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Rockcrawler · 04-26-2013, 06:52 PM

In my 2001 LTC 7390 the lighting on the switch labels went out. I have seen in this forum that it may be fiber optic and a burned out bulb. Not in my case.

I have managed to get in the dash far enough to see that there is some type of electrical lighting in each group of switches. There are 2 small gauge white wires from each cluster that all go back to a small transformer looking device. It appears that the switch labels are lit by a low voltage system which gets its power from this transformer.

Of course this is a National supplied part not Freightliner. I have Googled the numbers on the part and have found nothing. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

chboone · 04-27-2013, 09:56 PM

You are correct that the instrument panels were supplied by National not by the chassis manufacturer. I don't know if your is the same as my Dolphin. The first time I removed the right panel, there is a yellow sticker where the two small white wires connect to the lighting strip that says "Caution, 110 volts". I don't remember if it said it was AC or Dc voltage, but I was surprised buy the sticker and that they would need that voltage just for switch lighting.

mbrandt1402 · 04-27-2013, 10:23 PM

You might try calling TECHLITE Corp. 7718 Loma Court, Fishers, Indiana 46038 Phone: 317/578-2626

Rockcrawler · 04-27-2013, 10:25 PM

WOW

110 volts. I didnt see any stickers on the wires. I would think if it were 110, it would most likely be DC. I am still stumped and hoping someone can shed more light on this.

seabum · 04-29-2013, 03:40 AM

Good Morning, looking at your picture at the wiring Red + hot/ Black - Ground would point to a DC voltage supply (marine and automotive). Did you follow the red wire back to a fuse? The box you show look like a transformer for LED lighting. The two white wires are going to two different lights fixtures? If that the case where are they picking up ground?

Theberrys · 04-29-2013, 07:11 AM

The dash lights in my 1999 Tradewinds are "EL". That transformer thing is a EL inverter to convert 12VDC to around 110 VAC (very low current) they are available on the web. This is the company I have most often seen as a supplier Cape Innovation (also trading as Dupree Products).

Good Luck
Dick

chboone · 04-29-2013, 10:21 AM

The same as my 99 Dolphin. What is "EL"?

seabum · 04-29-2013, 11:02 AM

I think you got it, the to white small wire would be supply and return of a EL light stripe. Here some information www.sparkfun.com. Good luck

Dusty
432 Dolphin 1994

Rockcrawler · 04-29-2013, 02:33 PM

Thanks for the replys guys. I was just about ready to duct tape a flashlight to the dashboard and call it good

. Now that I know what to chase, the hunt is back on.

Thanks again.

Rockcrawler · 04-29-2013, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbrandt1402

You might try calling TECHLITE Corp. 7718 Loma Court, Fishers, Indiana 46038 Phone: 317/578-2626

This is the wrong company. Sounded good didnt it?

There are no specs on this little inverter to shop with. It appears that I need to know how many feet of EL I'm dealing with. This is a big unknown. Any further ideas? I'll make some calls tomorrow.