truittj

I've had a couple of bulbs burned out (94 100CS), and am considering replacing them (it's the outside temperature and the gearshift indicator). The bulb behind the status indicator (in the middle of the dash, usually showing the radio station/preset) is also getting a little flaky, though that one may just be loose.

The question I had was why use standard incandescent bulbs? An LED running of the same voltage would draw less current and have around 10x the lifetime (meaning I'd never have to replace it again). What's the drawback? Will there be difficulties with the dimming, maybe? Anyone ever try this?

-Jim

ARK

typical 1.2W bulb Audi uses in the instrument cluster. If you can fit it in, it would be a good idea. Need a dropping resistor in series with each LED to limit the current.

KaMaKaZieP -ALUMIN8-

I wanted to do that to my dash.. let me know how it turns out if you do

Seattle Scott

I consider changing all of them to get uniform lighting across the dash.

DennisStehlik

You would need high intensty LEDs. Wish I would have seen this post this morning, I could have measured the holes in the unit to see if LEDs would fit. I just did this job this morning. Took 1 hour from beginning to end (Shift and temp indicators). From what I saw, I dont think high intensity LEDs will fit, but I could be wrong. The other issue is getting the resistors in place. There is not much room at all for much else. The other issue is that you are going to have to be sure what is the + and - connections to mount the LED. Get it wrong and it will not light up.

Such a simple job. why complicate it with LEDs. The bulbs last 5+ years. I'll gladly do it again if I still have the car.