Dash Lights

[mabel2002]

I recently had to drive past dusk and discovered the dash lights are pretty dim even when the headlight switch is turned to the brightest setting. We have a 2002 Monaco Windsor. Appreciate any help to correct the dim dash lights.
Rich

[vito.a]

I recently tried to replace one of our dash light bulbs. When I took the dash out I found out the original bulbs were #161. These are very dim 2.7w mini bulbs when new and get slightly dimmer with age.
Mine had a bad ground and I was able to fix it, but made a note to try to find an LED replacement. So far I have not found an LED that is small enough to fit.

There are some conventional mini bulbs available that will fit and have increased light output (164, 184, and 194), but they also are a higher wattage bulb and I'm not sure the circuit will tolerate the increase in heat.
I'm thinking about just replacing the old 161 bulbs with new long life 161 bulbs and see if that helps.

[CountryB]

Mine is the same - but it is the headlight switch that is the problem.

There is a rheostat in the switch that controls the dash brightness. The rheostat gets worn out and it gets dirty. If the brightness fluctuates/flickers (rather than a smooth continuous brightness change) when turning the headlight knob then it is the rheostat.
A new highlight switch will fix the problem.

[onechaddude]

Originally Posted by CountryB

Mine is the same - but it is the headlight switch that is the problem.

There is a rheostat in the switch that controls the dash brightness. The rheostat gets worn out and it gets dirty. If the brightness fluctuates/flickers (rather than a smooth continuous brightness change) when turning the headlight knob then it is the rheostat.
A new highlight switch will fix the problem.

I had the same situation with my headlight switch. Some folks say it can be cleaned. I went to local NAPA and for about $20 (IIRC) I was back in business.
HTH

Chad

[JWBranning]

Originally Posted by vito.a

I recently tried to replace one of our dash light bulbs. When I took the dash out I found out the original bulbs were #161. These are very dim 2.7w mini bulbs when new and get slightly dimmer with age.
Mine had a bad ground and I was able to fix it, but made a note to try to find an LED replacement. So far I have not found an LED that is small enough to fit.

There are some conventional mini bulbs available that will fit and have increased light output (164, 184, and 194), but they also are a higher wattage bulb and I'm not sure the circuit will tolerate the increase in heat.
I'm thinking about just replacing the old 161 bulbs with new long life 161 bulbs and see if that helps.

While I can’t solve the original posters issue I may be able to provide a place to possibly look for a replacement to your issue of needed a LED bulb. I purchased a few bulbs in the past from M4 Products and not only were they good quality replacement parts the company was very good to work with to find an alternative if I needed assistance.

M4 Products