AggiePhil

I basically want to change the instrument cluster backlight color from the stock green color to a red color. Now I can think of a few possible ways to do this. One would be to change the bulb. Another would be to put on a red bulb cover. Another would be to install red spotlight gel behind the gauge panel. And yet another way might be to use a red marker to color the holes on the backside of the gauge panel.

Problem is, I don't know how the instrument cluster in these trucks is built or how it comes apart. I don't know how the backlight works, what makes it green, and how easy it is to disassemble. So could some of you guys who've taken the cluster apart before chime in with some ideas? I appreciate it! Thanks!

joefarmer

Your 2001 should have 4-5 screws around the clear plastic cover that attaches to the gauge faces. Then you have access to the face of gauges. Not sure how to break it apart any more, I've never had to go underneath a 98+ model.

brandon.

jrs_dodge_diesel

A couple of threads that I recall from a while back.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...highlight=gels

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...highlight=gels

heavyboostin

well if you get it to work post what you have done for us, I know i would like to change my colors as well to match my gauges. I am not a green kinda guy..

AggiePhil

I need people to chime in who have a service manual cause I have no idea how to take the cluster apart and how the green backlight works.

heavyboostin

ive only taken it apart as far the clear plastic on the front to clean it out...that wont help you though, sorry

torquefan

If I remember, the bulbs come attached to a socket, and screw into the cluster from the rear. You can change the bulbs without disassembling the cluster. However, I believe the bulbs are clear, and the green tint comes from a green plastic dome that surrounds the bulb when it's installed.
This style of bulb is usually called a PC194 - it's a 194 bulb, but permanently mounted to the plastic socket. I think they can be ordered in different colors.

This information is fairly generic, but I'm pretty sure it applies to our Ram clusters.

Eskimo

I just took mine apart yesterday... Problem is, the green color comes from a tinted plastic that the lights shine through, NOT a green bulb. Not sure how that would work to get red.

AggiePhil

Can you get good access to the green dome to paint it with a red maker?

RCW

You have to pull the panel apart and remove the green thimbles. Then just paint your bulbs with transparent bulb color, or use the aftermarket sleeves that slide over the bulbs.

AggiePhil

Great info! Will this require removal of the needles?

BigBlue

Yes it will. I've got a service manual sitting right beside me. I'll do some research in it and let you know what I find.

AggiePhil

OK, I just pulled the cluster out a ways (couldn't take it out all the way cause of that cable that runs down to the column) and pulled a couple of the bulbs out the rear. The bulbs were clear and I didn't see anything green up inside the bulb hole. No "green plastic dome" or whatever. So...I still don't know how much work it'd take to make it light up red instead of green.

On a similar note, doesn't anybody know how hard it is to take apart the HVAC control to look into making it light up red as well?

Gotlift01

On a couple other trucks I've had, when changing the gauge faces, I noticed that the color is actually on the gauge face itself. I think there is a green laminate on the backside of the gauge face that makes it light up green. Not sure if I'm right, but that's what it looked like to me.

The new gauges I put on were that way, they had a blue laminate on the back to make all the numbers appear blue.............


~Nick