LED Dash Bulb Upgrade DIY (First Gen Dodge Ram, Ramcharger)

This is an easy project that makes a big difference driving at night! I'll show you how to remove your instrument cluster from your classic truck and upgrade your dash lights to ultra bright LED bulbs. My truck is a 1987 Dodge D150, but this process is the same on all First Gen Dodge Ram trucks (Cummins, etc), Dodge Ramcharger and other 1980s and 1990s vehicles as well. Here's a link to some LED bulbs that will work great (you'll need a total of 10): amzn.to/3cGMaMc (paid link)
Cheap eBay Option: ebay.us/eSfpaW
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Chapters:
00:00 - 01:15 Intro
01:16 - 04:20 Removing Instrument Cluster
04:21 - 06:14 Cleaning Instrument Cluster, Installing Bulbs
06:15 - 07:34 Installing Instrument Cluster
07:35 - 09:00 Results!
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For this project you'll need the following (besides the bulbs):
Phillips-Head Screw Drivers (Long and Stubby)
Dielectric Grease: amzn.to/2Mzyd8l (paid link)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@vollickplaysgames]

DONT SPRAY ANYTHING INSIDE THE CLUSTER IT WILL WASH THE PAINT OFF THE GAUGES. dont ask how i know.. but i have full aftermarket gauges now

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Cool. Good point.

[@gregorydavid7755]

Great video and you explain things well. You never mentioned that to make sure you get non polarity LED Bulbs or you may pulling the dash back out to reverse the positions on some. Now get yourself as set of LED or the ultimate, HID Headlights in that truck.

[@Cruzcity]

Thank you for clarifying what tool is needed to remove clear shied! 👌🏾

[@cjwall3519]

I’m fully restoring a 86 w150 right now and these videos are extremely helpful

[@kl1153]

Really like the series you have here with your old dodge. I recently got a 1990 Dodge Ramcharger and I'm slowly fixing it up myself and your videos have helped me a lot.

[@Nuzzyfipples]

In case anyone is wondering, the cluster uses 10 bulbs. If you want your ac/heat controls to spiffy up, you'll need to buy one more. Luckily the previous owner of mine absolutely did a fantastic job on my trucks brakes but broke the sensor. Do my brake light stays on. So I now have one in the ac controls and not the brake light. Modern problems require ignorant solutions! Mine had a bluish tinit as well, 3 years later.

[@shredz4dayz395]

Same thing with me I ordered blue and they’re green I have a feeling it might just be something inside the cluster I’m not completely sure but my truck is sitting in the garage ready to be primed and I love your videos it’s so nice going out there and one upping my dad in the garage haha thank you!

[@marshalm83]

Love the opening "credits". Reminds me of an episode of the Wonder Years.

[@brandensandler3494]

Dang that thing is so clean

[@josemanuelibarra6576]

Thanks for the video I have a similar truck... I already know what is my next project :)

[@christianxzowner2958]

Thanks for this vid Mr. Like you said very helpfull...tricky but fun to do👍

[@EduardoSilva-xe3gp]

I love your channel Jason i own a ramcharger 1991 and I'm inspired by you to star working on it thanks budd

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Awesome!

[@mr.rotdog4244]

Great video! I picked up a 83 Ramcharger this video definitely helps

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Awesome, and congrats on finding a Ramcharger!

[@chassaid4242]

I had the same issue with the cluster on my 1993 Dakota. After putting the while LEDs in it over powered the green tint in the cluster and made it look blue. My solution was to just order green LEDs and it enhanced the green and looks amazing

[@paulpotvin3778]

Hey. I'm the guy with the 'cheap eBay option'. Nice video. One thing you don't mention is opening up the cluster, removing the circuit board, and dropping out the teal colored filters if someone wants to make the cluster light up pure white, or change the color to a blue or green.. I see some comments here from people saying that the cluster color didn't change when installing other colored bulbs. That's why.

[@kylemosher9346]

I bought blue leds and they are almost purple. I think that the white ones are so strong they overpower the green tint. Thanks for the great video.

[@RH-op2bh]

This was so useful! Tysm for the help

[@aarongambill9349]

Awesome video very helpful

[@jeffreymichael5404]

A thing to remember when using LEDs is the color of the bulb should match the color expected, ie green for green, red for red and so on. Might help fix the color issue.

[@garyjubar5733]

I really enjoy the videos you do on your old Dodge, especially since it is the same as mine.

[@schmidfarms1702]

Great video!

[@Ibrahim-iw2kr]

Good job!

[@dannyhale7645]

Cool project. I've been thinking about doing that to my '92. I wouldn't like the blue bulbs changing the color, either. I've been looking at that color for 26 years. It would be weird if it was a different shade. My map light is broken, too. I never bothered trying to jury rig it back in. I guess I should. It was useful. The whole inside of my dash is crumbling, though, and it has a big crack across the top. I'm going to have to find a decent used one some day.

[@arnoldmenchaca9991]

I did the same thing with the Led's in my 85 Ramcharger, but I messed up the lights. They don't come on and the headlights are dim. I tried to put a relay, but not sure if it is going to work. Great Videos, especially the one on suspension. I am trying to lift the front end of my R/C 2WD. Thanks keep the videos coming.

[@zacharybarnard2241]

Love that DAILY WIRE is an add on this vid.

[@OvensGarage]

The gauge clusters in these old rams have light filters to create the greenish-blue hue. You can remove them if you want to see the colour of your LED bulbs.

[@ursamajor7320]

How do you remove them?

[@OvensGarage]

@@ursamajor7320 they are clipped in from the back side of the cluster they pop out pretty easy. Some of them usually fall out over time. Check out the videos on my channel of me upgrading to leds in my cluster.

[@steveleonard5206]

Thanks for this video. We have a 1990 Dodge B250 Leisure Van that we are fixing up. This video was very interesting as our dash lights are also very dim. The odometer does not work. Hope you have a video on fixing the odometer.

[@tannerrenfro5190]

Great video. Have you gotten use to the LED bulbs or did you replace them?

[@horaciocenteno4419]

Nice

[@justinbridgewater8240]

That was a good show I would like to see a headlight update for the Dodge truck and a new custom grill on the cheaps

[@jond1536]

LMT truck has a relay kit for very inexpensive headlight upgrade. No more melted headlight switch, super easy to install just plugs in.

[@naptime_builder]

I have an 82 dodge w150 myself. And it may not be that you have the wrong color bulbs. When you take the gauges out of the cluster you will see that there are greenish colored snap in covers over the bulbs. Remove those and that issue with the color should be gone. Btw big fan. Really enjoy the videos

[@geraldjones5177]

I think I'm colored blind, I thought they were blue

[@GhettoAssRedNeck]

this is the same cae for my 83 dodge d150

[@harryballz6358]

Or install green bulbs instead of white works out too.

[@johnnydeerfist3727]

Great video! I'm about to be taking my dad's old Dodge apart try to figure out why its dashboard lights aren't working at all. you have a very wholesome feel about your channel will definitely be subscribing

[@christianxzowner2958]

Any vid on swaping steering column for a tilting one

[@brodysanborn6677]

Mines a 1990 w150 heavy half its the rare version because it has 3 quarterton leafsprings and frame but all original and everything works just fine

[@ebeegeebeefofeebee3181]

Your assistant is much grown since the last time I checked in.

[@escalus84]

Some comments already covered this, but be extra careful not to bend, kink, or break your speedometer cable. Having a pretty dashboard is pale in comparison to having a working speedometer.

[@horaciocenteno4419]

Your truck is very nice I own a club cab Dodge rules 😎

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks, yeah it's awesome. Such a cool old truck and easy to work on. I love how simple it is.

[@JeffLifeInReview]

Dodge rocks.

[@Pappysjuice]

I just bought an 86 last night lol the dash lights are pretty dim as well, is a certain wattage a concern when buying new dash lights?

[@MoparMan-ff8fb]

I did the same thing.to my 82 d150 but instead of paying 9.99 a LED bulb I bought the LED light strip from O'reallys over in the isle with the stickers and chrome door trim / grant steering wheels. I bought the blue light strip and took out the instrument cluster panel disconnected the tan plastic panel . on the inside of the tan panel I wiped clean and put down strips of aluminum HVAC tape in various spots to reflect the light and used a exacto blade to trim off the excess then I drill a small hole on the back and ran the. + & - wires from inside out the back of the panel then peeled off the adhesive strip off of the back of the light strip and ran the light strip along the bottom inside of the tan plastic panel lights facing up towards the gauges . then reinstalled the panels and dash trim then hooked the + wire to the fuse in the fuse box that goes to the headlights and the - wire to aground source. Works awsome. I tried two strips and was way too bright at night . one strip is just right

[@whelp1977]

Make a video!

[@MoparMan-ff8fb]

@@whelp1977 I did and also did the same thing for my buddys General Lee

[@BrownBoyT28]

You should do another video on that other gauge u got in there

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I don’t know much about it. It was there when I bought the truck. Isn’t accurate either, but kinda functions as a tachometer in a way.

[@barrycline7261]

I watched your suspension rebuild dies your truck have a sway bar and does it have bad body roll.

[@LoudMercury]

How many bulbs total are there under the dash and accessories?

[@Netrunner1972]

I pulled the blue caps out of my cluster so the factory bulbs will work just fine and it all lights up perfect

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I've heard that from a few people. Thanks!

[@swiftyplayz7507]

Oooooo same color as my dodge only difference is the seat and I have a roll bar on the back

[@geraldjones5177]

If you do the turn signal, bulbs,. You have to get relays that work with L.E.D.s, and you have to make sure power comes in on the correct side. On my 1990 I had to switch the wires going to the relays (turn signal relay and hazard warning relay)

[@alfalpha9735]

Hey I got same years, D150, when I turn on my driving light my left turn signal light always stays on, I only changed six of my bulbs to LED would I have to get a relay? And where could I get one, one off amazon didn’t work

[@geraldjones5177]

superbrightleds.com is where I got my relays

[@lee7694]

Does polarity not mattef here?

[@christianxzowner2958]

doesnt the led take less juice than regular bulbs?

[@Athenstrainman]

I miss my 88 D100

[@txwing99]

Hello, thanks for your help with video! Only thing is that my speedometer cable broke, (the plastic piece that goes behind the dash) anyways, any suggestion as to where to get a new one? Mine is about 4' long and goes to a connection near battery area. not directly to the transmission. thanks in advanced

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Check out this Dodge Ram Facebook group, they are awesome for questions like this. You'll see me on there too. :-) facebook.com/groups/186996354998860

[@ItsHolesdude201]

Can you make a video on removing the ENTIRE dash? I need to remove the whole thing and I don't know how to do it.

[@RaulSolisJr84]

Hello Jason

[@michaelwolff9207]

I'm starting to go through my old 1992 Dodge Ramcharger LE model... I need to replace some dash lights and the odometer and gas gauge don't work as of recently

[@michaelwolff9207]

Also there's aftermarket window motors that don't work anymore...

[@brodysanborn6677]

My truck is that clean and its from Maine and I bought it for 600 dollars

[@josegardead8946]

I suggest test every single bulb before instal for color, or malfuncion

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Good point. I got lucky. :-)

[@bradleyhannah8713]

You got real lucky those bulbs are directional!

[@jonclopper9621]

Do you know where you can order the holders for the bulb i think mine are bad even with new bulbs some dont work

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Hmmm, best guess off hand would be LMC truck or possibly rock auto

[@enjoythesho1992]

Mine started to burnout one at a time after about a year

[@austingilmer8164]

So I got the blue leds off eBay do you have to replace you’re whole socket to because it looks as if the wires are connected to the original bulb I put the blue leds an they won’t light up?

[@bradyp6436]

I’m having the same issue

[@mrdamppig1395]

We’re restoring one right now so can you tell me where you got all the interior parts?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Mostly the interior is as I got it. I did get a few things on ebay or Craigslist. It's hard to find parts for this. LMC truck does sell a few things.

[@Matthew-dt8wg]

I had a question mine dont light up and none of my gauges work was wondering if you had a fix for that as well?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Fuses maybe?

[@chrisgeeseka5168]

Are you going do the rest of truck to led?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Not sure honestly. I would want it to look stock.

[@mattiefattie3895]

can you provide a link to the aftermarket fuel efficiency thing or a did you do a video on that? sorry to blow you up in all the comments but I'm binge watching your ram videos

[@JasonExplainsThings]

No problem Mattie! I need to make another soon. The truck came with that so I have no idea where it came from. It’s also not very accurate. I’ve actually been thinking about how to replace it with a simple tachometer.

[@mattiefattie3895]

@@JasonExplainsThings mine came with a tachometer, not that I know how to read it or anything lol

[@tehuey333]

Jason, What about both the gas and oil gauges not working? I feel like that may be something with the cluster, what do you think? I have a 93' D150

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Either the gauge or the sending unit I guess?

[@bryanbearden4448]

Same here, oil and gas gauges no longer working

[@geraldjones5177]

Haven't changed dash lights, do they dim with the dimmer?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Not really... on or off now.

[@mikebrunais2959]

Have you had any issues with an erratic speedometer?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Nope

[@brettrossi4117]

Carb rebuild coming soon 😁😁

[@mohammedali-dh4dy]

Good job 👏,,, I have 1983 Dodge Ram,, but I need some help from your side please,, I'm looking for a grill that big one on edge not small one in middle ,,but I don't find it,, how can I get,, nothing in eBay & amazon ... etc

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Most hard to find things I’ve ended up with (bench seat, etc) was from looking on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace. Sometimes it just takes time. Some parts for my beetle took me 3 years to get.

[@mohammedali-dh4dy]

🙆🏻‍♂️😅 why I love dodge 😭😭😭

[@Sebastian_Dinwiddie]

So, four months later, how many of those newfangled bulbs have failed? Love the truck. I grew up with them, father always had one as a company truck

[@JasonExplainsThings]

None. :-)

[@mikebuckley1277]

@@JasonExplainsThings how bout now

[@tilemahosgazarian6285]

My temperature und fuel gauge isn’t working, have you an idea ?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I'd check wiring first. The temp sensor is especially simple.

[@rainbowbrosgaming6846]

Hey man! I have an identical dodge truck but the middle gauge cluster stopped working, no speedometer and no odometer, what do you think the problem is and how can I fix it?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Likely the speedometer cable. Check the connection to the instrument cluster first. I’ve never replaced that on my truck but I imagine it’s straight forward. I’ve done it on my VW Beetle.

[@geraldjones5177]

If (fly by wire), like mine was. I had to find one that worked with a cable and purchase a cable and speed sensor at trans, one where cable connects to other side, just disconnect the 2 wire connector to speedo, it will stall your truck out every time it makes a full revolution, every 10 miles

[@taylorday2165]

Would this work for a 1988 Dakota

[@JasonExplainsThings]

I’d imagine it’s similar.

[@johnmoyer8810]

I have the same year make and model. Could you tell me where to hock up a code reader on that truck?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Never done that myself, but I think it's under the dash on the drivers side.

[@johnmoyer8810]

@@JasonExplainsThings ok thank you for your time

[@rmrussell1970]

The "Code Reader" is a DRBII tool and it's for checking sensor range and operation. The OBDI didn't come about until 1991. Good luck finding a DRBII tool that works. I used one if I had to watch a sensor range but honestly, we got to where we knew what was wrong by the symptoms.

[@jeffreyblackwood8094]

I have a 89 Ram D150. I replaced my bulbs but the only ones that come on are the right turn and high beam. I can’t seem to get the illumination lights to come on. What could it be?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Try putting the bulb in the other way. LED's have that issue.

[@SKMopars]

The same thing happened to me. I rotated the bulbs and still only a few of them come on. Any hints??

[@PNW_Bison]

Are the dash lights on the old Dodge dimmable, and if they are, do the LEDs have an issue with dimming? Great video, that's a huge difference. Might do this on the old Pontiac!

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Should've mentioned that. They do not dim anymore. But the level they are at is very comfortable.

[@geraldjones5177]

@@JasonExplainsThings we will probably have to get an L.E.D. dimmer, Ive got a touch one. I will try that when I do mine. Enjoy watching your videos

[@claytonledahl74]

When I try to turn my lights to take them out they wont budge no matter how hard I try, does anyone know why?

[@alfalpha9735]

I just take the black gauge cluster cover off or unscrew the circuit board from the cluster and pull it out, it’s much easier then twisting the sockets out

[@pastorjustin4181]

$20.oo a pair at amazon, awchit. The bulbs you showed us in video look different than bulbs pictured in amazon link. Could you comment about this. I have an 89 ramcharger that could use a few things like this. 😬😊😎 good video. Thanks.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

The ones I bought were kinda cheap off eBay. The ones on Amazon are better. But you can definitely go the eBay route as well.

[@pastorjustin4181]

@@JasonExplainsThings may i have a product number or specific name to search for them?? 😊😎 i need the less expensive items. Thanks.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

@@pastorjustin4181 Sure thing. Give these a try. Again I got a color I wasn't expecting so not sure how good these are. But for $10 they might work. :-) ebay.us/eSfpaW

[@pastorjustin4181]

@@JasonExplainsThings thanks. Will chekem out. 😊😎

[@hughtaylor9898]

If one has a automatic gear indicator in the cluster for automatic ransmission it has indicator and small spring. Will be damaged easily. Mine is still broken can't find replacement for 89 Ram.

[@kylemosher9346]

If your local salvage yard has one you can probably get it cheap.

[@Cruzcity]

Im bout to pull mine off of my cluster if youre interested

[@hughtaylor9898]

@@Cruzcity how much

[@hughtaylor9898]

Do you still have the cluster? I am interested.

[@hughtaylor9898]

Do you still have the cluster for sale?

[@tkskagen]

Are LED Headlights, Running Lights, and Taillights soon to come?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Um... maybe but no rush. The only lights that were too dim are the dash ones. I want to keep things as stock looking as possible

[@LoudMercury]

I agree with Jason I prefer the stock incandescent bulb look over the futuristic terminator look of the new led headlights that are out. If More light is needed just install some classic offroad or foglights to supplement the headlights.

[@dannywall5790]

The bulbs are white but there are green plastics behind the gages i figured it out myself

[@MAViz270]

Change the headlights to LED my friend I wanna see a video

[@mattswestone20]

Should mention that LEDs are polarity sensitive and wont work both ways, in fact u might take a close look at yours and make sure every one lights up

[@partsflight7721]

I soldered an chevy radio with rgb leds and had the same problem had to get out the old fluke meter on all of them

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Thanks Matt. I'm pretty confident they're all lit up since I checked from various angles. But I appreciate the added info. 👍

[@harryballz6358]

Many LED bulbs can now be installed either direction today. Correct the older/cheaper versions only work if installed one way so you spin it 180 if it fails to light.

[@jakesmithsonian388]

Haha, I'd kill for dim lighting. Half my gauges dont even work

[@travisfeild8499]

Now is that an 88? With a 318 or what?

[@JasonExplainsThings]

1987 with a 360. I just did a video about replacing the rear main seal.

[@brodysanborn6677]

D 100 means 2wd

[@stephenhill5131]

My dash lights don't work, neither does my speedo 😂 Good excuse if I ever get stopped for speeding... 'Only just happened officer, I'm on my way home immediately to fix it' 😉

[@geraldjones5177]

On my 1990 with the (fly by wire speedo), it failed, no replacements. I obtained a pre 1987 speedo, bought a new speedometer cable. Wires that connect speedo in dash not required, and you have to get the speed sensor that connect to transmission with the other side going to cable, PROBLEM SOLVED, you can leave everything else the same. I went further and redid the info center and I liked the dash setup on the earlier models better, so I rewired everything, got to have lots of patience. I also put a underhood fuse box in, eliminated all the fuse links in the wires, and do not have to buy special relays for the starter or w.o.t. relays, with extra for fans and fog lights

[@brodysanborn6677]

I'm pretty sure the truck is a 4x4 so a w100 or w150

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Check out my video about rebuilding the front suspension to confirm it's 2WD. 😁

[@sammyprestwood3182]

Those old Dodge trucks like that have a brittle plastic piece of junk dashes in them they are prone to cracking and breaking and they're very hard to replace if you can even find one you got to take the windshield out just to replace the dashboard God should have never built that flimsy dash and put it in that truck in the first place

[@JasonExplainsThings]

From everything I've heard the Gen 2 Rams have the worst dashes. Mine is in perfect condition. 🤷‍♂️

[@beezertwelvewashingbeard8703]

Those LEDs are terrible they'll eventually start flickering badly you'll regret it. At least this is reversible.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Yeah, still going a year later. eBay LED bulbs are definitely a gamble.

[@sammyprestwood3182]

It's not the bulbs in that old ram that needs fixing it's the oil pressure gauge they give a lot of problems it's either the gauge or the wiring I have never figured it out I have a 1989 Dodge w150 power of RAM and the oil pressure gauge has never worked properly it's always reading very low around 10 lbs I had to put a mechanical gauge in the truck to make sure the oil pressure was right and idling at red lights it holds around 40 to 50 lb but that's stupid oil pressure gauge that's in the truck always reads low no one has ever did a video on how to get the oil pressure gauge to work right and if you want brighter lights in your dash remove the blue plastic lenses and you won't need LED bulbs

[@derrickwoods2803]

Led lights don't work well in these older trucks