DimClusterResistorMod

How to Dim the Instrument Cluster Using a Resistor

Some people find the glare on the windshield to be too great, even after dimming the lights using the OEM method. A gentleman on the forum came up with this mod:

Insert a 1000 (1k) ohm resistor inline with the blue wire in the white six way connector. There are 3 connectors when you remove the dash from the tank. There is no disassembly needed on the cluster. You should however remove the 3 screws that hold it to the chrome. I spliced my resistor inline about 2 inches from the terminal. On the brightness settings, I am running on number 2 and see no noticeable glare and can still read the gauges. Number one has a little flutter in the lights if all 3 of the lights are set to number 1 ( but still readable). I think that it is a good bare minimum. From what I can tell, number 6 is just about the same as a stock number 1 setting. I wouldn't go any higher than 1000 ohms (1k ohm) To play around with various resistors, just unplug dash, remove the chrome and remove the blue wire from the white 6 way. Plug everything back in and insert various loads between your loose blue wire and the terminal where the blue wire was until you get the results that suit you. When you find your cup of tea, wire it and heat shrink it in. http://www.elexp.com/t_resist.htm is a good reference chart for deciphering resister codes.

Materials used:

• 1 1k resistor (Radio Shack)
• 1/8 and 3/8 Gardner Bender heat shrink (Home Improvement Store)

Note: The neutral and high beam lights are still present.

Reference: http://forums.delphiforums.com/starroadliner/messages?msg=9873.8