Guage Lights

Scooterbob · April 01, 2011, 12:24:30 PM

Light went out behind my (1989 FJ1200) Speedo gauge yesterday. I found the bulb in the parts fiche and it says it's a 12 volt/ 3.4 watt. Anyone know of a common part number? Auto parts store item? Also, do I need to remove the entire gauge cluster, or can I get to it from the backside without teardown?

JCainFJ · April 01, 2011, 01:00:05 PM

If one bulb is out, all of the others will be soon. You should replace them all, even the bulbs for the warning lights. I am now using LED's for these gauge bulbs. They are lasting much longer then the OEM bulbs. If you want to keep using the filament type bulbs, the OEM, made in Japan, Stanley bulbs from the dealer are the only way to go. The bulbs from China that an auto parts store will sell you are junk, and will not last a year.

Scooterbob · April 01, 2011, 01:32:23 PM

No rude intentions, but did you answer any of my questions? At least a part number for the led you recommend?

tqmx1 · April 01, 2011, 01:52:16 PM

I think the P/n is 194

Scooterbob · April 01, 2011, 02:05:00 PM

Excellent. Thank you.

E Double · April 01, 2011, 06:32:49 PM

Since you need to replace the bulbs think about using LED bulbs instead of incandescents. They use less power and they give off a nice, even light, last longer and handle vibration better.

Scooterbob · April 01, 2011, 06:37:24 PM

Quote from: E Double on April 01, 2011, 06:32:49 PM
Since you need to replace the bulbs think about using LED bulbs instead of incandescents. They use less power and they give off a nice, even light, last longer and handle vibration better.

Will do.
Any idea as to the other questions I mentioned?

Quote from: Scooterbob on April 01, 2011, 12:24:30 PM
Also, do I need to remove the entire gauge cluster, or can I get to it from the backside without teardown?

FJmonkey · April 01, 2011, 06:41:37 PM

If you go with LED, don't use LED for the low fuel light. Or is it the Oil? Others might chime in. The light is designed to get brighter as conditions get worse. LED bulbs have a problem with that.

Scooterbob · April 01, 2011, 06:46:35 PM

Quote from: FJmonkey on April 01, 2011, 06:41:37 PM
If you go with LED, don't use LED for the low fuel light. Or is it the Oil? Others might chime in. The light is designed to get brighter as conditions get worse. LED bulbs have a problem with that.

More than likely I will just go with traditional for now, and get the LED later when I can order them. That's the main reason I'm asking if I need to tear gauges all the way out or can I just get to the bulb easily.
As far as the low fuel light, I've never gotten that low.......yet.

Harvy · April 01, 2011, 08:46:34 PM

Quote from: Scooterbob on April 01, 2011, 12:24:30 PM
Light went out behind my (1989 FJ1200) Speedo gauge yesterday. I found the bulb in the parts fiche and it says it's a 12 volt/ 3.4 watt. Anyone know of a common part number? Auto parts store item? Also, do I need to remove the entire gauge cluster, or can I get to it from the backside without teardown?

Bob, I recently removed my gauge cluster and installed an Acewell digital dash ala Frank Moore. I have all the OEM bulbs and they are yours if you want them.
Yes you can remove the cluster without completely pulling the fairing, but its not easy!
Remove the seat, side panels and get the tank out of the way (just turn it thru 90 degrees and sit it on a rag where the seat normally resides).
Now remove the 2 air scoops, and then the 2 inside fairing panels and the screen.
There are 2 screws which hold the cluster surround in place which are buggers to get at..... I found that if you now remove the mirrors you can just get a screwdriver down beside the fairing on either side to remove them and take that panel out with a bit of fiddling.
Now you can access the 2 bolts that mount the cluster and out it comes.

Maybe there are the 2 screws in the front under the screen that need to be removed too....just can't remember if they actually need to be removed, but I did anyway.

If anyone requires gauges, I have them in working condition (fuel, tacho, speedo (though its a Jap domestic model that only reads to 180kph) and clock).

Cheers
Harvy

carsick · April 01, 2011, 10:03:31 PM

Sylvania makes a 194LL (long life) with a braced filament, available at most parts stores in a blister pack hanging on the wall. I used them in my gauges last year and none are out yet.
Doug

FJ Flyer · April 02, 2011, 08:19:08 AM

+1 on the 194LL bulbs. Replace them all as others recommended.

On my '87, I just removed the windscreen, inner side panels, and the cluster surround. Then you can get to the two cluster mount bolts, lift it up an tilt it back and you can get to everything. Even changed the fuel gauge this way.

Scooterbob · April 02, 2011, 09:09:24 AM

Perfect. That's what I shall do. Thx.

andyb · April 02, 2011, 10:41:03 AM

Quote from: FJmonkey on April 01, 2011, 06:41:37 PM
If you go with LED, don't use LED for the low fuel light. Or is it the Oil? Others might chime in. The light is designed to get brighter as conditions get worse. LED bulbs have a problem with that.

Have you done this?

I detest the stupid half-lit thing. I want on or off. I'll happily pull the panel and swap bulbs to LED if that's what's required.

FJmonkey · April 02, 2011, 12:33:16 PM

Quote from: andyb on April 02, 2011, 10:41:03 AM
Quote from: FJmonkey on April 01, 2011, 06:41:37 PM
If you go with LED, don't use LED for the low fuel light. Or is it the Oil? Others might chime in. The light is designed to get brighter as conditions get worse. LED bulbs have a problem with that.

Have you done this?

I detest the stupid half-lit thing. I want on or off. I'll happily pull the panel and swap bulbs to LED if that's what's required.

An LED is an open circuit so it stays on 100%. http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2098.msg16558#msg16558

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Guage Lights