How to illuminate the dash board lights?

[Echelon]

Hi was looking at this China Passat dashboard and like the illumination around it, I know it may be a play of surrounding colors, but if I do want to illuminate it any advise? I also would like to change the color from green to orange to suit my com display LCD that is also orange color. Is it very costly to do this?

 

I am thinking after CNY to do it, but want to find out the cost first.

 

TIA!

[Koolaba]

Most likely you will need to change the LEDs by desoldering the existing green ones and soldering the orange ones.

 

It will be a huge project as the LEDs at all the illuminated areas i.e. centre console, a/c vents, door switches should be changed to achieve uniformity in the colour of illumination. Otherwise you could end up like the FL Superb whereby the meters are bathed in white LED illumination while the remainder stays in green.

[Echelon]

Yes was thinking of changing all the lights too, but might be too costly and a big job too.

 

I love the illumination that some cars have like what the new Honda Civic have. I would very much like that a hypnotic blue around the ring of the dials.

[Koolaba]

Perhaps you can consider getting the China Passat dials and Climatronic controller to fit on your ride. The shape is identical to the Superb's. You will be assured that the illumination is blue.

[Echelon]

Thanks Bro Koolaba, yes, I thought of that too, will be checking the prices over the weekend on various parts to see what are the prices like for the China Passats. But regarding the dials I am not too sure if the dial ring is actually blue, I presume the above attached picture was just an illumination from surrounding light that gave the dial ring that blueish effect and was using the picture as an illustration, but if confirm that it dose have a blue ring dial, wow, that will be great.

[Koolaba]

From the pictures you have posted, the China Passat shares the same instrument dials as the B5.5 Passat. That means, the meters are illuminated in blue.

 

Do check with Xin Zhong on the pricing of the parts to see if it is worth the trouble to bring the item(s) from China.

[Skoda_Man]

not too sure if your dashboard uses Light Bulb or LED. My guess it is Blubs.

 

Not a difficult job as long as you know how to remove the cluster, then check which bulb you want to change and then +ve and -ve connections.

 

Next, get wide angle ultra bright LED, at least 1W type and match resistor and solder away.

 

I had my done by one Freelance guy and found it not too difficult to DIY.

 

Final word of caution, after removing the cluster, take a lighted LED and shine it thru a Bulb lobang. See on the other side if you like it before you start to do the changes.