Instrument cluster poorly illuminated; tachometer doesn't work...

[Chappydoc]

2004 Chaparral Sunesta 252 Merc 350Max Bravo3

Does anyone know where to start with these problems? I looked under the cluster, but couldn't figure out where to start!!!

 

[Scott Danforth]

start with cleaning your battery cable connections. then the block end of the battery cables, and work your way up to the helm.

you most likely have bad connections, and probably at the ground block under the helm.

 

[Chappydoc]

start with cleaning your battery cable connections. then the block end of the battery cables, and work your way up to the helm.

you most likely have bad connections, and probably at the ground block under the helm.

Hi, Scott,
Thanks for the prompt reply!
I thoroughly cleaned all battery connections yesterday, when I was in the engine compartment addressing some other items. I'll be going to the helm next. I'm not looking forward to navigating that maze!!! ;-/

 

[nola mike]

If you have glass buss fuses, those like to corrode and cause voltage drop as well. You can perform voltage drop tests to see which connections are causing problems

 

[poconojoe]

As far as brightening your illumination, you could have some bulbs that are burned out or the bulbs might be getting weak with age.

Keep in mind, you don't want them too bright where they blind you at night. Plus, color matters at night too. I forget which is best for night vision.

I changed all mine to LED. They were direct replacements, no drivers, just get the correct voltage, shaped bulb and compatible base. Plus, you can choose the color.

 

[mike_i]

If you have a voltmeter pull out one of the bulbs and measure the socket voltage. If all of the bulbs are dim and the bulbs are wired in series you may have low voltage due to a bad or corroded connection.

 

[poconojoe]

If you have a voltmeter pull out one of the bulbs and measure the socket voltage. If all of the bulbs are dim and the bulbs are wired in series you may have low voltage due to a bad or corroded connection.

This is a very good point.

 

[dwco5051]

Keep in mind, you don't want them too bright where they blind you at night. Plus, color matters at night too. I forget which is best for night vision.

Red light is what is used to help with night vision. All the gauges in my plane were illuminated with red. I still have a pair of red goggles that were issued to my uncle when he was a Navy carrier fighter pilot during WWII. The pilots would wear them during the day if they were schedule to fly of had to scramble at night. I remember the passage ways on board ship illuminated with red at night if you had to go topside at night your night vision would not be impaired. Green would be a second choice but not as good as red.

 

[QBhoy]

Red light is what is used to help with night vision. All the gauges in my plane were illuminated with red. I still have a pair of red goggles that were issued to my uncle when he was a Navy carrier fighter pilot during WWII. The pilots would wear them during the day if they were schedule to fly of had to scramble at night. I remember the passage ways on board ship illuminated with red at night if you had to go topside at night your night vision would not be impaired. Green would be a second choice but not as good as red.

Agree with this. I removed the usual 501 bulbs for a set of red 501 led bulbs. For better night vision.

 

[poconojoe]

Red light is what is used to help with night vision. All the gauges in my plane were illuminated with red. I still have a pair of red goggles that were issued to my uncle when he was a Navy carrier fighter pilot during WWII. The pilots would wear them during the day if they were schedule to fly of had to scramble at night. I remember the passage ways on board ship illuminated with red at night if you had to go topside at night your night vision would not be impaired. Green would be a second choice but not as good as red.

Great info and history lesson!
Thanks!

 

[Chappydoc]

Thanks, everyone, for your input! I'll soon be exploring this, and finding solutions/upgrades! )

On another note, I'm thinking that finding out why/how my tachometer is not working will be another adventure. ;-/
In the meantime, I've ordered Vessel View Mobile, which allows me to get helpful data streamed to my mobile Apple devices...