Instrument Panel Bulb Too Hot
 

My instrument panel bulb is very hot and bright! I converted to 12 volts negative, and got all the correct 12 volt bulbs. My instrument panel light bulb is too hot (very, very hot) and very bright. I even tried a 24 volt bulb, which brought down the brightness, but it too is hot. I saw something about an open ground. Could a ground somewhere be causing this? Right behind the bulb? How and where do I test?

Thanks!!!

Re: Instrument Panel Bulb Too Hot
 

What is the number of the 12V bulb you are using?

Bob

Re: Instrument Panel Bulb Too Hot
 

Watts are what make a light brighter and hot
I use a 3 watt bulb there

Re: Instrument Panel Bulb Too Hot
 

Yea, you need a lower wattage bulb, or drive during the day.;)

Re: Instrument Panel Bulb Too Hot
 

Does the bulb "silver over" after some usage? Too much Wattage, to little $$ spent on the bulb!

Re: Instrument Panel Bulb Too Hot
 

Simple solution. Bring the bulb to Napa and tell them you want the same base style with half the wattage... problem solved. The bulb number and possibly voltage/wattage should be stamped on the base of the bulb.

Re: Instrument Panel Bulb Too Hot
 

You need the 3 candle power bulb, thats what I use in my 12 volt converted model A. Check out Snyders, Page A-157 part number A-13466-12 price eighty five cents

Re: Instrument Panel Bulb Too Hot
 

The first trial was a Model A Ford Utility Light Replacement Bulb - 12 Volt - Single Contact - 2 Candle Power, from Macs, the 2nd was a 67-12V bulb 3 candle power from C&G Ford Parts, and the 3rd try is a #623 MINIATURE BULB BA15S BASE - 28.0 Volt .37 Amp 10.36 Watt. All too hot, first two very bright. I'm going to remove the instrument panel this week and take a look behind to see if something is happening.

Re: Instrument Panel Bulb Too Hot
 

I'm not sure what you are calling too hot, but incandescent bulbs put out a fair amount of heat, which the steel socket absorbs. The light shouldn't be too hot to comfortably touch it to turn it off.

Re: Instrument Panel Bulb Too Hot
 

The light is for momentary use only, as it does get hot. Do not attempt to turn it on and leave it on while driving as it does get quite hot.

Re: Instrument Panel Bulb Too Hot
 

For those of us still using 6 volt systems, someone in an earlier post stated they put a 12 volt bulb in and the dimmer output allowed the light to emit a softer glow that could be left on for night driving. No help of course for 12 volt systems.

Re: Instrument Panel Bulb Too Hot
 

Mine is the later style that mounts undre the dash rail with a toggle switch. I don't have any problems using the recommended 3 candle power bulbs with 6 or 12 volt. I can understand how the dash lamp cap on the earlier style would get hot. I only turn mine on when I need it. I don't like too much light in the cab at night , it gets distracting plus draws juice.