I finally had time to address the very dim optical filament displays on my 84' XJ6 S3 dash. Jose (from this forum) suggested an LED cluster to replace the original single blub.

I found just such an LED replacement blub online for approx. $ 9.50. It is a Mini Bayonet Ba9s LED Auto Blub 15 SMD LED. It puts out 107 lumen ( I would guess the original blub was about 15 lumen ). Their are other Ba9s LEDs to choose from that also fit that have more or less LEDs per blub that sell for more or less money.

The installation required removing the "Opticell" light blub housing from the main Opticell unit. The housing comes off and goes back on with a quarter turn. Once it is off, you just change out the bulbs. The job went smoothly with most of the time spent removing the center console arm rest / box and shifter / ski panel to get down to the optical unit. The upgrade to a big LED blub made a huge difference. No more dim displays!!! Also, you can't tell the light source is from an LED type light blub.

 

I did the same and was surprised how much brighter the panels are. I guess the LED light is more directional and focused so more lumens get to the fiber optics. It's a low cost upgrade that really pays off.

 

Glenn,
do you mean you removed the BULB SOCKET from the opticel housing? the bulb socket is at the rear of the opticel housing, and it is held to the housing by tangs, so it is removable to replace the bulb. You can access it by removing the black plastic tray under the center console elbow rest. No need to separate the two halves of the opticel unit.

 

Hi Jose,
I removed the light blub housing with a quarter turn. I did not know the socket portion in the back could be pulled off.

One benefit of having the housing out, you can tell if the height of the new LED blub tower replacement will fit top to bottom. They are larger and taller than the old blub.

Jose, thanks again for all the ideas and tips it has really made a difference with my car.

 

you bet Glenn, now you know it's easier to just remove the bulb socket to replace the bulb. In my car, I have seven LED's in the opticell, a friend made it for me. I can now see the Headlights switch illuminated at night !

PS: I cannot see your images, they are too small.

 

I just order one of these: 67 LED Bulb - 15 LED Forward Firing Cluster - BA15S Retrofit - Natural White.

 

That will not fit. The Opticell takes a BA9 base, not a BA15 which is quite a bit bigger. You have to find a BA9.