Instrument cluster LED change

[dhobbs]

A job I've been meaning to do for ages is to change the orange LEDS in the instrument cluster for white ones. Seen this done before so thought I'd give it a try.

Took the panel out and brushed off my soldering skills from 20 years ago. Thankfully it's all hidden but at least it works.

Had an initial problem where the display wasn't seated properly but took it apart again and now all OK.


Here's the results.

 

[markplant]

That looks really good

 

[dhobbs]

There were four LEDs I couldn't replace as I didn't have the right ones. These are at the beginning and end on the main dials so still show an orange glow, not the end of the world to be honest.

 

[dhobbs]

That looks really good

Thanks. Took me a fair few hours :roll:

 

[ARCS]

Ooooh I like that! Top skills any links to everything needed to do the job?

 

[DMike]

There were four LEDs I couldn't replace as I didn't have the right ones. These are at the beginning and end on the main dials so still show an orange glow, not the end of the world to be honest.

The shift from orange to white looks gradual and I like the subtle effect it creates - like a sunset or red sand glowing in a desert image.

 

[dhobbs]

Ooooh I like that! Top skills any links to everything needed to do the job?

I bought these LEDs back in May hoping to do this last summer. I'm sure you could get them anywhere.


As for the four I didn't replace, I'm not sure, would need to look though RS catalogue to identify them.


The four circled at the bottom are 90 degree LEDs.

Have you soldered before? It took me a little time to get the right technique for smds.

 

[dhobbs]

There were four LEDs I couldn't replace as I didn't have the right ones. These are at the beginning and end on the main dials so still show an orange glow, not the end of the world to be honest.

The shift from orange to white looks gradual and I like the subtle effect it creates - like a sunset or red sand glowing in a desert image.

Thanks. It wasn't the look I was going for to be honest but sometimes those mistakes work out. I'm thinking of replacing those last four, but the effort involved puts me off a little.

 

[Richfarr]

Again great job. I love hind of orange at the bottom.

 

[DMike]

I suppose the tamper dot does not illuminate as long as you keep the battery disconnected?

 

[kis]

I think the contrast looks good, it’s not overwhelming with the white light. Good job

Although I’ve heard that the whiter light causes issues with your night vision? And generally I do a lot of night or at least post sunset driving. Like to know your thoughts OP?

 

[Calps]

Here's the results.
8E59FFA2-3AEB-4828-B193-DB96260043DB.jpeg

This looks excellent, great job OP. You mentioned you had previous soldering experience - do you think this would be something a novice could attempt?

 

[dhobbs]

I suppose the tamper dot does not illuminate as long as you keep the battery disconnected?

No problem with the tamper dot and you can do this without disconnecting the battery. I assume as the unit is coded to the car already it shouldn't matter.

 

[dhobbs]

Here's the results.
8E59FFA2-3AEB-4828-B193-DB96260043DB.jpeg

This looks excellent, great job OP. You mentioned you had previous soldering experience - do you think this would be something a novice could attempt?

Hmm, you could give it a go, maybe look for tutorials on YouTube. Do you have the kit? Soldering iron, solder, solder sucker?

Tips like putting solder onto the iron beforehand to help melt the joints.
I found with the SMDS they are fiddly, I had to gently prise one end up to try and remove them. When removed I put some solder on the contacts then held the LED on top and remelted the joints. There are proper tools for smds though. I just used a normal iron.

 

[dhobbs]

I think the contrast looks good, it’s not overwhelming with the white light. Good job

Although I’ve heard that the whiter light causes issues with your night vision? And generally I do a lot of night or at least post sunset driving. Like to know your thoughts OP?

I've heard that too but hated the orange lights, and with my old eyes I don't think the orange is that clear.

The Z4M has white lights as standard so can't see it as a real problem. Will have to try it and see ( when lock down ends). Worst case is I change to blue like VWs.

 

[Jollyjoiner]

Looks loads better, job well done sir

 

[ARCS]

Ooooh I like that! Top skills any links to everything needed to do the job?

Have you soldered before? It took me a little time to get the right technique for smds.

Done a bit here n there but not on circuit boards.

 

[Jl-c]

These do the job?
https://www.mouser.co.uk/ProductDet...-S2U2-FK0PM0-1-Z/?qs=vLWxofP3U2wgxkQHFkIztw==

 

[dhobbs]

These do the job?
https://www.mouser.co.uk/ProductDet...-S2U2-FK0PM0-1-Z/?qs=vLWxofP3U2wgxkQHFkIztw==

Could do. Will have to look at those, thanks for the link.

 

[Marauder]

Looks excellent.