Cluster lights don’t work even after changing bulb

Linuus

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Hi, guys need to “light” here as I can’t figure out what can be causing this.
A few weeks 2x T5 bulbs from my cluster stop working and they weren’t blowed. So I took the time to order 2x T5 leds and 6x 509T leds. They work fine for 2 weeks

4928f6320d3bfb6c5ef148608f6023c9.jpg


And then 2 weeks later

e70c34d3dad78a642275a19e635ff7f5.jpg


The 2x T5 died...
So I removed the cluster and replaced with another T5 and this time they don’t switch ON and for some reason 2 x 509T LEDs stoped working too.
b3adbb9366036b19f059522ea8360662.jpg


In the pictures the one with a #RED mark are the ones not working... and the ones with #GREEN mark are working fine... any ideia!?
I have opened up the cluster to check for any capacitor and resistor damage but Notting :/

Another question if I replace the cluster for a second hand with the register miles be the ones I have or the ones the cluster donor had?!

Thanks


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Linuus

Linuus

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I’m a bit is dispare :/


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LostKiwi

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LEDs are directional. They will only work if inserted one way. Take them ot, turn them 180 and try again.

I often wonder if the hassles from LED are really worth it.
 
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Linuus

Linuus

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LEDs are directional. They will only work if inserted one way. Take them ot, turn them 180 and try again.

I often wonder if the hassles from LED are really worth it.

I have done that... but Notting, they where working just fine. And then a blackout.
I even swop around with the ones working at the bottom and Notting :/ is there any change I can have damage the top circuits?!


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LostKiwi

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Go back to basics....
Put an ordinary bulb in to test with.

One thing you may have done is reduced the brightness of the lights using the dimmer so there is insufficient power to trigger the LEDs?
 
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Linuus

Linuus

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Go back to basics....
Put an ordinary bulb in to test with.

One thing you may have done is reduced the brightness of the lights using the dimmer so there is insufficient power to trigger the LEDs?

I have checked the dimming on the left it’s full britgness. I’m thinking is the top circuit works in parallel, where they will work only if all the 4bulbs are ok.?


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LostKiwi

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Parallel would mean they all sit across 12v so are independent. Try going back to basics and fitting bulbs to test.
 
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Linuus

Linuus

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Parallel would mean they all sit across 12v so are independent. Try going back to basics and fitting bulbs to test.

Will order some. I haven’t seen 2w T5.. can I fill bulbs with less watts like 1.2w.. that’s the ones I have found around.


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LostKiwi

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Will order some. I haven’t seen 2w T5.. can I fill bulbs with less watts like 1.2w.. that’s the ones I have found around.


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Yes. They'll just be a bit dimmer.
 
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Linuus

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Will do it tonight just got 2 bulbs will check voltage where the bulbs go and see if a get any readings


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Linuus

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So, I have fitted new bulbs in and no ligh :/ is it possible I kill the tracks of capacitor?!


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LostKiwi

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It does sound like you've killed something in the cluster.
 
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Linuus

Linuus

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Damn.... I’ve learn one thing then, changing cluster to LEDs can end up with a big bill.
Second hand cluster + find someone to correct the mileage on the car will leave me water slim.... ;(


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om613

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I've one with 150K on the clock.
I know this is accurate...because I waited 18 months for mine to catch up before swapping out.
Yes, a pixel fix that works.
 
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Linuus

Linuus

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The PCB board looks ok. No crack on soldering, capacitors ok. Tracks ok.... continuity present
2f28e0cd8dbf6d157f7c069c8ee208e0.jpg


Here we can see that the bulbs had melted down a bit of the plastic within some time
968042c540b672f4e5ca03b8e158a573.jpg


2d8d5f900e466d7d6b414fc90dee28a4.jpg



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Linuus

Linuus

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I've one with 150K on the clock.
I know this is accurate...because I waited 18 months for mine to catch up before swapping out.
Yes, a pixel fix that works.

I have sent u a PM @om613


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Linuus

Linuus

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Only solution for me will be replacing the cluster and never ever replace with LEDs even if MB asks 2.99£ per bulb...


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L John

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An LED has a much higher resistance than a standard bulb, so I can't see an LED doing any damage and it cant do any damage if it's fitted the wrong way around, it just wont light up.
When working on anything electronic like this, it's worth using an anti static wrist strap.
I'd guess static damage or the ribbon /connector has a bad connection or is damaged.
 


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