Dim dash instrument cluster lights

[DMC-007]

Mine look like they are "working" but extremely dim...
the main speedo etc instrument cluster back lights..
I couldnt find a knob to possibly dim or brighten them like Ive
had on all my others cars, so is there such a dimmer / brightness knob ?
or is this just 1 of the usual complaints with these cars ?
If so, my next project is going to be remove the cluster and swap in
new bulbs, prob trying some LED bulbs and see how they look at nite.
thanks in advance..
Dg

[Bitsyncmaster]

There are no "backlights". Just bulbs above the cluster. So even with the intensity turned up they don't looks as bright as your other cars. The dimmer is a black knob just ahead of your shifter lever.

[AugustneverEnds]

Sounds like you will be needing this: http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?5085-How-To-Binnacle-Removal-and-Bulb-Replacement&highlight=binnacle+removal

It's really not such a bad procedure as long as you don't get claustrophobia or maybe I think so because I am not very tall and wedging myself into the footwell with the seat in place isn't too difficult :biggrin:

This one is very helpful too for switching to LEDs: http://delorean2109.blogspot.com/2011/07/going-100-leds-on-your-car-is-good-idea.html

When you remove the binnacle and take the printed circuit board off be extremely careful as the plastic is probably going to be very brittle after 35 years. Taking the electrical connector out of the back of the instrument cluster caused me fits when the copper tabs lifted off the plastic backing leading to a frustrating experience with super glue and a call to DMC Europe for their new design circuit board.

As per a fellow owner's suggestion, replacing the steel washers and nuts that hold the circuit board to the instrument cluster with brass, size 6-32 from Home Depot improves conductivity and is cheap and simple.

[David T]

Assuming you have a dimmer and it is still working it may be wired incorrectly.

[PJ Grady Inc.]

LED's make a vast improvement over stock but you lose the dimmer function. Don't worry you won't miss it.
Rob

[Peripatetic]

LED's make a vast improvement over stock but you lose the dimmer function. Don't worry you won't miss it.
Rob

Has anyone repurposed the dimmer knob for anything else?


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[Bitsyncmaster]

Has anyone repurposed the dimmer knob for anything else?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I removed the dimmer and installed a black push button that turns my battery disconnect relay on or off.

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?10918-Latching-Battery-Relay

[DMC-007]

how hard is it to R & R the cluster ?
thanks guys..
we stock alot of LED bulbs, about 20 styles and at least 3 colors..
so going to try to swap them out soon.

[Jonathan]

The illumination control knob (aka rheostat), is shown on page 4 of the owner's manual, and explained further on pages 10 and 11 (owner's manual page numbers, not PDF page numbers).

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?2755-DeLorean-Owner-s-Handbook-Manual

The wiring for the rheostat can be seen on the overall wiring diagram:

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?17-DMC-12-color-wiring-diagram

Or visually here in this photo of the underside of the shifter plate:

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?10336-Assorted-helpful-technical-photos&p=165448&viewfull=1#post165448