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Old 08-08-2019, 03:32 PM   #1
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Instrument lights on E450 Forest river forester 3011 DS Class C

Does anyone have a fix for the dash lights. In the bright daylight you can’t read the speedometer or any of the other gauges. I have tried to turn the lights on and turn the dimmer all the way up with no help. Is there a small set of lights you can put on the gauges to help. I had to use my flashlight today on the way home so wouldn’t get a ticket. I use my gps but didn’t have it today.
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Old 08-08-2019, 05:53 PM   #2
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Same problem so I will be interested to hear about any fixes.
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Old 08-08-2019, 07:19 PM   #3
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I have a Scan Gauge mounted with Velcro on the top of the dash and one of the readings is speed. Easier to read up there with just a glance. Side Benny if the computer throws a code, you can read it. Works on any OBD2 system.
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Old 08-09-2019, 11:38 AM   #4
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Instrument lights on E450 Forest river forester 3011 DS Class C

+1 on the Scangauge plus I use my Garmin GPS for speed as well. I’m in Canada and the kilometres scale on the gauge is unreadable it’s so small the indicator needle covers 10kph on the gauge.
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Old 08-09-2019, 12:24 PM   #5
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I like the scan gauge because its almost like a heads up display. I only have to glance at it.
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Old 08-09-2019, 01:00 PM   #6
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Ford E-series:
Quote:
INSTRUMENT LIGHTING
DIMMER
Note:If you disconnect the battery or it becomes discharged, the dimmer switch will require re-calibration. Rotate the dimmer switch from the full dim position to the full dome/on position to reset.

Note:Move the control to the full upright position, past detent, to turn on the interior lamps. Move the control up or down to adjust the intensity of the panel lighting.
-- Chuck
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Old 08-09-2019, 02:13 PM   #7
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e450

thanks chuck I did that. Don’t if it did any good yet. Will see when I go out on next trip.
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Old 08-09-2019, 02:17 PM   #8
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What model of scangauge do you have.
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Old 08-09-2019, 03:09 PM   #9
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Joel --

For grins remove the Negative battery wire, let the system sit for a minute or two, and reconnect. This may reset the module that's controlling dash illumination. It'll brick your radio, though, so have the code handy. Won't cost you more than 10 minutes. And might just work.

Next stop is one of the Ford Truck forums -- lots of guys with E-series vans there.

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Old 08-09-2019, 04:27 PM   #10
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Problem with using the dimmer is it only controls the instrument lights when the park/headlight switch is on. It works sorta OK but it dims the radio viewing screen to the point it is very hard to see the rear camera. My cam is pointed down to view the toad connection and front end. I use a ten inch iPad Pro for a rear traffic observation camera mounted on the Jeep so it has its own dimming feature.

So now, y’all got me thinking about a solution, which is really needed. The gauges are really hard to see in daylight. I cut a 12” strip of white LED lights, soldered some 24 gauge wire to it, dropped the wire down behind the panel trim and hooked it to a 9 volt battery. That is just a temporary setup which I will test to see if it works during my five hour drive on Sunday.

If it works then I’ll install a permanent wire and connect it to the chassis electrical system with a mini switch and fuse. I let y’all know the results Sunday night.

Here’s a pix. The reflection of the fuel and temp gauges is only visible to the camera...can’t see it while seated and driving.

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Old 08-09-2019, 04:58 PM   #11
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instrument panel

I have the same problem and will be interested in a solution.
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Old 08-12-2019, 11:25 AM   #12
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I got to try the lights shown in post 10 on a six hour drive yesterday. It works great..better than great. The speedometer and tack are visible regardless of any glare from the sun or whatever. The only question now is will it be too bright when connected to 12 volt ( the temporary connection is a nine volt battery). I don’t think it’ll be a problem.

I’m going to cut a longer LED strip and mount an on/off switch. I have all the parts required laying around but if the lights are too bright I can install an in-line dimmer switch. Avoiding that because a good one costs $30.
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Old 08-12-2019, 11:31 AM   #13
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Can you provide a list of parts that i can order?
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Old 08-13-2019, 07:17 PM   #14
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The lights worked just fine on the trip. Permanent set installed and wired through a push button switch on the previously added switch panel. I only had a nine volt battery for the test so it might be a little too bright now with 12 volts. If it’s too much I’ll change the push button switch with a rotary dimmer.
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Old 08-13-2019, 10:48 PM   #15
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Looks great! really lights up the panel. I will PM you tomorrow to get the right stuff list.
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Old 08-14-2019, 08:28 AM   #16
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Originally Posted by SQROOT View Post
Looks great! really lights up the panel. I will PM you tomorrow to get the right stuff list.
Check your pm box. Already sent the info.
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Old 08-18-2019, 01:16 PM   #17
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What I don't understand is why Ford doesn't get it. The black background makes it almost impossible to read mph, rpms, etc. on a cloudy day or when wearing sun glasses. Either make the background white or include an adjustable backlight. Had the same problem with my FR3 and now Forester.
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Old 08-18-2019, 03:46 PM   #18
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I guess I’m not “seeing” the problem. The numbers and tick marks are bright white, and the pointers are bright red. My eyesight isn’t all that great, but I’ve not had any difficulty seeing the instruments in any weather on my 2019 E450. However, I will say the Sony rear view camera provided in the Sunseeker is too dim.
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Old 05-15-2020, 02:39 PM   #19
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Installed LED lights for the dash

I found these LED DashLitz at Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dashlitz-Blue/778017799

Installed them and they work great! Took some work to hide the wires but I was on hold on a phone call so it worked out! Here's some pics:
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Old 05-25-2020, 12:27 PM   #20
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I have the same issue my other issue the large screen on the radio at night is very bright to the point my wife will not drive at night
Can’t figure out how to dim it
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