YACT: Changing the backlight color on your gauge cluster

[EyeMWing]

I've seen this done on motorcycles before, with pretty satisfying results. Anyway, I'm seriously considering changing out the gauge cluster in my Focus, primarily because I want a DAMNED TACHOMETER. But I figure, while I'm at it, I may as well make all the various lights and things on my dash match - my radio has a very nighttime-friendly red color scheme - much less harsh than the green.

As far as I can tell, this is a simple procedure, involving popping open the gauge cluster, finding the LEDs, unsoldering them, and popping a new one in it's place (all the actual gauge letting appears to be translucent white plastic, except for the KMH scale, which is already in red.

Any legality issues I should be aware of (other than "don't dick with the check engine light")? Anyone ever try it before?

 

[TomKazansky]

I did it on my Lexus and Toyota; shouldn't be a problem. I would still leave the CEL orange though, since you want it to stand out when something is really wrong.

 

[Tyrant222]

yeah did it with my sentra
http://autolumination.com/74.htm
bought for cluster lights:
(2) of the #74 (T5, T1-3/4) bulbs in red. .99 each
(2) twist lock bases. .29 each

for hvac lights i bought:
(2) Neo - Wedge Instrument Panel Bulbs for hvac in red.

 

[EyeMWing]

Originally posted by: infestedgh0st
I did it on my Lexus and Toyota; shouldn't be a problem. I would still leave the CEL orange though, since you want it to stand out when something is really wrong.

The only indicator lights I'll be changing are the redline light (I *THINK* that's green, I've never actually seen it come on) and the OD-off light. The rest of them are already red (except the CEL and fuel lights, which are orange, and will stay orange so I notice the damned things, and the high-beams light for the same reason.)

Also, I'd like to change the backlight on the LCD odometer, but that's another world in itself.

 

[ArJuN]

Originally posted by: infestedgh0st
I did it on my Lexus and Toyota; shouldn't be a problem. I would still leave the CEL orange though, since you want it to stand out when something is really wrong.

What kind of cars? And what kind of LEDs do they use?

 

[SVT Cobra]

How is red less harsh than green?

I understand what you are saying though, the ~2000 Bonevilles had a nice sporty red backlight color.

 

[jagec]

Hmm, I've been seriously considering doing that to my car. Now that I have a thread and a link, I think I will.

Red > Green, sorry Toyota...

Originally posted by: F22 Raptor
How is red less harsh than green?

I understand what you are saying though, the ~2000 Bonevilles had a nice sporty red backlight color.

It's better for your night vision. BMW and Pontiac, at least, like to use red...VW has kinda gone with this green-white-blue thing that looks flashy, but blinding, Toyota has had standard, boring green for quite a while, and I don't know about the others.