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Instrument cluster lights "dim only" problem


gromittoo
10-02-2016, 01:18 PM
A year ago, I had 4-5 dash lights burned out in my instrument cluster in my 2001 Chrysler Voyager. I bought a cheap pack of 10 of LED replacement bulbs. I didn't care for the color. Also, they didn't dim as much as incandescent bulbs do, but I wasn't going to change them.

Eventually, the LED lamps started blinking and flickering, one by one. Then they began burning out (I thought LEDs were not supposed to burn out!!!). I have video if anyone wants to see it. I wound up replacing all of the LED bulbs with brand new incandescents.

Here is where it gets weird. The new bulbs work correctly in the dim mode, but when I rotate the dimming wheel to the "bright dash light" position, the instrument cluster stays dim. All of the other dash lights work correctly. This is a big problem, since the instrument cluster is not bright enough to see in the daylight.

I figure that the LEDs damaged some part of the instrument cluster dimming circuit. Does anyone have any ideas on how to fix, short of replacing the instrument cluster?

Stealthee
10-02-2016, 03:21 PM
#1 You have to get LED's that are specifically dimmable. Standard LED's don't dim.
#2 The LED lights didn't last because they were cheap. I have looked at various LED lights on Amazon, eBay, etc and the super cheap ones always have poor reviews, especially in longevity.

I don't think the LEDs would have damaged part of the dimming circuit. You need to test your rheostat (dimmer) to see if voltage changes when you turn it.

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