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  #1  
Old 02-09-2009, 08:41 AM
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w124 dash lights dim

The Instrument cluster and console lights are very dim at night cant see anything on the dash, replaced a the bulb with new but prolbem still exist.

bash

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  #2  
Old 02-09-2009, 09:05 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bb.ec View Post
The Instrument cluster and console lights are very dim at night cant see anything on the dash, replaced a the bulb with new but prolbem still exist.

bash
Have you tried turning the dimming rheostat fully to the right ?
Same knob that resets the trip odometer.
If that dooesn't work then you may have to replace the rheostat.
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  #3  
Old 02-12-2009, 08:45 AM
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Smile

thanks alot

lights working
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  #4  
Old 07-07-2009, 11:47 AM
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My lights are dim also. Is it rheostat, or is it just poorly lit and need upgrade somehow?
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  #5  
Old 07-07-2009, 12:39 PM
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W124 dash lights are typically dim when compared to later models...even when the rheostat is turned all the way to "max".

Do NOT attempt to replace existing bulbs with higher-wattage units...those will melt the lenses that house the bulbs.

There are a couple of active threads in the past few weeks discussing one posters extensive (but impressive) replacements to LED bulbs...

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=255220

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=200431
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  #6  
Old 07-07-2009, 12:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by G-Benz View Post
W124 dash lights are typically dim when compared to later models..
I drive a 123 is it the same in theory?
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2008 Tundra 225k miles 5.7L
1982 240D.....sold
1984 300D...Totaled OUCH!
1985 300D Turbo 222k miles "Dos" sold to 79Mercy
1986 300SDL 98K miles "The Beater"....sold
1987 190E 2.3 16v Euro spec 115K miles....sold
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  #7  
Old 11-02-2009, 12:08 AM
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I fixed my dim cluster gauge lighting by cutting out a bit of the light guides near the front (Dremmel is your friend). And dropping a pair of panel mount style red lamps in each side, four in total. Needless to say so I'll say it, I took the two factory bulbs in the back out.


I used red because I'm converting the whole dash lighting over to red, using LED's, pieces of ruby lith, ... whatever works for each situation.

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Yes, that's 659K (km) on the odo! But it's from my high milage wrecking car, brought it over for the kmh-only face plate. This baby only has 321K (km) on her.
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Last edited by scottmcphee; 11-02-2009 at 12:16 AM.
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  #8  
Old 11-02-2009, 09:35 AM
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Does the rheostat require anything else to be removed/any resoldering? Or does it come out easily? I think I need mine replaced too.
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  #9  
Old 11-02-2009, 11:32 AM
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Instrument Lights

I considered several options to increase the lights on my 1989 300E after reviewing several posts. I removed the light guides next to the bulbs like scottmcphee did to avoid melting, painted the inside housing white to increase reflection and used 5 watt bulbs vs the stock 3 watt bulbs. The illumination was brighter and consistant looking but not glaring with no melting issues......and it still looked original matching the other lights in the cabin. I pulled the cluster after 6 months and found no issues with melting of the remaining guides or the bulb holders.
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Last edited by big dog 2; 11-02-2009 at 11:35 AM. Reason: add date
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  #10  
Old 11-02-2009, 09:03 PM
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One screw and pull, the rheostat will come off of the rear of the cluster.
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  #11  
Old 10-24-2012, 03:25 PM
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Dash lights out here, no others. Guess it's time to order a new rheostat.
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  #12  
Old 03-30-2013, 01:12 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RBYCC View Post
Have you tried turning the dimming rheostat fully to the right ?
Same knob that resets the trip odometer.
If that dooesn't work then you may have to replace the rheostat.
The things you dont know sometimes makes you feel like an idiot. Thanks RBYCC I have been trying for days to determine the location of the dimmer rheostat. There is nothing online that I have found that tells you the location of it. Again thanks and many blessings.

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