Is a 4W bulb too high for dash cluster lights

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Davemc1963

93 Ty Owner
Just wondered if anyone has tried 4w replacement bulbs in their dash cluster. I've seen reference to a 161 bulb which seems to be rated at about 2.7w, but haven't found anything yet in the UK similar. I've just bought six 4w bulbs and was wondering if they will be too bright or should I say hot and melt something.
Also, whats the best way to change these.
Thanks
Dave
 
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Davemc1963

93 Ty Owner
Re: Is a 4W bulb too high for dash cluster lights

I have been doing some more searching and found the GE automotive lighting site.
I know the manual specifies a 2CP 194 bulb. I searched this on the GE site and it came up with a 2CP rating and a 4W rating for this.
http://genet.gelighting.com/LightProducts/Dispatcher?REQUEST=COMMERCIALSPECPAGE&PRODUCTCODE=25965&BreadCrumbValues=Automotive^Check%20Engine&SearchFieldCode=null
So maybe I will be OK? It just seems that when I searched this forum earlier, I could only find reference to a 161, but this is rated as a 1CP and 3W.
http://genet.gelighting.com/LightProducts/Dispatcher?REQUEST=COMMERCIALSPECPAGE&PRODUCTCODE=16489&BreadCrumbValues=Automotive^Clock&SearchFieldCode=null
I think I will see about fitting the 4W bulbs I have.
However, I would still appreciate any guidance for gaining access to them as the manual states to practically completely remove the dashboard. Is this actually required or is there an easier way. TIA
 
redneckwonder

redneckwonder

New member
Re: Is a 4W bulb too high for dash cluster lights

Davemc1963 said:
I have been doing some more searching and found the GE automotive lighting site.
I know the manual specifies a 2CP 194 bulb. I searched this on the GE site and it came up with a 2CP rating and a 4W rating for this.
http://genet.gelighting.com/LightProducts/Dispatcher?REQUEST=COMMERCIALSPECPAGE&PRODUCTCODE=25965&BreadCrumbValues=Automotive^Check%20Engine&SearchFieldCode=null
So maybe I will be OK? It just seems that when I searched this forum earlier, I could only find reference to a 161, but this is rated as a 1CP and 3W.
http://genet.gelighting.com/LightProducts/Dispatcher?REQUEST=COMMERCIALSPECPAGE&PRODUCTCODE=16489&BreadCrumbValues=Automotive^Clock&SearchFieldCode=null
I think I will see about fitting the 4W bulbs I have.
However, I would still appreciate any guidance for gaining access to them as the manual states to practically completely remove the dashboard. Is this actually required or is there an easier way. TIA
Click to expand...

Im assuming you want the 4W bulb to make the dash brighter?

In that case, I would advise against the 4W bulb, as that can produce a good bit of heat. Im not saying it will melt your dash, but that would make me uncomfortable.

I would reccomend looking on these websites for LED plug in bulbs that are obviously cooler in temp, multi colors if thats what you want, draw less current, and arent that bad of a price. Not to mention, the lack of heat will help to preserve your dash coloring, etc.

www.superbrightleds.com
www.besthongkong.com
www.autolumination.com


Good luck!
 
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Davemc1963

93 Ty Owner
Re: Is a 4W bulb too high for dash cluster lights

Thanks for the info and links. But there seems to be too many options to be able to make an uninformed choice on which 'replacement' LED to choose. (side emmitting, end emmitting, both???)
I really just need to replace my dash cluster bulbs as one or more are definitely not working. I can barely see the instruments at night.
I have found it difficult to compare the antiquated candle power measurement directly with the more modern watt power rating. I realise that lumens is also a measurement of light output, but getting a direct bulb comparison is I have found impossible as the measurement standards are all measured differently. I realise you are well versed in LED's and thankyou for your input. Like I wrote in my second post though, GE list the 194 as both 2cp and 4W with the 2CP rating being as it is stated in the Factory manual. Do you still consider this wrong? I thought that I had answered part of my own question when I found this reference. However, I value anyones educated input on this, as the last thing I want to do is damage the cluster. I have found a supplier for Osram/sylvania 3w bulbs, maybe I should try them?? What do you think? thats 25% less power/heat. Other than that without removing the cluster first, regarding the LED replacements. Do I require a forward, side, combined emmitting LED ? Too much choice and expense to make a potentially incorrect/uninformed choice.
Dave
 
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Davemc1963

93 Ty Owner
Re: Is a 4W bulb too high for dash cluster lights

I dont know if anyone is interested in this thread, but anyway... I removed the cluster and found that the six 194 bulbs were all blackened. I haven't checked if they all worked, I didn't see much point as they all need replacing. What I did find is that the 93 TY manual is incorrect in that it specifies a 194 when in fact it requires a PCB194 or PC194 as per the regular Jimmy. You cant remove the bulb from the holder! I have managed to order some 'normal' 194 wedge twist lock bases on ebay, although I think I may have some from my old Gen 2 firebird in the attic. If I find them first, I will use them. I have also ordered 6 LED bulbs to try. I may not get round to fitting them for a while though as getting to the cluster is a PITA isn't it. I am going to try the 4W bulbs as I believe they are very near to a 194. After many searches, I have found references to the 194 as being anywhere from 3.76W to the GE 194 which in fact rates the 194 at 4W as well as 2CP. So there you go.
As an aside, I didn't know the cluster was 'Made in England' Interesting. Its a pity they didn't make a better job of it! I wonder if the seperate components were fitted to anything British?? I will have to keep my eyes open looking at late 80's/early 90's GM stuff over here.
Just about to fit the bulbs and discovered that they are marked up 12v 5W, Doh! The parts guy will have some explaning to do, He was supposed to be selling me 4w bulbs! Most of the above is a bit irrelevent with regard to me having 4w bulbs to fit at the moment, the other info is still valid. The search continues. Bummer!
 
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redneckwonder

redneckwonder

New member
Re: Is a 4W bulb too high for dash cluster lights

Hey Im happy to tell ya anything I know to help you out!!

As far as candlepower, watts, etc. go, dont let it frustrate ya. Its not important at this level. The bulbs are black due to the tungsten deposits off the filament as they age and are burned, the tungsten deposits on the glass, causing what you see.

Now you bring up a very valid question, do you want side emitting, lamertain, or combined-emission LED's? Truth is, I dont know for this application :)

Heres how we can find out. If you look at your dash, where your stock bulbs plug in, on the back side of the cluster will be acrylic "light pipes" that take the light and direct it all around the cluster. What you need to look for is do these light pipes form a "cup"
AROUND the bulb, like an enclosure, or do they just sit above the bulb? If it is the first, I would reccomend a side emitter or a combined emission LED, and if it is just above the bulb, get an extremely narrow emission lambertian( forward emitting) LED. I hope this helps clear it up.

Now that I think about it, if it will fit, a combined emission LED wont steer you wrong in an application like this. You want as much even spread of light behind that cluster, and these would help achieve that.


You mention that the bulb has a base that it fits in that you cant remove it from, that sounds about right. I REALLY HOPE your dash is like the rest I mess with, but I believe you need what is called a T1.5 base bulb. This should be a good replacement right here:
http://superbrightleds.com/specs/74_t15.htm

Also, if you are feeling ambitious, this will make your dash look like a christmas tree LOL! But it does work!!

http://www.besthongkong.com/product...d=590&osCsid=6da81e33643a832286a80588e27481b2

Here are these strips applied in a dash:
EDit: still looking, but I will link it when I find it!

Good luck!
 
D

Davemc1963

93 Ty Owner
Re: Is a 4W bulb too high for dash cluster lights

These are the LED's I have 'bought' on ebay:-
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...&satitle=200190360641&fvi=1&item=200190360641
If the link doesn't work, the item number is in there twice.
I have also bought these bases to fit them:-
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....om=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=200189292874&fvi=1.
They are a 9.5mm (3/8") wedge base. They say they offer 180 degrees of light spread, so I thought they were the best option. Some of the instrument cluster holes where the lights go have shrouding from the internals and the gauge assemblies, so I didnt want to use some of those 4, 5 and 6 type led 'bulbs' that I saw of varying types of construction. Also the bulb hole is only 12.6mm diameter, so some of them wouldn't fit anyway. These are 11mm dia. so they should fit OK.
The warning lights such as the check engine bulbs are the smaller ones (4.5mm wedge base). However, the green turn signal arrows are also the larger 9.5mm wedge. It looks kinda odd. They are ALL of the PCB non replaceable bulb type even the small ones. I dont want to change the warning lights, especially the ones driven by the ECU. I'm leaving those well alone!
Those single inverted type LED's look like they might be good for the overhead console eyeball lamps that are also a 9.5mm wedge rated at 1CP. they should really wake them up.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....om=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=190189560538&fvi=1
and maybe something like this for the interior light:-
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....om=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=250203601011&fvi=1.
These are a festoon type rather than a cap, but I suspect they would fit fine. Just have to get the right length.
I hope I'm not going insane over this. It seems I'm on a roll now to brighten up the dull and drab factory lighting these things came with. The footwell lights dont work, I will have to check those out. I think it might be something to do with the alarm system that the last owner had installed by the Sesame Street cowboy gang.
Dave
 
Mephisto

Mephisto

These trucks are cursed
Re: Is a 4W bulb too high for dash cluster lights

finally a follow up the the dreaded LED thread...

i bought those damn 194 LEDs from superbrightleds.com like 2 years ago and didn't have the 'bases' to twist into the dash and the cluster has been sitting in my closet ever since!

i just might have to look into getting one of those 24 LED lights for my overhead light.

GOOD WORK!!!!
 
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