Why Do People Use LEDs in their gauges?

Midget96 · 11-03-2009, 06:58 PM

Looked through the gauge backlight thread again, and I didn't see one satisfactory outcome from LEDs in the gauge cluster. They cost more, they don't output even light at all, no matter what style you get and they don't offer any more color options than incandescents.

Snapped a pic of my gauges tonight. Had these super white bulbs in for over 2 years now. Light is even, bright and it cost me less than $10 for all the bulbs.

LEDs in your gauges are one bandwagon worth avoiding. Save yourself ~$40 and just install some incandescents!

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^99runner^ · 11-03-2009, 07:08 PM

where did you get your white incandescent bulbs at? they look good. i plan on doing my dash lights sometime soon

Midget96 · 11-03-2009, 07:13 PM

http://autolumination.com/

They've got pretty much every size imaginable.

Elton · 11-03-2009, 07:13 PM

lol i have put led's in other things none of my bulbs are burned out in the dash so why bother

awpsome · 11-03-2009, 07:33 PM

i dont get it the link doesnt have incandescents bulbs? or im missing it..
haha and i though leds just last longer?

CLin9383 · 11-03-2009, 07:36 PM

http://autolumination.com/74.htm
1/4 of the page down on the right side it says WEDGE BASED BULBS. you will need 1 for ignition, climate control, shifter, glove box and lighter.

http://autolumination.com/194.htm
3/4 of the page down. I think you need 3 for instrument panel.

Note: This is for a 1996 Limited. I believe the only difference is the 99+ are #24 bulbs instead of #194. All years should use the #74 bulbs.

Please correct me if I am wrong midget96

RaceTRACk · 11-04-2009, 01:26 AM

that looks good!

stock as possible · 11-04-2009, 05:00 AM

The only 194's I see that are incandescents dont have the 'super white', just clear, is that what you got? I would think the clear would throw the same yellow tinted light that the stock bulbs produce once the green condom is taken off, not that white light that you have.

DailyDrive · 11-04-2009, 05:33 AM

Leds are way more efficient. Less load on the alternator. I got an extra 2mpg out of it.

X-AWDriver · 11-04-2009, 09:14 AM

Extra MPGs from LEDs? That's funny.

MATTSRED · 11-04-2009, 09:39 AM

I use LED's..Waaay better than the stock ones i had and distribute light evenly i love'em

Hilux808 · 11-04-2009, 10:16 AM

Hey Midget96, do you remember what type of bulbs you got from autoillumination? Is it the super white stealth silver chrome covered ones or the super white xenon blue colored bulbs?

Midget96 · 11-04-2009, 11:36 AM

I just used the blue tinted super white bulbs. Forget the sizes, but I know some were #74 and maybe #194. The LED thread has a great list of sizes for every socket in the gauge cluster.

The real tiny neo-wedge bulbs (with the gray or orange sockets permanently attached) are only available in LED, but you don't need many and they don't go anywhere you would need a wide field of light distribution.

BigBallsMcFalls · 11-04-2009, 12:12 PM

teh new LED's are improved from a year ago. they have better throw, more
emitters, and better heatsinks. they keep improving them. ghosting and shadows
that the early instrumentation leds (and current -cheapo leds- have)
are a thing of the past

ESQ · 11-04-2009, 01:32 PM

Way too bright for me. I want to see my gauges, not be blinded by them. I'm running red LEDs for that reason. I don't have any dark/brightspots as I'm using inverted cone LEDs.

MillerPKA · 11-04-2009, 01:53 PM

someone please lead me to the quickest source to find the bulbs for gauge cluster instrument panel and shift selector for a 97. i never understand which ones to get and i don't feel like buying extra ones to get it right

Midget96 · 11-04-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESQ

Way too bright for me. I want to see my gauges, not be blinded by them. I'm running red LEDs for that reason. I don't have any dark/brightspots as I'm using inverted cone LEDs.

You know that knob with the bulb on next to the steering column? You can turn it to control how bright your gauges are.

Post up a pic of your setup. I'd love to see how bulbs that cost 3-4 times more perform in the same location.

ESQ · 11-04-2009, 03:29 PM

Yup. I'm familiar with it. But why go superbright if you are just going to dim them?

joeynational · 11-04-2009, 04:05 PM

LEDs are far superior to incandescent, they are the future of lighting thats why all new cars are coming with em.There are even some coming out with LED headlights, and yes you CAN see a MPG improvement by switching...But i don't think just switching your gauges will do it...Incandescent are just inefficent and produce lots of heat, LEDs again are FAR superior, more durable,last longer,more light from less engergy, they are "green",etc etc

98runner210 · 11-04-2009, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stock as possible

The only 194's I see that are incandescents dont have the 'super white', just clear, is that what you got? I would think the clear would throw the same yellow tinted light that the stock bulbs produce once the green condom is taken off, not that white light that you have.

I was thinking the same thing. Did you find out?

EDIT:

Nevermind, if you scroll down there are the super whites 194 $1.49 ea.

stock as possible · 11-05-2009, 05:47 AM

Got ya. What's the difference in the $2.99 on the left and the $1.49? Which would be better for gauges?

dsehresman · 11-05-2009, 06:03 PM

i just purchased the xenon ones for 1.49 and we will see how those work. i know the xenon is a good name so thats why i went with those

98runner210 · 11-05-2009, 08:43 PM

xenon is not a name but a type of bulb. I believe it is the gas used in it to create a brighter light.

pattycakes77 · 11-07-2009, 09:03 AM

i bought LEDs for my gauges a couple years ago and saw a huge improvement. i replaced the green stock bulbs/condoms with green LEDs and the color was just a nice deep green, a true green instead of the dull green/yellow from stock. i don't have any hot spots on the instrument cluster, but i did on the heat and A/C panel. also, even after ordering the correct size of bulbs for those areas, they wiggled and did not fit tight. i had to put them in and lay some rubber cement at the base to keep them in, and even that didn't keep them very tight. i've had 5 burn out so far and too. i do like the look of the LEDs but i can't say the quality is very good (products from 2 years ago, maybe the new stuff is better). just my experience.

98runner210 · 11-08-2009, 03:58 PM

I ordered some of the superwhite incandescent bulbs.

As for LEDS. I did LEDS in a car a few years ago. I used basic Wide Lens leds and it came out great. That was before they have these leds with mulitple leds for different angles. I did LEDS recently and even with the wide lens it threw a narrow beam and caused hot spots. I am kinda think they changed the design where you have to buy the more expensive ones for better results. I choose incandescent since they wil throw the color I want and so far my OEM bulbs have lasted this long so longevity isn't an issue.

11-03-2009, 07:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
^99runner^ Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: mississippi Posts: 70	where did you get your white incandescent bulbs at? they look good. i plan on doing my dash lights sometime soon __________________ 1999 Limited 4Runner 4x4 factory rear locker, 882/891 OME coils, N91SC/N86C OME shocks, whip antenna mod, red/blue wire mod, bull bar, clear corners, 2 12" kicker cvr sold: 98 GS 300 - stock sold: 97 Tacoma 4x4 5spd - 3" susp. lift, 3" body lift, 305/70 dueler A/T, clear corners and turns, smoke tail lights

11-03-2009, 07:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Siletz,Oregon Posts: 10,644	lol i have put led's in other things none of my bulbs are burned out in the dash so why bother __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto sister 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck

11-03-2009, 07:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
CLin9383 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,358	http://autolumination.com/74.htm 1/4 of the page down on the right side it says WEDGE BASED BULBS. you will need 1 for ignition, climate control, shifter, glove box and lighter. http://autolumination.com/194.htm 3/4 of the page down. I think you need 3 for instrument panel. Note: This is for a 1996 Limited. I believe the only difference is the 99+ are #24 bulbs instead of #194. All years should use the #74 bulbs. Please correct me if I am wrong midget96 __________________ 1996 Limited Last edited by CLin9383; 11-03-2009 at 08:03 PM.

11-04-2009, 01:26 AM	#7 (permalink)
RaceTRACk Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 33	that looks good! __________________ 1999 4RUNNER LTD OME 882, OME 891, 1'' Cornfed spacer, OME shocks, FZJ80 16x8 wheels, 285's MTZ, E-locker, ISR, deckplate mod, Steel braided brake lines, True flow filter, Hella 500's, Alpine HU, Custom spare tire carrier, extended diff breather

11-04-2009, 05:00 AM	#8 (permalink)
stock as possible Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 79	The only 194's I see that are incandescents dont have the 'super white', just clear, is that what you got? I would think the clear would throw the same yellow tinted light that the stock bulbs produce once the green condom is taken off, not that white light that you have. __________________ 92 4wd xcab pickup, 22re, 5 speed

11-03-2009, 07:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
Midget96 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 325	http://autolumination.com/ They've got pretty much every size imaginable.

11-03-2009, 07:33 PM	#5 (permalink)
awpsome Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 73	i dont get it the link doesnt have incandescents bulbs? or im missing it.. haha and i though leds just last longer?

11-04-2009, 05:33 AM	#9 (permalink)
DailyDrive Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 315	Leds are way more efficient. Less load on the alternator. I got an extra 2mpg out of it. __________________ '99 4WD 3.4L SR5 AT

11-04-2009, 09:14 AM	#10 (permalink)
X-AWDriver Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Littleton,CO Posts: 10,174	Extra MPGs from LEDs? That's funny. __________________ '99 4Runner Highlander 4wd E-locker,rear diff and deckplate mod * 265/75/16 Nitto TerraGrapplers * Yakima Load Warrior rack * clear corners/signals * Tacoma skidplate * Silverstar lamps/fogs Alpine CDA-9831,Bazooka EL Series 250w amp,MTX 10" sub

11-04-2009, 09:39 AM	#11 (permalink)
MATTSRED Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 49	I use LED's..Waaay better than the stock ones i had and distribute light evenly i love'em __________________ REUNITED ONCE AGAIN WITH MY TOYOTA : D

11-04-2009, 10:16 AM	#12 (permalink)
Hilux808 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Glendale AZ Posts: 216	Hey Midget96, do you remember what type of bulbs you got from autoillumination? Is it the super white stealth silver chrome covered ones or the super white xenon blue colored bulbs? __________________ 91' 22RE 5Spd 4WD left hand drive "Hilux Surf", a.k.a "*4Runner". I currently use & abuse: MSD 6A Bosch Super Plus PermaCool TrueFlow EdelbrockIAS Cragar Soft8 BFG 31" A/T Optima Dynomax RoyalPurple ALPINE RFosgate KappaPerfect Stinger - Half the worlds supply of zip ties. "She'll make point five past light speed. She may not look like much but she's got it where it counts, kid. I've made a lot of special modifications myself." H. Solo*

11-04-2009, 11:36 AM	#13 (permalink)
Midget96 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 325	I just used the blue tinted super white bulbs. Forget the sizes, but I know some were #74 and maybe #194. The LED thread has a great list of sizes for every socket in the gauge cluster. The real tiny neo-wedge bulbs (with the gray or orange sockets permanently attached) are only available in LED, but you don't need many and they don't go anywhere you would need a wide field of light distribution.

11-04-2009, 12:12 PM	#14 (permalink)
BigBallsMcFalls Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 546	teh new LED's are improved from a year ago. they have better throw, more emitters, and better heatsinks. they keep improving them. ghosting and shadows that the early instrumentation leds (and current -cheapo leds- have) are a thing of the past

11-04-2009, 01:32 PM	#15 (permalink)
ESQ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: British Columbia Posts: 179	Way too bright for me. I want to see my gauges, not be blinded by them. I'm running red LEDs for that reason. I don't have any dark/brightspots as I'm using inverted cone LEDs. __________________ My Build Thread The 4Cruiser: 98 4Runner SR5, 5VZ-FE, Sonoran Steel 1.2, BCC custom swing-arm rear armour, full Budbuilts, 285/75R16 Goodyear Duratracs, extended diff breather, airbox deckplate, red LED cluster, console,Wabfab front discos, Warn M8000 winch, Shrockworks full hoop, PIAA 520s and 510s, Stubbs HD-SKO Sliders, External tran cooler, tundra brakes and 5.29s and ARB lockers next

11-04-2009, 01:53 PM	#16 (permalink)
MillerPKA Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: GSU/ATL/SD Posts: 1,322	someone please lead me to the quickest source to find the bulbs for gauge cluster instrument panel and shift selector for a 97. i never understand which ones to get and i don't feel like buying extra ones to get it right __________________ Weston 97 SR5: Profile 883/LC with OME/PC shocks ∙ 2" body lift ∙ ARB bull bar ∙ Safari Snorkel ∙ KC/IPF aux lighting ∙ 315/75 BF Goodrich KM2s ∙ LC Wheels ∙ Vortex Cherrybomb ∙ Custom black/tan color scheme ∙ couple other things Toytec 4Runner Catalog

11-04-2009, 03:29 PM	#18 (permalink)
ESQ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: British Columbia Posts: 179	Yup. I'm familiar with it. But why go superbright if you are just going to dim them? __________________ My Build Thread The 4Cruiser: 98 4Runner SR5, 5VZ-FE, Sonoran Steel 1.2, BCC custom swing-arm rear armour, full Budbuilts, 285/75R16 Goodyear Duratracs, extended diff breather, airbox deckplate, red LED cluster, console,Wabfab front discos, Warn M8000 winch, Shrockworks full hoop, PIAA 520s and 510s, Stubbs HD-SKO Sliders, External tran cooler, tundra brakes and 5.29s and ARB lockers next

11-04-2009, 04:05 PM	#19 (permalink)
joeynational Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Phoenix,AZ Posts: 74	LEDs are far superior to incandescent, they are the future of lighting thats why all new cars are coming with em.There are even some coming out with LED headlights, and yes you CAN see a MPG improvement by switching...But i don't think just switching your gauges will do it...Incandescent are just inefficent and produce lots of heat, LEDs again are FAR superior, more durable,last longer,more light from less engergy, they are "green",etc etc

11-05-2009, 05:47 AM	#21 (permalink)
stock as possible Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 79	Got ya. What's the difference in the $2.99 on the left and the $1.49? Which would be better for gauges? __________________ 92 4wd xcab pickup, 22re, 5 speed

11-05-2009, 06:03 PM	#22 (permalink)
dsehresman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: langley, bc, canada Posts: 18	i just purchased the xenon ones for 1.49 and we will see how those work. i know the xenon is a good name so thats why i went with those

11-05-2009, 08:43 PM	#23 (permalink)
98runner210 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 778	xenon is not a name but a type of bulb. I believe it is the gas used in it to create a brighter light. __________________ '98 4Runner Limited White w/ silver flares

11-07-2009, 09:03 AM	#24 (permalink)
pattycakes77 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,085	i bought LEDs for my gauges a couple years ago and saw a huge improvement. i replaced the green stock bulbs/condoms with green LEDs and the color was just a nice deep green, a true green instead of the dull green/yellow from stock. i don't have any hot spots on the instrument cluster, but i did on the heat and A/C panel. also, even after ordering the correct size of bulbs for those areas, they wiggled and did not fit tight. i had to put them in and lay some rubber cement at the base to keep them in, and even that didn't keep them very tight. i've had 5 burn out so far and too. i do like the look of the LEDs but i can't say the quality is very good (products from 2 years ago, maybe the new stuff is better). just my experience. __________________ The PATYWGN: 1998 4Runner Desert Dune Pearl. PATYWGN show-off thread Sport Hood FAQ

11-08-2009, 03:58 PM	#25 (permalink)
98runner210 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 778	I ordered some of the superwhite incandescent bulbs. As for LEDS. I did LEDS in a car a few years ago. I used basic Wide Lens leds and it came out great. That was before they have these leds with mulitple leds for different angles. I did LEDS recently and even with the wide lens it threw a narrow beam and caused hot spots. I am kinda think they changed the design where you have to buy the more expensive ones for better results. I choose incandescent since they wil throw the color I want and so far my OEM bulbs have lasted this long so longevity isn't an issue. __________________ '98 4Runner Limited White w/ silver flares

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