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jglovier / project-car

This repo is where I'm tracking progress on the project car I've always wanted to build: a 2000 Honda Civic Si.
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Instrument cluster lights are too dim #45

Open jglovier opened 8 years ago

jglovier commented 8 years ago

Need to install or replace some bulbs.

jglovier commented 8 years ago

For reference:

jglovier commented 8 years ago

Some bulbs:

From superbrightleds.com

jglovier commented 8 years ago

Tried taking out the bulbs and replacing, but running into issues determining the right size bulb. Also, the bulbs I was able to replace didn't seem to make a huge difference. Found one thread that implied that the dimmer switch itself was possibly to blame, and another that suggested checking fuses (especially the radio/backup fuse under the hood).

Some additional resources:

BONUS

jglovier commented 8 years ago

Took out the dimmer switch and inspected it. Looks to be in working order, and it does dim the light that works, so I'm assuming it is not the problem (could be an incorrect assumption, but figure I should explore other options first).

I ordered the correct size LED bulbs from superbrightleds.com and installed them, but they are not working either (I did try turning them around in the socket, as some say when LEDs aren't lighting up correctly you need to flip them around). So it seems the problem may not be the bulbs themselves (although the old bulbs certainly look burnt out, with blackened tips). For now I just put it all back together so it's drivable and will further diagnose some other time.

jglovier commented 8 years ago

Some other tips from this thread:

Go under hood and check on the Radio/Backup fuse. It also handles the illumination on part of the dash.

I had the same problem in my civic what you need to do is take out the dimmer switch and in the back there's a red wire and a black wire you need to put them together and that brightness all the way your cluster and climate control and that's all

it was just my dimmer switch i replaced it with one from junkyard n it worked

Some extra tips from this thread:

Test to attempt to locate short:

  1. Install new 7.5A fuse in the #25 slot.
  2. Check whether unplugging the gauge cluster connectors prevents #25 from blowing.

okay i just got it right. I rewired my cd player and didnt wire it to dash lights. and in the fuse box they used a 7.5A instead of 10 fuse for the radio/clock. and that would allow me to run a 7.5a for the dash instruments. so i put a 10 in the radio and clock slot, and a 7.5a in the dash instruments and everything is working perfect now. thanks. so i think too much energy was pulling from the radio fuse and it needed extra from the dash light fuse #25.

Some extra tips from this thread:

Dimmer Switch. 99% sure this is your problem.

Guy I had this same problem with my Si. I couldnt figure out what it was for the life of me, then RonJ came along and said it was my Dimmer Switch, which it was. Hella Simple, Quick Fix. Just passing along the word of wisdom.

jumped red to black on dimmer and BAMM DASH LIGHTS!

had this same problem and tried to bypass red to black. It caused a spark followed by the headlights no longer working unless brights are on. please help.

Some extra tips from this thread:

OP:

For 6th generation Civic,

1) Check whether fuse 30 is blown.

2) If fuse is fine, pry the dimmer switch out of the dash and unplug the connector. Then jump the red wire to the black wire in the connector. Now when the light switch is turned on, the dash lights should shine at full intensity. If so, replace the dimmer switch.