Dash Cluster illumination poor

[Dutchy1978]

Hi all,
I have a white dial cluster from a JDM EG civic which has poor illumination. I have changed the bulbs to LED bulbs in the hope it would help but doesn't look much different.

Has anyone got any ideas on how to brighten it up?

[bennjamin]

do you have a "dashlight brightness adjuster" (dimmer switch)
This maybe required with that particular cluster and it may be sitting on the lowest setting.

[Dutchy1978]

It is fitted to my mini which doesn't have an adjuster. Is there a way I can adjust it to a higher setting permanently?

[EKVTIR-T]

could probably wire one up and tuck it behind out of sight

would be cheap from wreckers anyway to test

[Dutchy1978]

True. I was hoping not to have another adhoc wiring loom behind the dash.

[bennjamin]

Here is a DIY i wrote 10 years ago about almost the same issue. It might help you if you can trace back the same coloured wires etc.

[bennjamin]

Ok according to google the EG6 cluster didnt come with a dimmer - and you CAN rewire one in giving you a brighter cluster

http://civic-eg.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=19474

[Dutchy1978]

My EG harness only has the black/red wire. No red or black. Thanks for the ideas but Your DIY practically bypasses the dimmer which means the Custer is getting a full 12v to it. Mine is doing this already and it is still dull. See below. the EG civic dimmer controller has a resistor built in to dim it. I didn't think a resistor increases the power.

[Dutchy1978]

[bennjamin]

Just trying to help. I did do that years ago and thought it might give you some insights.
More googling tells me EG6 clusters generally have poor illumination - can I suggest looking at changing the bulbs themselves to a more powerful variant / retrofit a LED strip hidden around the cluster or even grab a standard civic cluster and fit a white dial to it , giving a similar effect (except not 180km/h JDM )

[Dutchy1978]

Thanks for the help. Sorry if it came across as in grateful. Not intended too.
I have LED bulbs in it now but the idea of an LED strip around each dial sound good. I'll look into this.

[bennjamin]

I'm sure you can poke the LED strip in a way to give illumination and also be hidden. Be sure to write it up and post it for the DIY kids here