Dashboard lighting.

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chrlsful

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a cast off does not help "Its China".
I was going to say ck the owner's manuel for a 'brighten dashlght' switch but after 20 posts I'd assume there R none. Also to the IVR but that's already been ruled out (correctly?) I do not like to see a single referral in a business request so here's one many bronk owners use. May B a tel call 1st to explain issue would geta explination for own repair? It's posted here: ... ... https://www.classygauges.com/contact/
 

goodO1boydws

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IF YOU HAVEN'T FIXED THE PROBLEM YET:

Check the voltage across your battery both with the engine running and not.

Compare THAT voltage to what you get at the LIGHTING CIRCUIT (at the fuse panel) with the engine both running and not. Even with wiring this old, if there is nothing actually WRONG, there should NOT be much of a voltage drop from the battery to the lighting circuit-certainly less than 1 volt.

A 1979 era vehicle SHOULD have 14+ volts across a GOOD CONDITION battery when the engine is running and about 13.2V when it is parked.

IF YOU HAVE MUCH LESS THAN 14V+ WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING there is something wrong with your charging system.

A bad/weak ground ANYWHERE, a loose battery cable, a corroded wire, a frayed wire, a poorly insulated wire or connection, a low-output MAIN voltage regulator, a very loose/slipping belt on the alternator, a battery getting old that cannot output full voltage, an alternator with one burned out diode-all are very possible if the voltage is significantly lower, either when parked or when running.

FOR REFERENCE:

The standard 194 bulb is rated for 25 lumens-AT 14+ VOLTS.
A standard 168 Bulb is rated at 37-8 lumens-AT 14+ volts.
They have identical T10 configuration bases and are the same physical size.

I would only suggest trying the following if the voltage at the lighting circuit is below about 12.5 volts AND YOU CANNOT FIND OUT WHY.

Using a 168 bulb will give you about 1.5 times the light as a 194 bulb. (at the same voltage)
 
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johnnyreb

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I drove an old ‘69 Chevy back in the day and that’s what I recall, as well. Twisting the **** controlled the dimming. Will confirm on my Bronco in another month if I get it running. LOL
Try and drive a 96--2002 dodge---even in daylight you can,t see how fast your going .Because the way the dash is made. I,ll just keep going buy my tack.
 

Motech

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Using a 168 bulb will give you about 1.5 times the light as a 194 bulb.

This is a great tip, something I do with every customer when pulling cluster for lamp replacement. Just don't neglect to do them all. Having old 194s mixed in with new 168s makes for lopsided, unattractive lighting displays.
 

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