Ok, so as i pulled apart my dash to take out my cluster and install some red LEDS i found something that i knew but didnt know. I knew at one point this truck has a remote start/alarm system.

3 hours of tracing and untangling and disconnecting later.... considering i have zero experience with car electrical systems im amazed it still runs.


but wait! EVERYTHING is working as should, except the 2 red LED 194 bulbs i installed in my cluster. any thoughts? The other lights on the cluster are working fine (the smaller OEM bulbs).

is there anyone to test the cluster while removed from the rig?

oh and i also cleaned/refinished my cab the other day.

 

Try reversing the polarity on the bulbs. Lots of those little 194 leds are polarized and will only work if if in correctly.
To test it before everything is back together, plug the cluster back into the dash and set it in place. Then hook up the dimmer switch on the left side of the steering wheel. Its easier to just pull the dimmer out of the front panel when doing this because its only one nut that holds it in place. When you turn the lights on, the cluster should light up.

 

thanks for the reply. i tried swapping the bulbs directions with no luck. they are labeled as non polarized leds and the packaging states they can be used in either direction. i guess the next thing to do is swap the old bulbs back in to see if its the new bulbs or the cluster.

 

where did you get the bulbs from?

 

oreillys , they are 4 bulb red 194 leds.

i just wanted something temp while i get ready to make a proper order on superbright. chances are this is the reason.

 

That was going to be my suggestion, was to get them from superbright. But it seems kind of odd that you would have 2 DOA led bulbs like that.

 

Make sure dimmer is set to high. Most common parts house leds are not dimmable.

 

That's a nice captain's chair. Dual arm rests = plush!

 

Just a thought , if you have disconnected the Dimmer, the #194 bulbs won't light Up, they are tied to the Dimmer. If you change those bulbs and want to try them, be sure to have the dimmer connected otherwise. They won't light up.

 

Yep, I have the dimmer reinstalled and tried it from min to max when i last tested it. i guess ill pull these, find a new use for them (im thinking night time lights for the canopy/travel light in the cab)

there is a chance i may have snipped a wire connected to the dimmer circuit, so ill double check that circuit is intact as well.

 

I have had no issues with 194 LED's in my 81's dash with my dimmer in the 2-3 years since I did the conversion. Got them off ebay

 

Update. RESOLVED the issue...

bulbs were not conntacting the socket well. pinched in the connectors on the socket for a tighter fit, tested on 12v power supply, and reinstalled with working LED's. thanks all.