Why are the dash lights in my 2004 ranger so dim ? I can’t even see fuel guage at all. I can read odometer/tach just not stock radio and accessory guages? Any help would be appreciated.

 

Have you checked the dimmer switch ? next to the head light switch.

Spin it upwards, don't go to far (past the click) or you turn on the dome light

 

Yes I know about dimmer switch my lights work behind speedometer and tach just not the radio and fuel guage/temperature guage. Thanks

 

Some of the six lamps are burned out. You'll need to replace them.

As long as you're going to the trouble, get some quality dimmable LEDs.

 

Thank you for the info. Is there a tutorial on here on how to replace these lamps by chance ? And do you know of a part number for the LED bulbs? Thanks again

 

There are several different styles that have been used. To make sure which ones you have, you'll need to pull it out. It won't be in the manual... they want you to go to the dealer.

When I changed my 2002 lamps, there were two types that were used that year. So I just bought 6 of each so I'd be covered.

 

Good article here: https://www.ranger-forums.com/interi...-lights-65263/

2004 and up cluster are a little different but not that much, read thru whole article

Regular bulbs have no Polarity, no + and - side, so work when put in either way
LED bulbs do have a Polarity, a + and - side, so only work when inserted the correct way, so after plugging back in the wiring harness to cluster, turn on the light to make sure all are working
Pull out and reverse any LEDs that are not working

 

Sounds like you've got a couple bulbs burned out. Very common issue. The newer clusters 03+ use much smaller bulbs than the older ones & they tend to be a bit dimmer from the start.
Drop in a set of BUGGMAN LED's (shameless plug lol) and you'll be able to see things much better :-)

 

Does anybody know of an LED replacement for the 6 #194 instrument cluster bulbs that have brightness comparable to the original incandescent bulbs?

I replaced the six # 194 instrument cluster bulbs with Monster and then Auxito brands from Amazon. I liked the cool white, but they were so bright, they were only just tolerable at the lowest dimmer position. And with the dimmer all the way down, the radio lights were too dim.

 

Would be nice to know the lumen level of the LEDs you got so we have an idea what to suggest that's below that output.

 

The Auxito LEDs are 300 lumens. The Monster LEDs have no rating on the packaging. I think they are 200 lumens.

I saw some incandescent #194 bulbs on Amazon that are rated at 25 lumens.

So, I'm thinking maybe 100 lumens would be about right. White.

 

https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...tributes/10897

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with SBL other than I've ordered a lot from them. I give THEM money, and not the other way around.

 

Hey, thanks Ranger 480! I couldn't find anything on that webpage as to whether those bulbs are dimmable. Do you know?

 

Scroll down to specs.

 

Well, duh... thanks again!