Jaguar S-Type dashboard lighting intensity
#1
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Hi
I would like to address an important point to the Jaguar specialists.
I own a 1965 Jaguar S-Type. There is a significant issue with the dashboard lighting intensity at night, which is very dim, especially for the speedometer and tachometer. The situation is not much better for the four gauges. It seems to me that it is not just a matter of changing the bulbs (by installing more powerful ones) but a weakness in the design of the electrical circuit. Have you experienced an ingenious yet simple solution to implement ?
Thank you for your support
Regards
Gérard
I would like to address an important point to the Jaguar specialists.
I own a 1965 Jaguar S-Type. There is a significant issue with the dashboard lighting intensity at night, which is very dim, especially for the speedometer and tachometer. The situation is not much better for the four gauges. It seems to me that it is not just a matter of changing the bulbs (by installing more powerful ones) but a weakness in the design of the electrical circuit. Have you experienced an ingenious yet simple solution to implement ?
Thank you for your support
Regards
Gérard
#2
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if you install more powerful bulbs, the blue dome filter inside the gauges will melt.
I have no issue with the lighting in my S type, it is supposed to be a gentle ilumination, just enough to be seen. However if the bulbs are old, replacing them with new ones of the same wattage will improve the intensity.
I have no issue with the lighting in my S type, it is supposed to be a gentle ilumination, just enough to be seen. However if the bulbs are old, replacing them with new ones of the same wattage will improve the intensity.
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Glyn M Ruck (05-30-2024)
#3
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Clean up your "grounds" too, and use conductive grease, not dielectric grease, be careful not to get the conductive grease all over.
Like Jose said about the lamps, they get this silver/grey build up on the inside like an old electronic tube _ light really can't shine through that coating very well.
Like Jose said about the lamps, they get this silver/grey build up on the inside like an old electronic tube _ light really can't shine through that coating very well.
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Glyn M Ruck (05-30-2024)
#4
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#5
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#7
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#8
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Hi
I would like to address an important point to the Jaguar specialists.
I own a 1965 Jaguar S-Type. There is a significant issue with the dashboard lighting intensity at night, which is very dim, especially for the speedometer and tachometer. The situation is not much better for the four gauges. It seems to me that it is not just a matter of changing the bulbs (by installing more powerful ones) but a weakness in the design of the electrical circuit. Have you experienced an ingenious yet simple solution to implement ?
Thank you for your support
Regards
Gérard
I would like to address an important point to the Jaguar specialists.
I own a 1965 Jaguar S-Type. There is a significant issue with the dashboard lighting intensity at night, which is very dim, especially for the speedometer and tachometer. The situation is not much better for the four gauges. It seems to me that it is not just a matter of changing the bulbs (by installing more powerful ones) but a weakness in the design of the electrical circuit. Have you experienced an ingenious yet simple solution to implement ?
Thank you for your support
Regards
Gérard
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Peter3442 (05-30-2024)
#11
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I will try to remember to try to take another photo some evening with a different camera or my phone to see if I can capture more of how it is in reality. If you saw my car you would definitely not feel it needs to be dimmed, etc.
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#13
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From what people say (no personal experience), the suppliers of LEDs for classic cars are quite helpful with variations from their standard spec. After all, they most likely put kits together as orders arrive. They could easily make a set with green lamps (and later add it to their range). I'd certainly prefer a gentle green or yellow to bright hot white.
Last edited by Peter3442; 06-01-2024 at 08:43 AM.
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Glyn M Ruck (06-01-2024)
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#16
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#17
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I looked at some pictures on the internet. I can't say I liked the look of any of the colours. 'Warm white' seems to be available as individual lamps. I think I'd settle for that. I'd probably sacrifice the choice of dim and bright levels. Or use the Ford system where the max position (very confusingly) turns something else on. In most cars (apart from the Mustangs I used to take as rentals) I set instrument brightness to max and then forget about it.
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Glyn M Ruck (06-01-2024)
#18
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today was the first time driving my mk2 at night for a while and ya(!), dashboard bulbs could use some work. why, i don't know, but it was the same way with my other old british car too. so i'll probably pull a few bulbs out, maybe all of them, look at the connectors and take a look at what ebay has to offer. i'll be hoping for similar and maybe better results than i had with my other car. changing them for LEDS was a vast improvement but there was still plenty of room for improvement! ![Smile](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
BTW, i was surprised how well the old-fashioned-$15-incandesent-three pronged-connector-seal-beamed-jobbies worked this morning. i think i'll keep them.
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BTW, i was surprised how well the old-fashioned-$15-incandesent-three pronged-connector-seal-beamed-jobbies worked this morning. i think i'll keep them.
#19
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Maybe what's needed is to paint the inside of the housing with a reflective paint, or just maybe a coat of fresh paint.
I can remember taking the housing apart on a car once, I don't think it was my Jaguar, and the paint was flaking off, and there was quite a heavy film of gritty dust in there.
That would certainly add to the problem.
A good cleaning may do the trick.
I can remember taking the housing apart on a car once, I don't think it was my Jaguar, and the paint was flaking off, and there was quite a heavy film of gritty dust in there.
That would certainly add to the problem.
A good cleaning may do the trick.
#20
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Maybe what's needed is to paint the inside of the housing with a reflective paint, or just maybe a coat of fresh paint.
I can remember taking the housing apart on a car once, I don't think it was my Jaguar, and the paint was flaking off, and there was quite a heavy film of gritty dust in there.
That would certainly add to the problem.
A good cleaning may do the trick.
I can remember taking the housing apart on a car once, I don't think it was my Jaguar, and the paint was flaking off, and there was quite a heavy film of gritty dust in there.
That would certainly add to the problem.
A good cleaning may do the trick.
![Smile](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
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