warning lights. Most get clear bulbs because the warning filter will have the color of the indicator.
#15- Large bulbs for illuminating numbers & ticks.
#16- Long candlestick holder for the Security light that sits bottom center of the cluster.
I hope that helps
Last edited by RedRovin'; 03-18-2017 at 08:25 AM.
#6
I have an alternator with a janky regulator on my bench that is otherwise good.
#7
Depends on the year and alternator. It's a real simple install and worth doing.
1994-1995 (alt AMR3107) Transpo Brand is # IX128 > MARELLI ALTERNATOR REGULATOR BRUSH HOLDER FOR LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER 3.9L, 91-95 | eBay
1996 and up (eg. alt AMR4247) Transpo Brand is IX123 > MARELLI ALTERNATOR REGULATOR BRUSH HOLDER LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER 4.0L 1995-1998 | eBay
The Bridge Rectifier is IXR543
This place is decent too > High Output Alternators, Starters, Parts and More
1994-1995 (alt AMR3107) Transpo Brand is # IX128 > MARELLI ALTERNATOR REGULATOR BRUSH HOLDER FOR LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER 3.9L, 91-95 | eBay
1996 and up (eg. alt AMR4247) Transpo Brand is IX123 > MARELLI ALTERNATOR REGULATOR BRUSH HOLDER LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER 4.0L 1995-1998 | eBay
The Bridge Rectifier is IXR543
This place is decent too > High Output Alternators, Starters, Parts and More
Last edited by OverRover; 03-18-2017 at 12:37 PM.
#8
Here's a couple out there right now for about $35 (searched for "1996 Land Rover Discovery voltage regulator alternator"):
ALTERNATOR VOLTAGE REGULATOR Caterpillar JCB Land Rover 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 | eBay
HUCO Alternator Voltage Regulator 14V Fits LAND ROVER Range Suv 800 1986-2002 | eBay
#9
I used https://www.superbrightleds.com/ for the bulb in my digital dlock and changed it ti a green back light. much easier to read during the day and at night. They have a listing for just about every bulb to cross over to an led bulb
#10