Didn't know where to post this. Has anyone ever replaced the all the little instrument cluster bulbs with a tad higher wattage bulb? Say going from a 3 watt to 5 watt? The other night the idea popped into my head will driving my civic as it is kinda dim.

 

Well wouldn't putting a higher wattage bulb just appear dimmer if there is only say 3 watts flowing into it?

 

No, there is always 12 volts flowing to a bulb. The bulb should be brighter. I'm just curious if the higher watter bulb will overheat the boards or damage the cluster?

 

That is a good question then; couldn't you replace one bulb and check it later on for signs of overheating from that one?

 

There should be two lights on the top of the cluster that shine on the front. Between the lights and the **** you see, there is a film thingy that dims the light. I took it out in mine and the instruments are now nicely lit up without changing the bulbs. This may not be what you're looking for, but it may be the same thing for the lights in the back with a light filter thingy...

 

hmmm.....I'll have to look into it.

 

sure makes mine nice and bright but I am looking into getting some brighter ones for behind and putting the light filter back on.

 

When I had a 92 Eclipse, I just sanded down the back of the plastic of the gauges. I think the same thing is possible on our cars. Carefully pry off the needles and take out the gauge plastic, then sand it lightly on the back, replace and enjoy. - Darrell

 

i've wanted to use LEDs for the warning lights of the approieat colour. red for oil yellow foe CEL green for turn signals etc. u can make them brighter than bubls if ur carfull and they draw less so the curtiet powering them will last longer, they also never burn out.