Changing Gauge Indicators to LEDs
on a 2003 Mazda Protégé
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I decided to replace all the indicator lights on my dash to LEDs,
LEDs will both be brighter, smoother, and will not burn out in time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First lower the steering wheel.
Place a cotton tower over the steering column to protect it from scratches.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Located and remove the two top screws in the bezel.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pull on the bottom of the bezel on each side to remove the bezel.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Locate and remove the three screws holding the gauges in place.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remove the metal holding plate to prevent it from scratching anything.
Then remove the electrical connectors.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On the back side you can see two larger lights, and 13 smaller lights.
You can buy direct replacement bulbs, but it is cheaper to just solder in your own LEDs.
(Granted it takes longer)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I took the time and installed LEDs for each of the indicator lights:
Red for: Oil, Brake, Seatbelt, Air Bags
Yellow for: Check Engine, Overdrive OFF
Green for: Turn Signals, and Cruse control
Blue for: High-beam indicators.
I would like to have used a single color, but the colored filters built into the gauges prevent this.
So I instead used the correct colors to give a bright and even look.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The first LEDs I ordered were too big, but I still used them for the Red indicators.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Normal 5mm LEDs, each with the appropriate resistor value was used for the other indicators.
To determine polarity of each indicator socket, I used a LED to probe the indicators while they were on in the car.
I then used a continuity meter for the others, such as cruse control.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The results doesn't look much different to the camera.
But to the eye, the indicators are bright, and smooth.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Red EL Gauges are coming soon.
