Changing the color of the Climate Control and switch back-lights

[P_Carfahrer]

Particlewave, What would have to be done to make the linked kit work for 2001 with the supposed smd leds? Could the leds in the kit be soldered onto the later clusters? Thx

[Swhitcomb]

Yes, bf do you have a good link to the SMDs?

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by P_Carfahrer

Particlewave,

What would have to be done to make the linked kit work for 2001 with the supposed smd leds? Could the leds in the kit be soldered onto the later clusters?


Thx

I think you'd need some of the "bulbs" in the link for the cluster, but the LCDs use SMDs. The same SMDs as in the link for the climate control and switches. I don't know how many because I've never worked on the later clusters and lost my pictures.
A cheaper alternative would be to buy the LEDs I've linked below for all SMDs.

Originally Posted by Swhitcomb

Yes, bf do you have a good link to the SMDs?

PLCC2 SMDs:

Blue - https://www.unique-leds.com/leds/smd-leds/plcc2-top-emitting-leds/plcc2-surface-mount-top-led-super-blue/

Green - https://www.unique-leds.com/leds/smd-leds/plcc2-top-emitting-leds/plcc2-surface-mount-top-led-super-green/

Red - https://www.unique-leds.com/leds/smd-leds/plcc2-top-emitting-leds/plcc2-surface-mount-top-led-super-red/

White - https://www.unique-leds.com/leds/smd-leds/plcc2-top-emitting-leds/plcc2-surface-mount-top-led-super-white/

[particlewave]

For those that would like to change the dash cluster backlights in later model clusters, here are some pictures.

Use the same LEDs that are used for the climate control and switches (you'll need 50 for the cluster).

[jtn3]

Are you still creating these? I live not too far from Austin do you have a shop that you do this at?

[particlewave]

I'm in northern Missouri and this is a DIY mod, but you could ship your stuff to me for a color swap. Cluster, climate clntrol unit, switches headlight switch trim bezel done for $200 and you pay shipping both ways. I only do Mk1 clusters (1997-2000), not the later clusters pictured above with the SMDs (2001 and up).

[P_Carfahrer]

I successfully changed our my cluster leds. Broke one stepper motor shaft and had to solder a new motor on the board. Hardest part was positing needles. I couldn’t get it right until I plugged the cluster in without the lenses and the needles not completely pressed in and verified data with my scanners and then matched the positions and pressed them in.

Thanks Charles.

[particlewave]

Very nice

I don't think I've ever seen one of these later clusters done. It looks amazing!


.

[Swhitcomb]

I have a later cluster and have been wanting to do this for years. Guess I’ll have to just dive in and do it.

[BruceH]

Originally Posted by particlewave

Very nice

I don't think I've ever seen one these later clusters done. It looks amazing!

No kidding! You guys need to come over and do mine!

[P_Carfahrer]

So the LED change in the cluster was practice for changing the color in the never installed 996 cluster I bought from eBay a few months ago.

Got the 996 cluster finished a few days ago. LEDs in the 996 were a PITA as they were PLCC 4 instead of the much easier to solder PLCC 2.

Now I have a LED color changed, low mile gen 2 986 cluster that is homeless and needs a new one.

[Swhitcomb]

Same colors on the 986 gauge?

[Swhitcomb]

And BTW, that looks REALLY sharp.

[Oggie]

That looks really amazing. Have you used a mix of blue and white LED's on the 996 cluster? I like the white digits on the analog dials and blue backlight on the digital.

[P_Carfahrer]

Blue LEDs for both the LCD and gauges. The iPhone camera has a hard time capturing the gauge face blue without blowing it out. You can see the blue gauge digits in the painted surround reflection. I agree it looks cool with a seeming white gauge face. Looks great with white as this pic tends to show and blue which it really is.

[particlewave]

That looks great!