Any words of caution as I proceed to replace burned out 194s from my instrument panel? May also replace 161s in HVAC controls ...

Trying these LEDs ... Wondering if I'll get into trouble.

Other bulbs while I'm in there (in the instrument cluster)?

Good videos online showing how.

Comments welcomed.

 

Check if these have a Polarity, +/-, some LEDs still do, you just need to reverse them in the socket if they don't work

And I guess it should go without saying, plug wires in and test what the cluster looks like before re-installing, I throw a couple of blankets over the cab if its day time, so I can see what it will look like at night, nothing more distracting than having a permanent shadow in the cluster, lol.

 

^^^ +1 ^^^

I will also suggest that you find if they're also dimmable.

If they have only one brightness...like gazing into the sun...I would check elsewhere

 

I used a similar LED in my 97 for the 194s and my HVAC controls had 194's as well. (Or the 194's fit.) They are brighter and the light is now a pleasant blue instead of green. If you make the change to LED lights, just make sure you test the whole thing before you put it back together. (Ask me how I know!) The LEDs have polarity and you have to turn them around if they don't work. But, it is a worthwhile swap.

 

One thing to remember too is that LED's will produce hotspots on the cluster. See if you can get an led with some kind of diffuser for light distribution.

 

i just ordered some leds from amazon ill upload a picture when installed