LED Swap (Guages / HVAC)
#42
Senior Member
SL Member
Team N.V.S.
Originally Posted by ninjaKid
didn't somebody post on here about some little sleeves you could put over the LEDs to change the color? easier than soldering =p
#43
Originally Posted by hohlecow
hey guys, first of all, thanks for the great write up and discussion. i think this looks really hot.
i'm planning on getting the tC with the blue illumination kit, and would love to replace the console and gauge cluster LEDs with blue ones as well, but how does this affect warranty?
some more questions:
- is there a way I can get replacement gauge clusters to mod before having to rip out the stock ones?
Go to a salvage yard, they'll be a lot cheaper than from a dealer.
- why aren't blue LEDs standard with the blue illumination kit?
Kinda messed up ain't it?
- is there any equivalent aftermarket parts that will do this?
Not yet.
- what color is the stereo illumination, and how hard would that be to mod as well?
Amber, unless you get the 6-disc (it's changable). I'm going to attempt the Stereo at a later date.
- for the guys who have done this, how hard would you say it is on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 - changing a lightblub, 10 - rewiring your house).
If you're experienced with soldering, then I rate it a 2 or 3, taking the console apart was harder for me.
i have no problem soldering or de-soldering, but i'd rather have this done professionally if possible.
i'm planning on getting the tC with the blue illumination kit, and would love to replace the console and gauge cluster LEDs with blue ones as well, but how does this affect warranty?
some more questions:
- is there a way I can get replacement gauge clusters to mod before having to rip out the stock ones?
Go to a salvage yard, they'll be a lot cheaper than from a dealer.
- why aren't blue LEDs standard with the blue illumination kit?
Kinda messed up ain't it?
- is there any equivalent aftermarket parts that will do this?
Not yet.
- what color is the stereo illumination, and how hard would that be to mod as well?
Amber, unless you get the 6-disc (it's changable). I'm going to attempt the Stereo at a later date.
- for the guys who have done this, how hard would you say it is on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 - changing a lightblub, 10 - rewiring your house).
If you're experienced with soldering, then I rate it a 2 or 3, taking the console apart was harder for me.
i have no problem soldering or de-soldering, but i'd rather have this done professionally if possible.
#45
Very nice info. One thing I would reccomend though. When removing the LCD, keep your finger on the front, and remove the board from the back.. essentially removing the PCB from the LCD instead of the other way around... this will prevent cracking the LCD by prying on it.
#46
Originally Posted by wgeee7478
endless... is correct. The ultimate goal here is to make sure that there is enough voltage going through the circuit to power the white LED's. If the circuit is truly in parallel, I would try replacing the LED that get's no voltage with another one. The LED's are not exactly like resistors per say, but because they do have a typical 0.7V drop you can safely say they do have some internal resistance. Just try to remember LED's this way. All in all, the multimeter tells no lies. If the voltage coming out of the contact points for each LED doesn't meet the req. for a white LED, then you will have to devise another way of lighting up the back with white color.
#47
Just ordered the LED's for this, 400 MCD should be bright. One thing I didnt notice was that the center consloe is dimmer than the gauge console with the stock amber lights in it. Hope red is a little brighter than the blue and doesnt look as dim.
#49
Originally Posted by TCRS193
Just ordered the LED's for this, 400 MCD should be bright. One thing I didnt notice was that the center consloe is dimmer than the gauge console with the stock amber lights in it. Hope red is a little brighter than the blue and doesnt look as dim.
#50
Still haven’t received my LED’s yet, not sure why it’s taking so long. Looks like the place I ordered the LED from have changed the price and the minimum quantity you can order. (www.lc-led.com)
On a side not, I’ve noticed a small black dot on the clock screen the other day, and this morning was cold enough to use the heater, that’s when I saw the fan speed indicator on the left side wasn’t showing the display and it now looks like a very small crack and 2 dots. Guess ill take it to service tomorrow.
I’ve read a few post where the LCD is very sensitive (more so than most LCD’s). If this is the case, maybe ill think twice about installing the LED’s to begin with.
On a side not, I’ve noticed a small black dot on the clock screen the other day, and this morning was cold enough to use the heater, that’s when I saw the fan speed indicator on the left side wasn’t showing the display and it now looks like a very small crack and 2 dots. Guess ill take it to service tomorrow.
I’ve read a few post where the LCD is very sensitive (more so than most LCD’s). If this is the case, maybe ill think twice about installing the LED’s to begin with.
#51
Originally Posted by TCRS193
Still haven’t received my LED’s yet, not sure why it’s taking so long. Looks like the place I ordered the LED from have changed the price and the minimum quantity you can order. (www.lc-led.com)
On a side not, I’ve noticed a small black dot on the clock screen the other day, and this morning was cold enough to use the heater, that’s when I saw the fan speed indicator on the left side wasn’t showing the display and it now looks like a very small crack and 2 dots. Guess ill take it to service tomorrow.
I’ve read a few post where the LCD is very sensitive (more so than most LCD’s). If this is the case, maybe ill think twice about installing the LED’s to begin with.
On a side not, I’ve noticed a small black dot on the clock screen the other day, and this morning was cold enough to use the heater, that’s when I saw the fan speed indicator on the left side wasn’t showing the display and it now looks like a very small crack and 2 dots. Guess ill take it to service tomorrow.
I’ve read a few post where the LCD is very sensitive (more so than most LCD’s). If this is the case, maybe ill think twice about installing the LED’s to begin with.
#55
k, i read all the posts.. i'm still not sure which size to buy. i know the size is PLCC2 and i need somthing better then 100mcd.. but can someone tell me what voltage or exactly where i can get blue leds?
#56
Originally Posted by Crafter
k, i read all the posts.. i'm still not sure which size to buy. i know the size is PLCC2 and i need somthing better then 100mcd.. but can someone tell me what voltage or exactly where i can get blue leds?
#58
Originally Posted by idriveatC
Has anyone tried to do 2 different colors yet? Like the numbers is white and the lines are white. Like the new 2005 toyota corolla xrs? my friend just got a xrs and i think the dash is niceeee
#60
I really wanna do this but I have no experience in soldering at all. Is there anything important like putting the LED the right way. What does that mean ? Is it like putting the LED in the right way like you do with a battery wtih -/+ ? Does the PCB show which is -/+ or am i going have to do a trail and error thing.
Is there more to this then just soldering some LED out and putting some new ones in ?
Is there more to this then just soldering some LED out and putting some new ones in ?