Improve dash illumination
#1
Improve dash illumination
In the vehicles that use #194 bulbs (3.8 W) for dash lighting, dimness is a common problem. If you change to #168 (4.9W), there is some improvement but not really enough. The answer is the Malibu 4watt bulbs sold at Home Depot used for outdoor low voltage lighting. The physical size seems to be what makes the difference. They are larger but still fit in the instrument openings. Also, there does not seem to be any effect on the printed circuit so far and they have been used for several hours straight. A four bulb pack will set you back about $5.
#8
#9
I have tried several different types of LED's but none were really satisfactory because they usually shine the brightest straight ahead and you need more surround lighting for this application. That doesn't say there aren't any out there that will work but I haven't found them yet.
#10
There is a lengthy thread on LEDs.
I swapped my 194s for LEDs "assmeblies" that have 5 LEDs. One pointing straight ahead and four in a circular pattern. Against regular 194 there is no comparison. Significantly brighter and 1/10 the current draw.
I wanted to know how the Malibu bulb compared to LEDs. Not how the 194s compared to LEDs.
I swapped my 194s for LEDs "assmeblies" that have 5 LEDs. One pointing straight ahead and four in a circular pattern. Against regular 194 there is no comparison. Significantly brighter and 1/10 the current draw.
I wanted to know how the Malibu bulb compared to LEDs. Not how the 194s compared to LEDs.
#11
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