Dim Dash Lights

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

I've had dim dash lights on my unit (01 Contessa) since I bought it in 2005. No flicker, etc, just uniformly dim. The warning lamps across the top are pretty much unreadable when on. I've done the headlight mod but obviously it didn't affect the dash lights. I suspect a resistive connection someplace. Didn't see any previous threads on this. Anybody else run into this and (hopefully) solved it? Otherwise I'll start troubleshooting.
Thx, Steve

[Jerry Carr]

Steve I am not sure of the cuase but I also have the same issue on the 06 Thunder.

[Joel Ashley]

I presume you've made sure the headlight switch knob is turned counter clockwise.

Joel

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Been there, done that.
Steve

[LarryNCarolynShirk]

You may want to start under the dash, where all the ground wires connect on a common buss.

Larry

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Larry,
Thanks. I think I've found the cause of the dim warning lights but don't want to comment more until I get some parts in next week to verify.
Steve

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Voltage drop from the electrical bay CB to the dash warning lamps is about 0.5V. Not unexpected when one considers voltage/ground routes through a connector and multiple crimps. I think biggest issue is the bulbs themselves. Originals are type 74, rated at 14V, 0.7 candlepower, and 1000 hours life. I replaced them with type 70; rated at 1.5 candlepower and 100 hr life. I suspect Beaver wanted to ensure lifetime , but even 100hrs is a long time for warning lights and you effectively run a "lamp test" each time you turn on the ignition. The brightness is better but not as much as I would have thought by doubling candlepower. However, I can now see my bright lights indicator in the daytime, a definite improvement. I've got some LED bulbs on order but am skeptical about the "advertised brightness" after reading some of the reviews. Will let forum know if an improvement is seen. If you are going to change the warning lamps, go in from the top. Use a vacuum hose to slide over the bulbs to assist in removing them.
Steve

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

LEDs are the fix for dim warning lights. My order came in yesterday and I installed them this AM, replacing the type 70 incandescent bulbs I had tried earlier. They are very bright, resulting in easily readable warning lights even in bright sunlight. In fact, you may want to leave an incandescent bulb in the "Exhaust Brake" indicator since it is an amber lens. The LED is almost too bright in that application. I got my LEDs at Amazon   http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00763NI3A/ref=ox_ya_os_product

The LEDs are not marked for polarity so you'll need to try them to ensure they are plugged in correctly. Also they are a bit fragile as the actual LED can be moved off center from housing if you handle them roughly. However, the connections remained intact and I was able to reposition the LED with no problem.

To recap, the warning light voltage is about 0.5 volts lower than at the electrical bay CB. The original bulbs are type 74, rated at 14V, 0.7 candle power and 1000 hr life. I first replaced them with type 70, rated at 1.5 candle power and 100 hr life. Brightness improved but was still not optimal. I then installed the LED, brightness is great and lifetime is rated at >1000 hrs.

Remove the screws from the dash panel and pull it outward to access the warning lights from the top. Push a small diameter rubber vacuum hose over the lights to aid in removing them from the sockets. Replace with LEDs, checking polarity by installing and turning ignition, turn signals, exhaust brake or brights on.

Steve