Dim Dash Lights on Latemodel

[geoffbaltz]

Anyone know how to replace/fix lights in the dash of an 86 944. I can barely see how fast I am going at night (not that I care). Just want to get the dash looking bright again.
-g

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Geoff Baltz
'86 944 Turbo

[Gordon Rankin]

I have the same problem with my 1981 924. Does anyone have a "fix" for this?
Gordon

[Gordon Rankin]

I have the same problem with my 1981 924. Does anyone have a "fix" for this?
Gordon

[Harp]

there is a brightness knob, I believe, on the dash to adjust the brightness. Maybe you know that, and the problem is electrical, but you didn't mention knowing about the knob. Good luck.

[geoffbaltz]

Thanks for the expert help j.o.

Now if anyone would like to use this forum to help a couple of fellow owners out, that would be great. Thanks in advance.

-g

[hoff944]

Have you tried replacing the bulbs?

[PrerYDoG]

Check the history of this board, there was a write up on how to put a 3v bulb in behind the dash so you can see.

It's dim by design, not by fault.

[geoffbaltz]

I haven't tried anything yet. 3v bulb eh? I'll search history on the site too. Does anyone know how to get to the bulbs? Thanks.
-g

[Gordon Rankin]

I did a search and cannot find that article or thread..Does anyone have it downloaded so it can be resent?
Thanks
Gordon
GRSGI@AOL.COM

[Gordon Rankin]

I did a search and cannot find that article or thread..Does anyone have it downloaded so it can be resent?
Thanks
Gordon
GRSGI@AOL.COM

[RaF944]

really theres nothing to do about it....I think the 3v bulb messes something up.....I remember that post and everyone said you cant do anything about it......

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85.5 Porsche 944

[no1biscuit]

I want a brighter dash too. Someone Please Help us.
Thanks
Thom

[EugeneYu]

Count me in.

[TomH]

This problem is a known commonality of Porsche cars. Here's a link to the solution. The problem has to do with the light tubes that the light shines thru from the bulbs to the dash. They are covered with a reflective silve coating that ages and loses its reflectivity. Refinishing these or, as the article details, cleaning the coating off and wrapping the tubes with tin foil is the solution.

http://members.rennlist.com/jmitro/technicaltips.htm

[floridaporsche]

Ok, this is a very common problem with the late model 944s. The factory bulb behind the dash is a 2 watt. I have heard of some replacing with a 3 watt bulb and achieving better brightness. However, I strongly caution this switch and strongly recommend not replacing with a 5 watt bulb. The 5 watt bulb will melt the plastic housing around the bulb, and the 3 watt bulb could possibly cause some similar effects. Also, there is silver reflective material on which the light is reflected off of. It is very common for this to deteriate causing a lower brightness. I recommend changing the bulb with the original 2 watt bulb and replacing the reflective material. Good luck.
BTW, you shouldn't slam someone for trying to help, maybe someone out there didn't know about the dimmer control wheel, and I bet some people still dont know how to reset the tripometer and should not be affraid to ask. Everyone has to start somewhere.

[redNeckarsulm2]

porsche designed the lights to be dim, so as to not interefere with night vision. The thinking is, they should be only bright enough for them to register in your periphrial vision when driving at night.
(I've got the salesman's workbook)

[PrerYDoG]

I agree, the dash lights should be dim, and if you have a hard time seeing the dash with it being dim, maybe you shouldn't be driving at night . I run with the Dimmer turned all the way down, and I still think it's too light.

[RaF944]

What about putting a hyper white bulb instead of a regular 2v bulb?

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85.5 Porsche 944

[Cebu]

Just finished my dash light fix. I removed the instrument cluster(85.5). At the bottom of the assembly, there are three triangular shaped light refraction units. I used auto rubbing compound and removed the faded silver reflection paint from the refracture units. Using clear tape, I taped an aluminum foil strip across the entire refracture area shiny side to the refracture (aluminum foil pieces may be cut to fit individual triangular refracture elements). Tested at night(3/31/01)..GREAT.

[Ehab]

For those of you with the early models, I just replaced my bulbs with new ones (Osram 1.2Watts 12V) and the dash looks much better. It was tricky to replace the lights in the fuel and temp gauges, but if someone needs tips on how to do that with normal instrument panel bulbs (available at Autozone), I can help.

E

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Lock Stock '84 944 and two smokin' tires ...