I'm not sure if this is a problem or a "feature." But to me the speedo tach etc. on my XJ8 are hard to see in the daylight, even with the illumination cranked up as far as it will go. At least as compared to my other cars. If this is normal, are there brighter instrument cluster bulbs that could be installed? Or maybe LED replacements? No problem at night.

 

I have seen online some so-called high-brightness LED cluster lights. Does anyone know what (presumably standard) type or types of bulb/socket Jaguar uses? That might improve the situation.

 

Hey , we have a member in X300 Forums Oudabah , you can check out his LED interior upgrade threads, different cars but at least it may give you an idea

 

I wanted to pull this thread back up again. Now that the weather is warmer and I am running my XJ8 again, I continue to be surprised at how dim the cluster is during daylight.
Is there some sort of automatic circuit or sensor that sets the cluster illumination level during daylight? If so, maybe mine is messed up. Also, my car has aftermarket plastic window tint - could that be interfering?
I also note that the speedo and tach needles are orange and relatively bright near the center, but turn pale and dim out towards the ends. In forums for other cars, I have read postings where people paint or dye needles with fluorescent orange paint. Has anyone done that with their Jag?
Finally, if I wanted to experiment with a whole different cluster, is the mileage stored in the cluster or is it passed through from a different module?

 

First off, you can upgrade to led, I have. You have to find led's that work for you, my first experiment, they were too dim, the next set too bright. It's a fair bit of messing around. Maybe refreshing the incandescents with new ones?
The mileage is stored in the cluster. It can be altered by a mileage adjustment specialist.

 

The cluster uses pretty simple bulbs for the illumination.
I don't know the correct English word, but here's a picture:



Originally fittet are 3.2 watt.
I think you could easily upgrade to 5 watt.
(Availlable for repeater lights.)

IIRC there are 4 of them installed to illuminate the clusters and the needles.

David

 

DavidN's idea of increasing the wattage on the existing bulb seems like the easiest way to improve the brightness of the displays. Unlike LEDs, these do generate heat. My concern would be whether it would cause thermal damage over time with the increased temp. Does anyone have experience with this idea?