This is a simple solution for your trip computer and its backlight. FYI, all the trip computer have a backlight. If your backlight was not working for some reason, and you want to check your mileage every now and then (specially at night), guess what you need?
I will show you how to fix that problem. To get to trip computer, you need to take apart the overhead console. Detailed steps are given at Wolgang's page. Heres the link
Now, after you open trip computer, all you need to do is open up the display and get to three bulbs underneath. Since the bulbs are not working at all, you can just pull it off. Don't worry, we will replace it with LEDs. Take a look at the picture attached. You can see two bulbs still attached but the last one (DS3) is taken apart. You can do this with all three bulbs, or just the centre one. We need the centre bulb removed to attach LEDs.
Now comes the little tricky part. You need to attach 3 LEDs to the circuit. All three LEDs must be is series (I tried 1 LED but didnt work). The circuit powers 12V to the bulb so 3 LEDs are minimum. Make sure they are connected in series and not parallel to each other. If you look at the picture, all I did was solder 3 LEDs in series and then soldered the ends to the circuit. Now just remember that LEDs are diodes, so it will only work in one way. You have to figure out the positive and negative ends of LED. I suggest using alkaline batteries to check the ends. On the circuit, the end towards the "glass breakage sensor" is negative.
That's it. You are ready with your newly installed backlight. You can choose any color of LED you want. I even recommend putting multi-color LEDs to make it fancy. Completely up to you. After putting your LEDs, follow Wolfgang's instruction in reverse to install you console back. There are few pictures attached for your help.
Hope this helps you. If you need additional help, just PM me and I'll try my best. DSC00078 (Custom).JPG After installation
This is a simple solution for your trip computer and its backlight. FYI, all the trip computer have a backlight. If your backlight was not working for some reason, and you want to check your mileage every now and then (specially at night), guess what you need?
I will show you how to fix that problem. To get to trip computer, you need to take apart the overhead console. Detailed steps are given at Wolgang's page. Heres the link
Now, after you open trip computer, all you need to do is open up the display and get to three bulbs underneath. Since the bulbs are not working at all, you can just pull it off. Don't worry, we will replace it with LEDs. Take a look at the picture attached. You can see two bulbs still attached but the last one (DS3) is taken apart. You can do this with all three bulbs, or just the centre one. We need the centre bulb removed to attach LEDs.
Now comes the little tricky part. You need to attach 3 LEDs to the circuit. All three LEDs must be is series (I tried 1 LED but didnt work). The circuit powers 12V to the bulb so 3 LEDs are minimum. Make sure they are connected in series and not parallel to each other. If you look at the picture, all I did was solder 3 LEDs in series and then soldered the ends to the circuit. Now just remember that LEDs are diodes, so it will only work in one way. You have to figure out the positive and negative ends of LED. I suggest using alkaline batteries to check the ends. On the circuit, the end towards the "glass breakage sensor" is negative.
That's it. You are ready with your newly installed backlight. You can choose any color of LED you want. I even recommend putting multi-color LEDs to make it fancy. Completely up to you. After putting your LEDs, follow Wolfgang's instruction in reverse to install you console back. There are few pictures attached for your help.
Hope this helps you. If you need additional help, just PM me and I'll try my best. Attachment 148228 After installation
I have got some messages reagarding the voltage of LEDs used.
So, as far as I can remember, I have used special 6V LEDs (you can get it from Radioshack (U.S) or Source (Canada) ). I know it adds upto 18V but they can work normally under low voltage than high. Before putting the LEDs onto circuit, I have measured amps from the points. I cant remember what kinda readings I got but taking that into consideration, I decided to go with 6V 60-90mA LEDs.
You can even put miniature lams instead of LEDs. I decided to go with LEDs because of variety in color as well as longivity. If 12V miniature lamps can be used used. I recommend you connect 3 single lamps to corresponding points (i.e. DS1, DS2 and DS3).
After connecting LEDs/Lamps, make sure they are facing towards the circuit (but not touching it) and not the display so that the reflected light from the circuit is spreaded even on the display and not as 3 beams (looks ugly and unprofessional).
Hope this answers everything. Any other suggestions as well as your tries are most welcome. Please inform me of better ideas as I am just a 3rd year computer science student and not an electrical engineer.
Just replaced as per this thread's instructions, thank you, very helpful. I did not want to take a chance with LED's so Radio Shack has the exact OEM replacement bulbs, Part Number 272-1090, # 7219, micro lamps, 12 Volts 60 mA, wire terminal base. They claim on the package the average life is 10000 hours... Cost less than $ 2.00, and fit in the original bulb socket. A little tricky to remove the lcd display , do not pry under the display itself, first un-solder the glass breakage sensor, then, the printed circuit board on which the bulbs are soldered comes off , bend the solid wires connecting the pc-board to the display, and you are ready to work. A lot a patience, good reading glasses and a 15 watts soldering iron.
Its true about the LEDs. You can use the ones suggested by mcmotors or I got specialized ones that had resistor built in, so it worked fine. What I did was drove around with my trip computer just connected to the car and didnt fit in my console for about 2-3 days till I was satisfied that it wont blow away. I had same concerns as many of you guys about the LED.
So, mcmotors, how are the micro lamps working for you. Did you have any problems with your lights being blown out?
Last edited by Dhyan_123 : 01-25-2008 at 10:37 PM.
Trip Computer Backlight
Linear Mode
