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Backlighting on instrument cluster dull.

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Backlighting on instrument cluster dull.

Postby Oldphartz » Thu May 30, 2019 1:45 pm

I have a 2009 Hobby motor home on a Ford transit 2009 base. I have difficulty in reading the speedo, tachometer and message centre and temp and fuel gauge during daylight.
The brighter it is outside, the harder it is to read the instrument panel. On days when it is dull, or evening, the afore mentioned instruments are legible, but as I rarely drive in the evenings, this is of little concern.
Even with lights on during the day, the panel is backlit insufficiently to read properly.

When turning on ignition the other warning lamps and indicators lights come on quite brightly and easily seen. Not a problem here.

The messaging centre which should tell me all sorts of info, comes up a dull yellow with black lettering, but from a driving position it is totally illegible. To be able to read this in dull lighting conditions, still requires almost sticking ones head close to the steering wheel. Not a scenario I would engage in whilst driving.

So. How do I improve the backlighting during daylight hours
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Re: Backlighting on instrument cluster dull.

Postby loot » Thu May 30, 2019 4:53 pm

There's about 7 smd leds behind the lcd screen which illuminate it, on the low spec one it is a rubber and carbon block that connects the lcd to the pcb and in the high spec 1 I believe it is pins.

There is only 1 x 12v positive for the speedo and another for illumination. If you have the problem when lights are on or off then could it be a poor lcd?

Is the wiring a strong black colour and quite prominent? Or is it feint always and that the light behind the lcd isn't really helping?

I fitted blue smd leds on my speedo in place of all the green ones and it was mega bright in fact I had to fit the dimmer to make it nicer or rather it helped.
I think you must have a fault because it has never been a problem in my vans really.

Have you got a photo?
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Re: Backlighting on instrument cluster dull.

Postby Oldphartz » Fri May 31, 2019 9:06 am

Thanks Loot.
I am very reluctant to remove the instrument cluster, therefore, unable to tell anything about the wiring or lights or even faulty lcd’s. My grandson informed me that YouTube (whatever that is) May have info. Therefore, will try to see what they have to say.
If I were to take it to a reputable Ford dealer, I take it they would have the knowledge and skill to rectify the problem?

Regards

Rob
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Re: Backlighting on instrument cluster dull.

Postby loot » Fri May 31, 2019 10:22 am

Unfortunately they'll just say replace it and Ford clusters are 500gbp minimum in my opinion.

You need an electronics guy really. It's only a simple set of leds so a level 2 on the spanner scale for difficulty.

I suggested that you took a photo of the screen just to help illustrate to us how bad it is. Leds are usually super reliable unlike bulbs so it seems unlikely that they won't illuminate it as intended so the fault must be the lcd?
56 350 2.2 130ps mk7 with 2 side doors 8)
65 290 2.2 125ps custom with 2 side doors 8)
07 350 170ps
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Ids map here
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Re: Backlighting on instrument cluster dull.

Postby Oldphartz » Fri May 31, 2019 11:09 am

Thanks Loot.
Will just have to grin and bear it. £500. That is a lot of money.

Rob
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Re: Backlighting on instrument cluster dull.

Postby aromancer » Thu Jan 09, 2020 6:11 pm

Hurrah! thought I was actually going blind. Bought a 2011 transit and can hardly see the instrument panel at all during daytime. Posts here fairly old. Did anyone ever get this solved? Did you have to take it to an electronics expert? How easy is it to remove instrument panel and change the bulb?
Is there a light at the end of the tunnel (or at least at the back of the instrument panel!
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Re: Backlighting on instrument cluster dull.

Postby Simples2021 » Tue May 11, 2021 5:04 pm

Did anyone replace the smd behind the lcd to make it brighter ? A link to a how2 or any tips would be much appreciated
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Re: Backlighting on instrument cluster dull.

Postby Jim Archer » Thu May 20, 2021 8:24 am

It's not just the instrument dimmer (if fitted) turned down is it?

Do you drive with the lights on during the day? This also dims the display.

Jim
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Re: Backlighting on instrument cluster dull.

Postby Plastic Sam » Sun May 23, 2021 9:32 pm

Glad I found this thread as I have only just bought my fist ever Ford ! . . .finding my way about the controls etc I also noticed the brightness is almost not there at all on the 2 dials of my 2007 Tourneo MK 7
I've tried adjusting the 2 rotary controls found to right of the ignition position.
I'm not that savvy with the terminology being used on here . . . . .any ideas apart from an auto electrician/specialist.
Many Thanks
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