Has anyone's VDO ever burnt out?

**alias747** · 06-26-2008 08:13 AM

About 3 months ago I was driving at night, I stopped somewhere and started my car up again, and my boost gauge didn't light up. I was like what the heck, a wire must have wiggled loose or something. I had checked the connections on the back of the gauge itself, and they seemed fine. I had been to lazy/busy to tear out the panel below my steering wheel to check the other ends of the connection. Last night i tore it out and they seemed fine too, I touched the wires together at the boost gauge end and they sparked really good, so that isn't the issue.

I just can't believe a freakin bulb burnt out on a boost gauge! Is there a way to fix this, or should I just invest in a new gauge?

**RedRocketS4** · 06-26-2008 08:29 AM

check ecs tuning. they have the bulbs for them. They're $5.95+shipping

http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/...ategory=Gauges

**alias747** · 06-26-2008 08:34 AM

Thanks for the link, but I am not even sure how to go about opening the boost gauge to fix it. Anyone ever done it?

**2ndEngineS4** · 06-26-2008 10:26 AM

How is your gauge mounted? Pillar pod, vent gauge, etc?

**alias747** · 06-26-2008 10:46 AM

Its a vent gauge.

**obijohn22** · 06-26-2008 03:22 PM

Should Be Easy, And Look Around For The Led Replacement Bulb And You Don't Have To Replace It Again. The Bulb Is Easily Removed From The Rear Of A Vdo Gauge. Just Pop Out Your Vent And It Should Be Self Explanatory From There.

**alias747** · 06-27-2008 06:35 AM

Originally Posted by obijohn22

Should Be Easy, And Look Around For The Led Replacement Bulb And You Don't Have To Replace It Again. The Bulb Is Easily Removed From The Rear Of A Vdo Gauge. Just Pop Out Your Vent And It Should Be Self Explanatory From There.

I just had my boost gauge out a couple of nights ago and I wouldn't say that it was "self explanatory". There is only one way I can think of to get to the bulb from the back of it and it would be through where the electrical connector attaches. But I pulled on that thing hard and doesn't seem like it was meant to come out. It just sits there and turns in place. Have you done this before since you say its easy?

**RedRocketS4** · 06-27-2008 06:42 AM

i have. i put the LED in when i first installed the gauge to avoid having to change the bulb and to have the red matching color. You're looking in the right spot. It's where the wires hook up to the gauge. it should be squeeze and pull if I remember correctly. look for little tabs that you can squeeze. you may need a pair of needle nose pliers.

**Allaidback** · 06-27-2008 12:10 PM

My awe gauge is still lighting up the majority of the face but the 30 on the vacuum section is really dim? any suggestions?

**alias747** · 06-27-2008 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by RedRocketS4

i have. i put the LED in when i first installed the gauge to avoid having to change the bulb and to have the red matching color. You're looking in the right spot. It's where the wires hook up to the gauge. it should be squeeze and pull if I remember correctly. look for little tabs that you can squeeze. you may need a pair of needle nose pliers.

Ok thanks, I will have to take a look again! I appreciate the help!

My awe gauge is still lighting up the majority of the face but the 30 on the vacuum section is really dim? any suggestions?

The ones from ECS are supposed to be much brighter than the original bulbs becuase they use 3 LED's. You could try that.

**alias747** · 06-27-2008 12:33 PM

I wonder if these would work?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-Sup...spagenameZWDVW

The ones on ECS are a bit expensive plus once put the shipping on the total comes to almost 18 bucks!!! There is no way on earth I am going to pay that for a little light bulb!

I wonder if that one on ebay would be too bright or whatever. What do you guys think?

**RedRocketS4** · 06-27-2008 02:58 PM

I guess make sure the size is correct first. Then order it.

Also, search this website, it's where I got my ultra white blinkers to give the clear corners a better look and to have white blinkers.

http://autolumination.com/3157_3156.htm

Also, take the bulb to your local radio shack and see if you can match up an LED bulb.

maybe try to call ECS and explain the situation and tell them it's ridiculous to pay $12 shipping on a <1in^3 bulb. they might come down on shipping or might not, but its worth a shot cause you already know its the right part