I updated/replaced some of the add-on gauges to my car. I installed electric full-sweep Autometer Ultra-Lite oil pressure, water temp, fuel pressure, trans temp, bolts, all with built in warning lamps. I specifically asked for full electric sweep gauges. I should have looked a little closer before installation. 😡

The gauges all have regular 194 bulbs for backlighting, EXCEPT the trans temp (it’s a ULTRA-LITE II) that has LED backlighting. Autometer doesn’t offer the other gauges in the ULTRA-LITE II model full sweep electric with LED backlighting. So, I either have all full sweep except the trans temp, have all incandescent lights except the trans temp (which can’t be dimmed with the dash dimmer) or convert all the gauges to LED lighting, and add a PWM module (pulse width modulation) to dim the LEDs.

Autometer offers a PWM driver, from what I understand it has a dial to adjust the brightness. It can’t be adjusted from the headlamp rheostat. Anyone in readerland have any suggestions?

i have had some of these gauges for over a year, so exchange is out of the question. I like the Autometer brand, so a different vendor is also a no-go.

 

In mine, the three gauges in one of Randy's pods aren't connected to the dimmer and are a completely different look than the other gauges. In the end it totally doesn't matter.
Just drive it and see if it really bothers you. It might be easier to ignore than to ""fix"".

 

I've found most of the time it stays on full bright anyway.

 

Or maybe convert the led to incan. They run on the same voltage, and then they would all be dimmable with the rheostat.

 

Unfortunately, that’s not an option. The LED are internal, and mounted to the circuit board. There isn’t a place to put a 194 bulb.

 

Can you post a pic of the board? It may still be possible to change out the bulbs. (though as you say, not 194's)

 

As I said, they are internal, and I don’t see a way to open the gauge. The bezel is crimped to the housing.