simonpelly Posted January 29, 2018 Share Posted January 29, 2018 Hi Folks, Defender 1997 300 Tdi Fitted a new rev counter recently to our Defender replacing the clock - part YAE100800 - image attached. Will be putting another article together on this. However, in the meantime, just noticed that when the headlights are on, the back illumination of the rev counter is significantly brighter than the speedo, fuel and temp gauges. Wondering if other folk have seen this problem also. Contemplating putting an inline resistor as per the original clock bulb. Thoughts? Simon... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex Member Posted January 29, 2018 Share Posted January 29, 2018 You now need to change them all out to real gauges that can be seen at night and fit an adjustable dimmer for the dash light circuit. It will be like moving into the 70s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miketomcat Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 Is the back light a lamp in the back if so just swap it out for a lower/the same wattage as the others. Failing that a resistor should do it but I'll let a grown up explain that. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjk76 Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 Or if you are feeling lazy (like me) I covered the gauge in some self-adhesive window tint, did the job for me on a turbo gauge that was too bright. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonpelly Posted January 30, 2018 Author Share Posted January 30, 2018 Hi Folks, Took the bulb out in the rev counter. Anybody know what type this is? Image attached. The rev counter bulb is the smaller one on the left. The one on the right is the bulb from the fuel guage for comparison. Many Thanks, Simon... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mutley Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 Think it's a 286 bulb? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8 Freak Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 The one on the left looks like the bulbs in the TD5 clocks.. Small n fiddly. Sorry, but no idea of numbers as I generally walk into the spares shop and say "One of them please..." Maybe they will be listed in the parts manuals posted in the tech archive?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8 Freak Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 Looks like the recommendation from Mutley is right.... https://www.amazon.co.uk/286-Capless-Dashboard-Bulbs-1-2w/dp/B002BB53IU Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowie69 Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 Getting lower wattage bulbs of that type is very tricky (I know, my Audi uses 0.8w versions, and love nor money gets them to me), you could try a dab of paint on the bulb and see how you go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 Same rev counter as mine, I have a green led in it. haven't found it to bright while night driving, I have some spare green leds, would be happy to send you one to try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dailysleaze Posted January 30, 2018 Share Posted January 30, 2018 I imagine it just looks bright compared to the dim 300Tdi originals. Upgrade the lot and it'll seem normal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex Member Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 Exactly. The stock gauges are horrible and unreadable at night. The first thing anyone should do is throw them in the bin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troll Hunter Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 This should/might help to identify relevant bulbs. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_automotive_light_bulb_types Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonpelly Posted January 31, 2018 Author Share Posted January 31, 2018 Hey Folks, Thanks for all the responses, links, suggestions, etc... Knowing the type of bulb was a good starter. That said, looks unlikely that will be able to find a lower watt version. Not really wanting at this stage to do any further work on the instrument panel so will leave the other gauges as is. Green LED/painting is inspired - (Thanks for the offer Western). Thinking along the lines now of either: 1. Grabbing a green coloured Sharpie off the kids and scribbling over the bulb, or 2. Fitting an inline resistor. Noticed that the original clock loom has an inline resistor so can easily try that. Will let you know who it goes, Simon... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 300tdi wiring diagram says it's a 56 ohm resistor in clock 12v feed wire & 1.2 watt bulb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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