Dash Lights
03-14-2004, 07:05 PM
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Dash Lights
Hello all,
Has anyone out there changed the bulbs for the dash? I was thinking about changing out the bulbs for the dash b/c the standard illumination on the dash looks a little blah (IMHO) I did not know if changing out the bulb would even make a difference.
Any suggestions or comments????
Thanks
Has anyone out there changed the bulbs for the dash? I was thinking about changing out the bulbs for the dash b/c the standard illumination on the dash looks a little blah (IMHO) I did not know if changing out the bulb would even make a difference.
Any suggestions or comments????
Thanks
03-14-2004, 08:07 PM
#3
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You can always replace the 194s in the dash with colored bulbs, but if you want to change the color of the illumination of the rest of the buttons and switches, you'll need to take apart all of the switches/devices and do some soldering.
03-14-2004, 08:22 PM
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Originally posted by Josh K
You can always replace the 194s in the dash with colored bulbs, but if you want to change the color of the illumination of the rest of the buttons and switches, you'll need to take apart all of the switches/devices and do some soldering.
You can always replace the 194s in the dash with colored bulbs, but if you want to change the color of the illumination of the rest of the buttons and switches, you'll need to take apart all of the switches/devices and do some soldering.
Josh.... any suggestions on what brand 194s?
redcoupe....thanks for the comment!
03-14-2004, 08:29 PM
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Hey Josh,
How about these???
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2464894080
Also, do you know many bulbs I would need for the dash?
How about these???
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2464894080
Also, do you know many bulbs I would need for the dash?
03-14-2004, 08:48 PM
#6
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well I would have to pull the cluster to know for sure, but I'm not sure how well those lights would work - you'd probably get "hot spots" unless you used wide angle bulbs (the kind that look like they have an inverted cone on the top). Otherwise you can just purchase some bulb condoms that cover your existing incandescent bulbs.
03-15-2004, 02:35 AM
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2005 SL500
Guys, I've done the bulbs.... its a pain in the ***. Once you get the cluster out there is about 20-25 bulbs to be replaced. If you have a 98-99, the color is dull and I don't know how much of a difference the new bulbs will make. If you have a 2000+, you should be happy......
Rick
Rick
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03-15-2004, 01:27 PM
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w211 & w124
Originally posted by Josh K
well I would have to pull the cluster to know for sure, but I'm not sure how well those lights would work - you'd probably get "hot spots" unless you used wide angle bulbs (the kind that look like they have an inverted cone on the top). Otherwise you can just purchase some bulb condoms that cover your existing incandescent bulbs.
well I would have to pull the cluster to know for sure, but I'm not sure how well those lights would work - you'd probably get "hot spots" unless you used wide angle bulbs (the kind that look like they have an inverted cone on the top). Otherwise you can just purchase some bulb condoms that cover your existing incandescent bulbs.
03-15-2004, 02:27 PM
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Originally posted by Samoan_Ridah
Did he just say bulb "condoms"?
Did he just say bulb "condoms"?
03-15-2004, 02:43 PM
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Originally posted by mmgrad
yeah dude... you just stroll down to your local drug store & buy some colored condoms and wrap the bulbs... after that, just trim the excess cause YOUR BULB is really short...
yeah dude... you just stroll down to your local drug store & buy some colored condoms and wrap the bulbs... after that, just trim the excess cause YOUR BULB is really short...
03-15-2004, 04:27 PM
#14
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hey guys, btw...
i think, but i could be wrong, the bulbs used to iluminate the actual cluster is only TWO BULBS, and they are larger wedge style bulbs....
all the little bulbs (194s) are used to illuminate the little warning lights that come on... seat belt, srs, etc... thats why there are like 20 of them, because each of them illuminate a separate function...
i think, but i could be wrong, the bulbs used to iluminate the actual cluster is only TWO BULBS, and they are larger wedge style bulbs....
all the little bulbs (194s) are used to illuminate the little warning lights that come on... seat belt, srs, etc... thats why there are like 20 of them, because each of them illuminate a separate function...
03-16-2004, 12:31 AM
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Originally posted by mmgrad
hey guys, btw...
i think, but i could be wrong, the bulbs used to iluminate the actual cluster is only TWO BULBS, and they are larger wedge style bulbs....
all the little bulbs (194s) are used to illuminate the little warning lights that come on... seat belt, srs, etc... thats why there are like 20 of them, because each of them illuminate a separate function...
hey guys, btw...
i think, but i could be wrong, the bulbs used to iluminate the actual cluster is only TWO BULBS, and they are larger wedge style bulbs....
all the little bulbs (194s) are used to illuminate the little warning lights that come on... seat belt, srs, etc... thats why there are like 20 of them, because each of them illuminate a separate function...
your right about there being only two bulbs for actual cluster, I talked to a mb tech today and he said the same thing but the guy did not know the part number only that it was 2 watt... wtf..what good does that do me????????
03-16-2004, 08:13 PM
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2005 SL500
Hey guys, the little bulbs (194's?) are used to illuminate everthing in the cluster, including SRS/ Brake/ Trac Control/Seatbelt/ and other "symbols" as well as the actual guage backgrounds like speedometer, tach, gas coolant. The bulbs are placed all over the back of the cluster and illuminate A"section" of the cluster. If a bulb burns out you will notice a section of the cluster not illuminated. The OTHER thing is the LCD'ish thing that displays various info (ie-time, FSS info, Turn off Your Lights, etc.) is illuminated by (in the 1998-1999) 3 bulbs that appear to be the same size, but the plastic back is green, instead of yellow like the rest. But I think the color of the LCD is IN the LCD, the Bulbs are just used to brighten the LCD.
Rick
Rick
