x90/Sidekick instrument cluster backlight modification

[kaplar]

I wasn't happy with the instrument cluster back light, so I decided to replace the bulbs with bright white LEDs. The main issue was that the bulbs were too old, and the green plastic (bulb condom ) got burned out.

RadioShack sells jumbo bright white LEDs for $1.99 a piece. Three LEDs are needed for the X90/Sidekick instrument cluster overhaul. The recommended LED voltage is 3.5V, and the current should not exceed 20mA. If the LEDs are connected in series, a resistor is needed on a + or - side of the circuit (80 OHM 0.5W to 1W). RadioShack sels these resistors for $0.99 for a pack of 5.

All in all, I tried out white and blue jumbo LEDs. The blue is a bit darker, but still absolutely visible under any conditions. The white LEDs remind me of my Audi's factory cluster, and I am very satisfied with the outcome.

I will provide more details on where to add the resistor and how to modify the circuit to those of you who are interested in this little project.

Cheers!
Milo.

[komobu]

What size resister did you use? Did you just place the three bulbs in series with the resister in front? It looks pretty nice, I would be interested in doing it to mine

[Mongo]

I put some leds in my motorcycle speedometer from here:
Super Bright LEDs - Miniature Wedge Base Bulbs

They work pretty well, and I believe you don't have to worry about installing resistors.

[kaplar]

Thanks Kombu, it looks much better live. The shot was taken with a poor quality phone camera.

As per the resistor, you can play with different sizes, but I wouldn't go below 50 OHM. Radio Shack has 50OHM 10W resistors, which may be a better choice, because they don't heat up at all, due to a huge wattage. On the other hand, if you put more than 100 OHM, this will reduce the intensity of light.

I chose to connect LEDs in series. It can be done in parallel too. The way the cluster is wired, the bulbs are connected in parallel. This may be even easier because there is no need to modify the circuit. For parallel application, you will need a 150 OHM 1W resistor (Radio Shack again). Just weld it in parallel, and replace the bulbs with LEDs (for this you will need a hot glue gun to stick the LEDs to the bulb plastic base).

Good luck!

[kaplar]

Originally Posted by Mongo

I put some leds in my motorcycle speedometer from here:
Super Bright LEDs - Miniature Wedge Base Bulbs

They work pretty well, and I believe you don't have to worry about installing resistors.

Shipping+handling makes them more expensive than 'do it yourself', but never the less thanks for the link!

[komobu]

Thanks Kaplar! If you get the time, could you please post the Radio-shack Part Numbers for the lights and resister you used?

[kaplar]

Originally Posted by komobu

Thanks Kaplar! If you get the time, could you please post the Radio-shack Part Numbers for the lights and resister you used?

LEDs:

White Jumbo Part# 2760005 for the cluster
White Small Part# 2760017 for the climate control back light and automatic transmission (if you have one).

As per the resistor, I will reinstall a 50 OHM 10W one, because it does not heat up. Sorry, I don't have the part #, but I am sure they will provide the right one, as long as you know the resistance and the wattage.

[deeznutts77]

man i put three green hid leds in my dash, didnt have to do all that work. the hardest part was hookin back up the speedo cable. i paid 15 bucks for 10 194 leds. looks awsome at night. next im looking around for vinyl overlays for the speedo, to look cool during the day. lol

[kaplar]

Originally Posted by deeznutts77

man i put three green hid leds in my dash, didnt have to do all that work. the hardest part was hookin back up the speedo cable. i paid 15 bucks for 10 194 leds. looks awsome at night. next im looking around for vinyl overlays for the speedo, to look cool during the day. lol

The jumbo LEDs are rated at 23000mcd (the brightness). The prepackaged LEDs go up to 9000mcd. I like bright, hence my decision.

Besides that, prepackaged LEDs come in 3 colors, whereas single jumbo LEDs can be found in pretty much any color.

I'm glad that you like the outcome though. As they say - suite your own preference

Cheers!

[deeznutts77]

Super Ultra Bright SMD LED, and this is not ordinary LED. this is what i got.