I have liked the white numbers/letters and red needle instrument cluster lighting ever since my dad bought his A3 Sportback, and was so happy that the Leon was the same. After some research into the method I went about changing the lighting in the Ibiza.
I could only find 2 places in SA that sell the required LED type, SMD LED 3528, the "3528" meaning 3.5mm x 2.8mm in size . . . they are tiny! For this job one needs 12 white LEDs, 5 for the speedo, 5 for the rev counter, 1 for the fuel gauge and 1 for the temperature gauge.
http://www.communica.co.za/ProductListing.aspx?search=ka-3528&for=partNo&in=startsWith
http://shop.rabtron.co.za/catalog/a...sid=ad6297bf458880b05b5c3729ae0cc4db&x=17&y=9
Unfortunately the selection is limited and as noted on another forum 1000mcd would be the right brightness to go for. I had the choice between 300mcd (Communica) and 2000mcd (Rabtron). I chose to try the 2000mcd white LEDs from Rabtron.
Stripping the instrument cluster from the dash isnt too difficult, I beleive there are tutorials around for it. There are about 8 torx screws to remove in the process. Once the cluster is unplugged the covers are removed by unclipping these clips. Best method I found is to use some strips of hard plastic to slip under the clip so it remains unlatched until you can pry the cover off.
With the front and back covers removed you will have this,
This is a critical step in the dis-assembly. Take careful note of the needles positioning. I took close up pictures of the needles, you can also use small pieces of tape to mark them.
Next step is removing the needles. Care should be taken when removing them as they are driven by small stepper motors. To remove the needles pinch the centres and turn against the "flow" of the needle in regular operation. I.e. for the speedo, rev counter and temperature gauge turn anti-clockwise to remove needles. To remove the fuel gauge needle turn the needles clockwise. While turning pull straight up.
With the needles removed the printed plastic cluster sheet can be removed. With the sheet removed.
The LEDs to swap for the numbers/letters lighting are the 5 outer LEDs for the speedo and similarly for the rev counter,
I could only find 2 places in SA that sell the required LED type, SMD LED 3528, the "3528" meaning 3.5mm x 2.8mm in size . . . they are tiny! For this job one needs 12 white LEDs, 5 for the speedo, 5 for the rev counter, 1 for the fuel gauge and 1 for the temperature gauge.
http://www.communica.co.za/ProductListing.aspx?search=ka-3528&for=partNo&in=startsWith
http://shop.rabtron.co.za/catalog/a...sid=ad6297bf458880b05b5c3729ae0cc4db&x=17&y=9
Unfortunately the selection is limited and as noted on another forum 1000mcd would be the right brightness to go for. I had the choice between 300mcd (Communica) and 2000mcd (Rabtron). I chose to try the 2000mcd white LEDs from Rabtron.
Stripping the instrument cluster from the dash isnt too difficult, I beleive there are tutorials around for it. There are about 8 torx screws to remove in the process. Once the cluster is unplugged the covers are removed by unclipping these clips. Best method I found is to use some strips of hard plastic to slip under the clip so it remains unlatched until you can pry the cover off.
With the front and back covers removed you will have this,
This is a critical step in the dis-assembly. Take careful note of the needles positioning. I took close up pictures of the needles, you can also use small pieces of tape to mark them.
Next step is removing the needles. Care should be taken when removing them as they are driven by small stepper motors. To remove the needles pinch the centres and turn against the "flow" of the needle in regular operation. I.e. for the speedo, rev counter and temperature gauge turn anti-clockwise to remove needles. To remove the fuel gauge needle turn the needles clockwise. While turning pull straight up.
With the needles removed the printed plastic cluster sheet can be removed. With the sheet removed.
The LEDs to swap for the numbers/letters lighting are the 5 outer LEDs for the speedo and similarly for the rev counter,