Bjbpe

My speedometer, odometer and other gauges are getting really dim. I hope to pull the dash and make repairs in August after my kids and grandkids have visited. I'm not really interested in the super bright adaptions that I've seen here but it would be nice to return to the original new car brightness.

Ideas anyone?

Alan

Buy the bulbs from Roger?

Alan

MainePorsche

Barney,
Something quick that can help is what follows.
Do you use the dimmer dial on the left of the steering wheel ? This rheostat is where incoming current is resisted before it goes out to illuminate. If you chose to use the dimmer you will need to remove/clean/deoxidize. If your not going to use it just connect the incoming to outgoing wires, thus bypassing any resistance in the unit which easily degrades from an electrical conductivity point of view.
The incoming current is in the Black wire.
The outgoing current to bulbs is through two Black/Blue wires - one to illuminate center console bulbs and one that feeds pod switch and dash bulbs.
Clean connectors well - hook up - and get all the current you can.
All you need is a phillips screw driver to remove the rheostat. You have to remove the plastic face piece but that is just 2 screws as well. Removal requires you're on your back for a bit.

Kevin in Atlanta

Not always the bulbs. Sometimes - over time - the reflective material begins to deteriorate reducing the brightness. I have seen threads about improving the reflective quotient - search is your friend. I believe some have used spray paint.

SteveG

If you change bulbs, there are several good step guides to removing the pod. But you will be operating under the dash in challenging contortions, which is a major gymnasitc feat. Consider having muscle relaxants (for your back) and pain medication on hand.

Kevin in Atlanta

And if your voltmeter chronically shows low reading or your fuel gauge is not accurate this the time to address them both. Many threads on tweaking them here.

Alan

After 27 years it is very highly likely that the bulbs are not as bright (darkening on inside of glass) - but I agree the light guides could well be an issue too.

Key thing is the bulbs are relatively cheap, easy to do (and to test relative to each other) - I'd certainly change them out AND evaluate the light guides at the same time.

Alan

Alan

Take the pod out...

Alan

Bjbpe

Thanks to all for comments and suggestions. I've had the pod out many, many years ago and I agree it is a contortionist's triumph. I'll order the bulbs and also take Craig's advice regarding the dimmer. I'm afraid deferred maintenance has become a habit for this old trooper.

86gtvert

I would be interested to see how this turns out. Please let us know...I have this same problem with my dash lights. The PO insisted that new bulbs were installed however I have yet to R/R the pod to verify. I do think I will try to rheostat trick first.

MainePorsche

Whether you maintain the rheostat, or bypass it, make sure the connectors/rheostat are optimally cleaned/deoxidized.
I'm a purist and wanted to maintain it, though in fact I've never used it other than to see it work. I did bypass it in the end.
Very comfortable with my illumination.

SteveG

That was assumed. Don't you have to access the various panel screws and the ingenious "S" attachment hooks (one on either side of instrument panel) from the footwell? That would be looking UP, from beneath those panels.

Ad0911

I did the lights twice. First time using new bulbs after bypassing the reostat dimmer. This did not help one candela. The curse was the light transmitting prisma's that did not transmit as much as was needed. I took them out and put a piece of milky white translucent plastic over the slots where the prisma's used to be. Under these plastic strips I fixed LED strips shining warm white light onto the plastic strips. The light emitted by those LED's (3 per slot, there are 3 slots) was too strong so I fitted a touchdimmer to control the light. Works perfectly, very nice equally distributed soft light shining on to the instruments. I put a fil on youtube so you can see what it does. I got a lot of that plastic so if you want a part, just PM me

Ed Scherer

See an old post with tips on cleaning the dimmer rheostats.

86gtvert

Well per your suggestion, I did some reading on the older posts and based on what I see, I think I may have found my illumination problem. One interesting side note though...I didnt realize 928's were equipped with a photo-electric cell to react to ambient light sources (to "auto illuminate) PRETTY NEAT! I will let you all know the status of things...
Sorry didnt mean to "thread-jack" anyone here...