26 Oct How to Install LED lights in your Mustang Gauge Cluster
First and for most, I would like to clarify a few questions I have been asked. The gauge cluster and HVAC controls you will see in the following pictures or the first pictures are not aftermarket, not reverse-glo, not special edition or anything else. My gauge cluster and HVAC controls are the ones that were installed in my car from the factory.
Q. Now you might be asking, why do my gauges and controls look “bluer” or “brighter” than all of the other “stock” gauge clusters and HVAC controls?
A. I swapped out the stock “incandescent” bulbs in my cluster and controls with super bright “LED’s.”
Q. So what’s the difference in the incandescent bulbs and LED bulbs and why does it make it appear blue?
A. Behind our clusters and HVAC controls lies a blue film (the film behind the number and dial cut outs are blue). An incandescent bulb emits a yellowish light (like most household bulbs that are incandescent). When you mix this yellowish light with a blue film, you get a green hue showing through the numbers of our clusters and dials of our controls. NOW, when you take the stock incandescent bulbs out and swap in their places the super bright, pure white LED’s and mix it with the stock blue film, you get a BLUE hue. So white and blue = blue. Hopefully you get what im saying. That is why my gauge numbers and HVAC controls are now BLUE and not the stock green.
What you will need
7 Super Bright White LED’s – Socket 194/168 (sockets are the same, just different numbers)
I bought my LED’s from here (mine are the WLED-x5 Wedge Based Bulbs)
For 1999 – 2004 Mustangs you need 74-xHP3. The “x” denotes a color code so for example if you order green it’ll say 74-GHP3.
A T-15 Torx Screwdriver
A 2 mm (i believe that’s what it was) allen/hex wrench. YOU ONLY NEED THIS IF YOU HAVE AN AFTERMARKET HEADLIGHT KNOB!
An 8mm Socket, Socket Wrench and a few LONG extensions. YOU ONLY NEED THESE IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON DOING THE HVAC CONTROL LED SWAP!
OK, so lets get started!
Step 1
Start with your untouched gauge cluster.
Remove the two T-15 Torx head screws.
Step 2
STOCK HEADLIGHT KNOB
“You need to pull a retainer clip outwards (away from the shaft) and then pull this knob off gently.” – MustangWorld.com
Aftermarket Headlight Knob
Remove the 2 mm Allen/Hex screw in the side of your Headlight Knob Switch
Step 3
Once you have the knob taken care of, carefully remove the gauge clusters bezel (clusters surrounding piece). It will be stubborn more than likely but it should come out, just try not to break it! After the bezel is out, unscrew the four surrounding bolts to remove the cluster itself. They are again T-15 Torx headed bolts.
Step 4
Tilt the cluster by bringing the bottom out first. (like you would be putting the gauge faces pointing upwards)
Step 4.1
Remove the black connector that is connected into the back of the cluster. Carefully pull it straight back and out.
Step 4.2
Notice the white connector on the opposite end of the gauge cluster. Just like the black connector, remove the white connector the same way. Carefully pull straight back and out.
Step 5
Once the two connectors are unplugged from the back of the cluster, carefully pull the cluster out. (It helps if you have the wheel tilted as low as it can go). From there, flip the cluster over and notice the 5 black TWIST style sockets. Untwisting the black sockets to the left will unlock them and allow you to pull them straight out.
Step 6
Notice MY already installed LED.
To replace the bulbs with your new LED’s, simply pull the stock bulb out and replace with the LED. Put all the sockets back into the holes and get ready to reinstall the cluster!
So CONGRATS, we are halfway done with the swap! See, its not so bad right!?
REINSTALLATION of the Cluster
Step 7
Start by re-inserting the white connector the the back of the gauge cluster. Do not force it in, it will go in if you have it aligned right. It will require a bit of pressure but not 100% strength lol.
Step 7.1
Then go to the opposite side of the cluster and reinsert the black connector. Rules are the same as the white connector.
Step 7.2
Reinsert the Cluster with the gauge faces pointing upwards again and slide the bottom up and back to insert the cluster in its original position.
Step 7.3
ATTENTION! I would now suggest that you reconnect the negative battery cable to ensure your newly installed LED’s are all working! Once you verify they are all on and in working condition, go back and DISCONNECT your negative battery cable.
Step 8
Screw in the 4 T-15 Torx headed bolts to hold the cluster in place (be careful not to drop the bolts behind the cluster, you may not get them back!)
Step 9
ATTENTION! Don’t forget about the HEADLIGHT KNOB! I’ve done this and reinstalled everything and its annoying to think your done and then notice your missing a headlight knob! Go ahead and pull out the headlight knobs shaft to the ON position and THEN install the gauge clusters bezel.
Step 10
Reinstall your Headlight Knob with your 2 mm Allen/Hex wrench or simply push your stock knob back on (i remember having to adjust the retaining clip inside the knob when I had mine so you may have to play with it)
Step 11
Reinstall the two T-15 Torx headed bolts into the clusters bezel and vwalah! or walah! or…. you get the point.
So, we have no completed the gauge cluster LED swap! If you are continuing on and doing the HVAC control LED swap, now is a great time to have a coke or a beer 😉
LED HVAC CONTROLS SWAP
Step 1
Here we start with a stock HVAC control head unit. If you have a DVD player, make sure you fold the face down before unplugging the negative battery cable.
Step 2
Here I undid my shifter knob so I can remove the shifters bezel and boot.
Step 2.1
Once the shifter bezel and boot is taken off of the main console, unplug the cigarette lighter.
Step 3
Continuing, unscrew the two T-15 Torx headed screws securing the bezel.
Step 4
After taking out your stereo’s head unit, take your extensions as well as your 8mm (i believe that’s what I used) socket and socket wrench.
Unscrew the 8mm headed bolt that secure the bezel in place inside of the dash. (It is directly behind the stereo head unit. Follow the long black plastic piece)
Step 5
YAY! Our bezel can now come off after a few pulls around the perimeter of the bezel! Like the gauge cluster bezel, be careful not to break it! The bezel will be stubborn but should come out with a bit of strength!
Step 6
Here is the long black piece attached to the bezel and the hole that the 8mm screw goes in.
Step 7
After the bezel is removed and carefully set down to avoid scratches, take your T-15 Torx screw driver and unscrew the four bolts holding the HVAC controls in place.
Step 7.1
Once the four bolts are removed, carefully pull out the HVAC control unit and look for the 2 black TWIST style sockets. (These are exactly the same as the gauge cluster sockets)
Step 8
Twist out the sockets, replace the bulbs, and reinstall.
ATTENTION! I would suggest replugging up the negative battery cable and making sure the LED’s work like before. Once you verify they are working, go ahead and unplug the negative battery cable again. After doing that, reinstall EVERYTHING in REVERSE order! Reconnect your negative battery cable, pull the headlight knob and again, VWALAH! You should now be greeted with a nice blue gauge cluster and HVAC controls!
That’s it! Not to long of a job but it can be aggravating. However, the results definitely speak for themselves! Hope my HOW TO was easy to follow and you got the output you desired
After shots!
DISCLAIMER – I am not responsible for any problems (cluster failures, HVAC failures, shortages, electrical issues, personal harm to you or anyone else, etc…) from YOU attempting to do this LED swap. MY HOW TO article is to simply guide you through the process and help those that are unsure. I assume no responsibility if anything were to go wrong. However, I am responsible for all POSITIVE outcomes. =] This swap is very simple, just need basic knowledge and tools. You have been warned! If you wish to proceed, please continue, be safe and have fun!
By: Trey – “TxCobrA98”
www.sn95forums.com
Carlos
Posted at 00:48h, 9 January 2009One question….
I want to start off by saying THANK YOU for your detailed explanation in swapping out the LED lights. My cluster is looking better than ever before. The only thing left is to color my needles Red. However, I am also in the process of installing my aftermarket radio and I have customized it to go where the AC controls used to be which is right under the vents. I then moved my controls to the bottom. However, I now have an opening and I noticed you had a cover for that (Where you had the FORD logo). If you don’t mind me asking, where were you able to get the cover because I have been having a hard time finding one. Everyone has the tray but that just doesn’t do it for me. Please let me know. I would greatly appreciate it. Thank You.
Sincerely,
A big Fan.
Anthony
Posted at 18:41h, 8 April 2009AWESOME ARTICLE DUDE THANK YOU I SHALL BE DOING THIS IN THE NEAR FUTURE! my real goal was to get red glow but the blue film impregnated into the cluster makes it hard without going aftermarket but thank you it looks amazing!
Anthony
Posted at 01:15h, 9 April 2009BOTTOM STEREO INSERT
VERY INTERESTED IN YOUR BOTTOM STEREO INSERT. Please tell me where you got it or how you made it I don’t want a compartment there email is dcbmxer02athotmail.com looking for inserts for that all over please email me!!!
JiM
Posted at 02:39h, 9 April 2009Looks Great!
Does the factory dimmer still dim these?
Mike
Posted at 11:47h, 12 April 2009Re: Factory dimmer
Yes the factory dimmer will still work
Jesse
Posted at 17:33h, 10 April 2009Thank you for a well explained walk-through. The pics were an excellent aide as well. I stumbled across this site while searching for a clear plastic bezel for my 94 GT and thought that this would be neat to try. I wish I had done it sooner. The outcome is amazing.
Thank you again.
Oh and yes, the factory dimmer still works.
Jesse
Posted at 12:27h, 2 March 2010Just a quick update. Almost one year later and I’m changing the bulbs. Don’t know if they were a bad batch but they’ve been flickering for a while and now half the cluster is dead. Bought them from the mentioned supplier and I’m buyig from them again. Just order spares if you do buy from them. They’ve messed up both times and not shipped the correct amount. First order was missing two, second time one.
A/C controls are definately worth the time to do. Just wish there was a way to match the rear defrost switch as well. Integrated on board and near impossible to change. It’s an automatic so I have the lights at the shifter but waayyy too much work for one bulb.
Overall, it’s a world of difference and I won’t go back to the stock lights. Rather change them every year if I have to.
And HEY! to all you vert owners… don’t forget the map lights!!! Nothing ruins things more than to throw them on and get a yellow hue over everything.
Shaun
Posted at 23:35h, 15 April 2009what white?
Did you use Cool white Natural white or wram white?
Taylor
Posted at 10:29h, 20 April 2009Bulb sizes?
Hey, this is a great write up, I’ve been trying to do this myself for a while, I ordered some 194/168 bulbs, but when I took the gauge cluster off I found the bulbs on my 2004 GT are smaller ones then the 194/168. Do you know by any chance what other size bulbs Ford might have put in? Thanks.
Paul
Posted at 02:10h, 29 April 2009custom CD delete plate???
I noticed you have exactly what I am looking for to cover up the lower din slot. If I may be so bold as to ask, where did u purchase this from? Or if you custom fabricated it. I basically am looking to find a site where I can purchase that type of plate, because a pocket replacement doesn’t really float my boat. Thanks!!!
Sincerly,
Paul
P.S. The LED lighting is an awesome customization!!!
George
Posted at 21:09h, 8 May 2009Color LED
What color LED is that??? Looks great!!!!!!!!
Chris
Posted at 23:11h, 7 June 200999 Cobra Bulbs?
First off great write up. I purchased the WLED-B5 (194) wedge base bulbs. When I removed my instrument cluster gauge I realized the bulbs seemed bigger and would not wedge into the socket base. Do you know what bulbs I need? Thank you in advance.
Scott
Posted at 20:51h, 15 July 2009Great write up but i am having a bit of a problem, i purchased the same bulbs you have and ran into a problem, the bulbs in mine are smaller, i have a 2000 GT would the Cobra’s be different? do you think the 74-xHP Wedge Base LED Bulbs will work instead of the ones you have? thanks
Alex
Posted at 19:46h, 27 August 2009They work on my 2002 GT. I ordered the 74-xHP in blue, and it came out almost an aqua color, but definitely an improvement if you’re looking for blue. I don’t know if using white would’ve made a difference, but when the result after blue lights is aqua, it’s safe to assume the gauges in our mustangs have a somewhat greenish tint. Mine don’t light as bright as Mike’s but definitely do the job.
Alex
Posted at 19:48h, 27 August 2009Also forgot to mention, the Wedges he recommends work on the A/C knobs, and my dimmer worked until i changed my gauges, but after that swap, the dimmer stopped working
John
Posted at 20:03h, 14 August 2009Super write up. Ordered the bulbs of e-bay and going to tackle this as soon as they arrive.
Hopefully this works exactly the same on my ’96.
Just wonder about the factory Mach 460 sound system and a way to change the bulbs on this to match.
If anybody knows, please give info.
Thanks
Scott
Posted at 20:45h, 10 October 2009hey i thought you could change the Mach 460 lights, but you cant, so i just went ahead and bought a Kenwood CD player with the blue lights so it would match, i took the 460 radio and CD player apart and there is no way to change the lights they are actually on the main circuit board..hope this helps
Chase
Posted at 01:12h, 2 September 200999-04 MUSTANG BULB SIZE
Hey guys wassup. I saw that some guys were commenting on what size bulb they need for a 99 Cobra, 00 GT, and 04 GT. Well Im here to tell you. I have a 2003 Mustang GT and I saw that you guys said the bulb that the man above was posting for his 98 cobra wasnt working in the 99-04 mustangs. The reason why is because our (99-04) clusters are electrically controlled theirs (94-98) are mechanically controlled.
Anyways the bulb size for a 99-04 mustang is a 74-GHP3 you can get it from the above website that he posted. Your bulb size may not have a “G” in it mine has it because I ordered bulbs that were green so for example if you order blue bulbs for your car it’ll say 74-BHP3.
HOPE THIS HELPS!!
-CHASE A
03 GT
Alexander
Posted at 19:51h, 8 September 2010red lighting
i hav a 02 v6 and i wnt to make the backlight red on the gauges and ac unit how do i get the light red and where cn i buy the bulb?
Scott
Posted at 09:54h, 11 January 2010Film color
Nice write up, but I read somewhere that the 00-04 Mustang gauge film is green not blue and that you would have to dremel the green film off and replace it with blue film in order to get blue lights. Is this true? I would like to do this, but don’t want to go into that much work.
B
Posted at 00:54h, 23 September 2010Yeah bro it’s true u have to file off the green flim on those
Jesus Perez
Posted at 20:57h, 2 February 2010I tell you this was a great write up. I have order my LED’s and I hope to see them turn out as great as yours. I have a 98 Cobra and man it just sucks trying to see the gauge at night. I can not wait. I will post some pix if I can. thank you so much for your time and effort. Also, is the HVAC worth the work. It straight look like some time maybe a couple of beers and I will be good.
alex
Posted at 19:03h, 6 March 2010great how to
instructions were great everything went in ok. i have one problem. the left side of my gauge cluster doesnt light up and it is not the bulb since i tried switching the bulbs in and out as well as the whole socket set up. Any sugestions on what the problem is or how i can fix it? i think its the board its self. please email me if you can help me. alexp@wpi.edu
Aaron
Posted at 00:55h, 10 March 2010Did you try switching the direction you placed the LEDs into your cluster? If you don’t allign the positive/negative terminal of the bulb with the corresponding positive/negative terminal of your cluster then it won’t illuminate.
Mike
Posted at 15:02h, 10 March 2010Dimming
I have a 1999 Mustang Cobra and I was wondering if the dashboard dimmer worked with the 74-BHP3 bulbs. Should I install white or blue bulbs????
Thank you
Mike
donny b
Posted at 01:49h, 11 March 201099 GT
I did this mod to my 99 GT and the 74 bulbs worked for the main lights, but I want to swap out the O/D light, the wheel spin light, the turn signal lights, and if possible the color of the odometer because they are still green. and the main 6 gauges are blue. For the TC button, fog lights, and rear defrost, i busted open the switches and removed the blue shield on the bulbs so that they are all orangish white and not green, but I just need the bulb size for the smaller indicator lights in the 99 and ups gauge. Does anyone know what I am talking about? The lights the light up the parking brake, theft, abs, O/D wheelspin, engine coolant, service engine, etc. What size bulbs are those? If someone can answer this, you are the man!
Mike
Posted at 16:41h, 13 March 2010Dimmer question
Donny, did the dimmer work on your 99 after the LED switch?
Aaron
Posted at 18:59h, 13 March 201099-04 cars
I’ve got a 99 GT and purchased 7 of the 74-CWHP3 LEDs. Just as a heads up they worked just fine for the Gauges but they are TOO SMALL for the HVAC bulb holders. The LEDs that you use for the HVAC are the same as the ones used in the install guide above (WLED-x5), this was the case in my 99 so I assume this applies to all 99-04 cars. Hope this helps!
Mike
Posted at 20:30h, 13 March 2010Thanks for the information!
allen
Posted at 19:12h, 19 March 2012LED hvac
so how many bulbs does the HVAC take? AND ON 99-04 THE hvac are the bigger size than the gauge cluster bulbs?
booby
Posted at 19:35h, 20 April 2010ok, so on the 99-04, i can purchase the white led and the glow will still be blue? or do we have to get the blue leds?
Neil
Posted at 18:02h, 3 May 20102001 mustang v6
i have an 01 v6 and im wondering what bulb sizes i will need. im thinking its 5 of the x5hp3 and 2 of the 74… am i correct? also i want my dash to be blue… what color of film do i have?
booby
Posted at 13:38h, 10 May 2010ok, confirmed. i have 03 gt and bought the super bright white LEDs size 74. they fit BUT the glow was still green. so those of us with 03’s at least have to file the green film out then purchase blue leds.
hope this helped
zack
Posted at 19:27h, 19 August 2010red blubs
I have a 2002 v6 mustang, will the red 74-redHP3 work with the green backing flim on the guage? Or will it make some sort of off yellow or orange color? GREAT HOW TO BTW!!!!!!!!
Gary
Posted at 23:15h, 17 September 2010Important:: Color of Bulbs and Color of Lenses
You might want to know that if a lense color is blue you should use a blue bulb. Same goes for brake lights. Use red bulbs for red lenses. A colored lense is attempting to filter out everything but that color. So if you really want BLUE, use blue bulbs even though the lense tint is blue. I know it sounds counterintuitive…
frank
Posted at 13:17h, 8 October 2010great how to..i envy people like you!!! thx
louis
Posted at 06:18h, 10 November 2010i have a 2003 gt got a ?
I have a 03 gt and I want the red led’s for the gauges but I don’t know how to fim out the green tint can anybody tell me how?
Mike
Posted at 10:06h, 18 November 2010Re: i have a 2003 gt got a ?
You may have to grind it away
Anthony
Posted at 18:17h, 12 November 2010Hey
Quick Question ?… Where did you get that Cap under your radio ? The cover that says FORD under your radio !!!
Mike
Posted at 10:11h, 18 November 2010Re: Hey
That’s custom built with a Ford Oval Emblem off eBay
Brian
Posted at 22:26h, 4 December 2010What part numbers did you use for the led’s in your gauges on the pillar?
Bryan
Posted at 22:57h, 31 January 20112001 cobra
Hello
I’d like to do this but, was wondering what size I need for my 01 cobra and should I install a reflector behind to reflect the light? Also, if my car has a green film couldn’t I just buy yellow lights then I would have a dark blue? Or get white lights and get different films to adjust to the appropriate color I’m looking for? I just want a dark blue color light and want it to be much brighter as well.
Bryan
Posted at 11:33h, 3 February 2011If the 2001 cobra supposedly has a green film behind the cluster. Would it be safe to say if I use a yellow led I’ll achieve dark blue? Also, if that’s so would it match the HVAC color?
Thanks
ryan
Posted at 12:16h, 10 February 2011yellow and green dont make blue. i am sorry. yelow and blue make green
Brandon
Posted at 15:29h, 6 February 20112004 mustang
I have a 2004 mustang 3.9liter V6.. What size led will i need. I allready no i need to file out the green lens. And i want a dark blue color?
Jesse
Posted at 15:01h, 20 February 2011Andre
Posted at 15:44h, 5 May 2011Jesse: "Again"?
So Jesse… you’ve done this before and had your LED’s die on you? How long do they last, just a year? The incandescent bulbs behind my gauges have lasted 20+ years, would hate to have LEDs fail so quickly.
Jesse
Posted at 16:07h, 5 May 2011Yup, again
Yeah, I’m getting about a year out of each set. I even contacted the place I got them from and they were a little less than useful. They told me that I seem to be the only one they’ve heard of. I’ve seen other posts on different forums about the same problem though and I verified that it is not all the same seller. Seems to be a Mustang issue. Luck of the draw I guess. But like I said, the look behind the dash cannot be beat. I won’t go bak to regular bulbs. Instrument console takes 10 minutes to do. Center console is a tad longer because of that bolt at the back but the mod is so worth it.
Good luck!
Jesse
Posted at 00:04h, 9 May 2011And, as a quick update, one behind the gauges just started flickering again today. Don’t know what’s wrong but my car seems to eat these bulbs on a regular basis. And the time between swapping seem to be shortening.
James
Posted at 14:57h, 8 May 2011led's on fox cluster
I was pretty excited to try this on my fox body. i figured since the sn95 has a blue film that gives off a green hue from the standard bulb, that it was probably the same for my fox because the stock gauges light up green. So i bought a bunch of these LED’s for the job. I did the whole swap only to be disgusted to still have that ugly green light. Note for you fox body guys that wanna try this. Save your money because our gauge clusters have a green film so these LED’s won’t do s
dave
Posted at 23:02h, 28 July 2011Translucent tinted tape or plastic masking
If you find there are bulbs that cannot be replaced a translucent colored material may do the trick..
I have a 99 and plan on taking on this project very soon so I will take plenty of photos.. My odometer is loose as well so I will be re soldering that.. im trying transparent blue over the odometer and one other mentioned area.. I’m going for darker blue and buying an aftermarket CD deck as well. I’ll let you all know soon.
William
Posted at 21:57h, 11 August 2011Red color?
as the subject says, i want my guages red. how will i be able to do that?
Jared
Posted at 20:37h, 11 December 2011you need to take the cluster apart and take the black plates off the motor housing and scratch off the blueish green coating and then install red leds in the cluster. now be sure to mark where your arrows are pointing before you take them off so when you put it back together the gauges are true and equal
David R
Posted at 16:41h, 20 August 2011Actually, he's wrong…
Some stuff he’s wrong about, and some stuff he doesn’t show.
First of all, the tint behind the numbers are green.
Thats why it looks green when the lights are on.
In order to get rid of the green, you must take the front plastic protective bubble off of the cluster, this will expose the needles and the face-plate.
Here’s the tricky part.
You have to take the needles off.
If i were you, I would let your car run for a while, get warmed up, and sit at an idle. Do this in a controlled environment like a garage. Take a picture of where the needles sit at, down to the very tick mark.
Keep this picture.
Now, using a razor, or very pointy, flathead screw driver, begin peeling the black face-plate up.
Once this is done, take some medium grit sandpaper and sand all the green off behind any numbers, letters, lines, etc.
Put the face-plate back onto the cluster, and reconnect any wires.
Turn the car on, let it idle, and warm up. Now reattach the needles in the same location as in the picture, reassemble the protective bubble, then just insert whatever color LED lights you want, and enjoy!
Jerry
Posted at 08:47h, 24 August 2011Actually your wrong
The green tint is only on 01-04…the 99-00 cluster has no tint. I have done 30+ of these mods and its always been the case. As far as the rest of your post, great job on the “how-to”. It will be very helpful to those with the tint.
Jared
Posted at 22:54h, 7 December 2011actually your wrong, the tint is blue, but when the ugly yellow bulbs come on and mix with the blue tint it turns green.
kyle k
Posted at 22:29h, 23 August 2011shift light?
is it possible to change the shifter lights since there also green like the hvac and cluster. i want to change out all the lights to get blue but i dont want to have the shifter lights P,R,N,D,2,1 to be green still. any one know how to do this?
steve
Posted at 04:00h, 29 August 2011you have to take out the entire console to get to it. i replaced mine with a regular non LED ultrabright bulb from autozone but it didnt do much difference i plan on trying the LEDs. but yeah i had to remove the entire console to get to the indicator light. once removed just feel beneath the indicator and it should just twist out…
and does anyone happen to know if the shifter tells you what gear youre in like is there a color indicator in there cuz i just bought my 96 mustang gt and wasnt sure i just feel for the 3rd click. idk if the guy broke it or what cuz there is a cracked piece on it. id love to know so i can know if its fixable or not…. thanks!! and do i have to replace all the bulbs in there cuz all my interior lights seem kinda dim compared to others ive been in or what can i do to fix it? im uncertain on what to do…. when i got it i was told it got a new battery
Robert
Posted at 02:36h, 25 September 201199 mustang cobra svt
Hey guys i have a 99 mustang cobra svt I’m trying to change the light bulbs to L.E.D.s right now my instrument cluster gauge look’s green but its hard to see at night what L.E.D.s light bulbs would i need i want to make my instrument cluster gauge look Blue ..Thank you
Trent Kyle
Posted at 12:40h, 18 October 2011RED LED?!
Alright that is freakin amazing and WAY simpilar than i thought it would be.
if i where JUST to install red LEDS how would it looks?
and how would i go about removing this blue film if it wouldnt work?
Shahrukh
Posted at 23:59h, 19 October 2011where did u get the ford cover for the mach 460 cd player? looking to take it out but no clue where to buy a cover from ….
Rob
Posted at 03:03h, 15 December 2011DOESNT WORK
I’m sure these will work, but none are lighting up at all for me on my 97 Cobra. Any ideas?!?!???!
Rob
Posted at 03:05h, 15 December 2011HELP
Man I got these put in my 97 cobra and everything assembled but NONE lit up!! Anyone have any experience with this??
abbas
Posted at 15:15h, 29 December 2011hey
hey guys i have 2002 ford mustang v6 and wan to ask watch bulbs would fit in my gauge?????
Steven
Posted at 17:50h, 2 March 2012Lights
Here is what the writer recommends.
http://www.superbrightleds.com
Steven
Posted at 17:46h, 2 March 2012Blue Film
Where do you buy the blue film at? I can not find it anywhere.
Mike
Posted at 21:33h, 24 December 2014Use blue tissue paper, two sheets.
matt
Posted at 14:03h, 22 March 2012wow
i have been searching ever where for this tutorial, great job man very helpful
Drew
Posted at 23:15h, 26 March 2012WOW!
Can’t wait to do this on mine!! ordered my lights 2 days ago should be here soon!
Andrew
Posted at 05:14h, 27 April 2012your gauges
Where did you get your white back gauges? Is it just a face or is it the whole unit.
Jonathan
Posted at 11:00h, 7 May 2012those are the stock gauges from a 96-98 cobra
Jay
Posted at 09:47h, 22 June 2012What year model?
What year model mustang are you installing these on? Also, will the WLED-x5 fit in a 1999 mustang?
kim rubio
Posted at 22:49h, 27 August 2012want red
I’m installing red LEDs to the gauge cluster and HVAC and wanted to know if i installed them does that mean they would appear purple in color? Is there any way I can remove the film so they look red?
Mario
Posted at 02:00h, 24 February 2013After putting ur red led’s did it turn out 2 be red 4 da hvac ????Im askin cuz i want 2 do this 2 my 2002 mustang but not sure of how da results would bleeped out.
Taylor Porter
Posted at 18:49h, 5 September 2012Everything worked fine on the climate control lights, but when I got to the gauge cluster I encountered a problem. The sockets aren’t the right size. The new bulb is about exactly two times too big. Do you know what the new size is? I am doing this to a 2000 Mustang GT
Jim
Posted at 21:09h, 9 October 20121997 Gt ford mustang
Will this same procedure apply to my 1997 Mustang
WheeelStander
Posted at 09:55h, 2 January 2013I just used this process on my 99 GT. Get the 74 leds for your 97, they should be same as mine.
Thanks for the write up OP.
95GT vert
Posted at 16:56h, 13 March 2013LED's Don't fit
I read through all of this & thought Great!! No prob. To bad that bulb Suggested is to large to fit in the hole for the bulb. I have even had this happen before w/ LED’s & didn’t even think about it?? The width of the bulb & the hole size do not match…….So I had to notch out 1 side of each hole to get the bulbs in. The dash lights are Much easier than the AC controls. If the AC controls are out it would be Very easy.
cladiron
Posted at 15:17h, 4 May 2013Bulb size for 2002 dash cluster.
This writeup was very detailed but i ran into the same problem as others regarding the bulb size for the dash lights.
I was lucky and went to a place near me that has a selection to test from.
This is the bulb size i used for the dash.
http://www.superbrightleds.com
The bulbs mentioned in the original writeup work fine for the climate control.
Here are some after shots.
Dash Cluster
Climate Control
Blix Dunn
Posted at 18:09h, 29 August 2013Found a more simple way
I was bored and changed out the stock bulbs for LED bulbs in my 2003 GT and noticed with the HVAC controls I pulled the knobs off, removed the plastic lenses and sanded the green tint away to see if it made a difference, Hands down it made a huge improvement. It lights up much brighter. I plan to remove the HVAC face and sand off the green tint so it gives it a more crisp look then a dull blue or green color.
Dan
Posted at 18:45h, 1 December 2013Question
I have a 95 stang and was wondering are the bulbs he suggests the correct ones to use on my model?Anyone done this to the 95?Anyone have any pics?What color does it light up green or blue?
Nebojsa N
Posted at 18:58h, 31 January 2014I have a 1995 for mustang cobra do you think this way is better or going with the revers glo gauges?
Mike
Posted at 19:03h, 31 January 2014Re:
It’s really all personal preference. I have done both on my car and don’t really prefer one over the other.
angel ariza
Posted at 07:24h, 12 March 2014need help
I want tomake my dash board numbers and climate control look blue just like in the pix above I am not sure what size number to buy though and AM I SUPPOSE TO BUY a converter as well?
can any one please help ,me figure out what size sockets I need for a 2001 V6 3.8L mustang pleasssse
Jay
Posted at 20:17h, 16 May 2014didnt work
i took it all apart including face plate to see why it was green.. LOW and BEHOLD my film is green on the backside of course…… so green plus super white.. is super green..lol oh well no point il just return it and get my 27$ back aint tryn to mess with the needles and even intent on sanding down the film.. it may tear or make it look blury or worse yet mess up my whole gauges if i bust the needles..All that work for s… well at least my gauge glass got nice and cleaned..so maybe check your gauge console first before ordering your bulbs..sorry bout the spelling did this fast just to potentially save someone else with this issue… mine is 2004gt
John M.
Posted at 23:36h, 16 July 2014White face gauge
Just wondering what the white face gauge you have is called or ordered from? I like the way it glows, and I just ordered the same style LED’s, just in red, because blue and white hurt my eyes at night, and I would really like to have a set of gauges like the ones you have. They’re simple and not gaudy or ugly like the EL GLOW gauges on ebay. Thanks. -John
Negev
Posted at 23:06h, 16 September 2014WLED-x5 – Too big
Those lights will not fit into the dash cluster…I don’t understand how you managed to fit them into the bulb holder . The stock bulbs are much smaller. Please fix your how to and let any other potential modders know exactly which size they require.Thanks for your writeup.
Josh Hager
Posted at 16:31h, 8 October 2014Color Coordination
Just an FYI, dont think it was mentioned in the guide but here:
99 to mid 01 mustangs have a blue tint on your factory gauge overlay.
Mid 01 to 04 have a green tint on your factory gauge overlay.
this means if u have a 99-01, all you need to do is replace the bulbs with Cool White LED bulbs, if u have a mid 01-04 u need to sand off all the green tint within the cluster and add blue tint
for 94-98, i am not sure
Jorge Miranda
Posted at 16:17h, 16 October 2014What grain sand paper you use?
BlueMC513
Posted at 20:58h, 15 February 2015Great walkthrough
Just did this on my 98 Cobra with relative ease. Already knew how to take out the gauge cluster due to having to replace the odometer gear, so the tricky part was the HVAC. I actually had to use a 7mm socket, but beyond that the walkthrough was good. Also swapped out the license plate bulbs with led’s, they use the same size all around on the 94-98’s. Posted before and after pic on Instagram #BlueMC513. Thanks for posting this.
Bob Phelps
Posted at 10:18h, 18 March 2015LED upgrade on 98 cobra
Can you tell what bulbs you used and where I can get them?
thanks bob
Toby Hastings
Posted at 08:09h, 21 April 20152000 get cluster swap
I recently purchased a 2000 Mustang GT, the gauge cluster is messed up and the circuit board cannot be put in to the new donor cluster I have, can my mechanic flash it so it works or do I need to go to the Ford dealer?
jeff
Posted at 14:59h, 17 May 20152001 cobra
Will this process work with a 2001 cobra? Do i have the blue tint and will have to buy white led’s? Or is my tint green and would have to remove it?
Carlos Lopez
Posted at 17:08h, 3 June 2015cluster lights replacement
Hello, I have a 2001 mustang with the cluster lights out, the HVAC are ok, is it possible that all the cluster lights go out at the same time? or is there a fuse that went bad? is it my cluster all bad and need replacement? the gauges work ok on daytime, at night I can’t see them, can you please help?, it will be greatly appreciated
thanks so much.
browner87
Posted at 17:16h, 23 June 2015🙂
Very nice mod, I’ll have to look into this some time.
Also, I strongly suggest you put PHP in produciton mode to hide these errors/warnings.
Justin
Posted at 01:55h, 8 July 2015Where did you get that ford cover for the aftermarket CD player install?
TAYLOR
Posted at 23:06h, 23 October 2016Left side not working
I replaced the bulbs with LEDs put back in the cluster and the left side not working only the mph and heat and fuel light up?? Please help
Rob
Posted at 08:57h, 29 December 2018Regarding your question about the LED lightbulbs not working
Regarding your question about the LED lightbulbs not working Did you by any chance get them to work I have a 2004 Ford Mustang that I’m currently putting LED bulbs in the cluster that I got from super bright LEDs and also mine does the same thing the RPM ask where they’re not lighting up at at all either did you get any help on your last question at all to find out what could be causing that
Jeff
Posted at 03:17h, 28 April 2019Change the position of the bulb by taking out and rotating the bulb, put back in and it should work. It depends on the position of the bulb, I replaced all of my gauge lights and half of them didn’t work, and I realized that if I rotate the ones that weren’t working they worked after plugging it back in. Hope this helps someone else in the more present day
Alvin
Posted at 04:55h, 25 October 2020LED buld won;t light
take the non-working bulbs out and, flip it over and re-install
TAYLOR
Posted at 23:07h, 23 October 2016It’s a 1991 foxbody GT
Keith
Posted at 20:41h, 21 May 2017Dash lights 1999 mustang
My mustang dash lights don’t have the black sockets.
There are holes in the back of the panel and I can see
A white rectangular block which I assume is the end
Of the bulbs. What kind of bulbs are these? I ordered
Bulbs off eBay, which assured me they were the right bulbs,but they’re not
Vi
Posted at 09:54h, 11 June 2017You need to look for T5 or 74 bulbs are what is needed.
Robert K.
Posted at 21:57h, 6 June 2018I did the same thing today let me guess the led bulb was circular and would not fit in the hole right ? Did you find the right led bulb to fit and if so what did you do that will work.
Thank you for any response.
jason babb
Posted at 18:34h, 29 December 2017bulb question
what is the bulb needed for replacing the factory bulb in a 1987 mustang?
Dan
Posted at 16:23h, 7 January 2018LEDS
I replaced my dash lights with led and some didn’t work until I rotated them 180 degrees. They were polarized
T.Bone
Posted at 17:15h, 15 February 2018Great install Looks amazing
Did those LEDs work in you pillar gauges also? they look like autometer gauges. Id like to match my Pillar and dash the same color is that possible?
Mike
Posted at 19:44h, 15 February 2018Yes they do!
T.Bone
Posted at 13:04h, 22 February 2018LED Upgrade
This is amazing. I just did the speedo cluster. Pictures do not do this justice. I’m loving this upgrade!!!!