GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Golf mk3 how to guides + info => Topic started by: dom on 05 February 2011, 19:15

Title: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: dom on 05 February 2011, 19:15
This guide will show you how to change the colour of the dials and MFA screens, including removing the green film and adding extra LED's.

You will need:

First you need to remove the clocks from the car, the first stage of this is to lower the steering column, by pushing the lever on the left of the column down.

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0463.jpg)

The next step is to remove the ABS/Airbag warning lights. First you need to prise the lights off with a flat headed screw driver:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0464.jpg)

Once you have access, unclip the panel:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0465.jpg)

This will provide you with access to the headlight switch which also needs to be removed. This can be done by pressing in the clip highlighted below and simply pulling the switch towards you:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0466.jpg)

Unplug the headlight switch to reveal a screw:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0467.jpg)

Next move to the other side of the steering wheel and pop off the blank pictured below with a screw driver:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0468.jpg)

This will again reveal a screw, undo both screws:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0470.jpg)

Once the screws are undone pull the black plastic surround off, starting at the bottom. You should be left with this:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0471.jpg)

Either side of the clocks is a screw, both of these need to be undone:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0472.jpg)

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0473.jpg)

The clocks will then pivot forwards, allowing you access to the plug:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0474.jpg)

Undo the plug and pull the clocks towards you, they should come right out. They may take a little wiggling to get around the steering wheel, but as you have moved the wheel down it should be easy enough.

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0474.jpg)

Part 2 to come!
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's
Post by: dom on 05 February 2011, 19:34
Part 2

With the clocks removed you should be able to see the following with them turned over:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0475.jpg)

Unclip the black plastic cover to reveal the circuit board:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0476.jpg)

Here you can see that I already have red LED's for the MFA screens and blue LED's for the clocks:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0476a.jpg)

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0477.jpg)

If all you wish to do is to change the colours of your dials/screens then twist the old lights out and twist the new LED's in. It is worth noting that unlike the standard bulbs, LED's have a positive and negative leg so if it does not work initially, this could be why. Also for the MFA screens to light up properly you need to remove the green film from behind the screens.



The next stage is to remove the circuit board from the clocks, to do this there are a number of torx screws to undo. It is worth noting at this point that the screws can be a bit of a bugger to get in/out. I found it easier to undo the screw a little way with the screw driver and then carefully using pliers to twist it out completely. This saves you mashing up the head of the screw and not being able to put them back in.

There are 8 screws to remove (I had started to remove them prior to this photo)

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0476b.jpg)

With the circuit board out you will be left with this:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0479.jpg)

Next you need to remove the face of the dials from the rest of the unit. Carefully prise the needles away from the dials and the faces should come away (ignore that my faces are cut up, I had to mod them previously to get them to fit into my clocks)

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0480.jpg)

Now I didn't get a pic of the next step :rolleyes:

You need to turn the clocks back over and unscrew the screws that are holding the plastic of the dials into the circuit board. This then reveals the LCD screen:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0481.jpg)

Lift the screen away from the circuit board and separate it from it's plastic holder. In the holder there are 2 filters, one green and one white, you need to remove the green one and reassemble it all. Clip the plastic holder back onto the circuit board and screw the plastic for the dials back on (I used pliers to do most of this and tightened them fully with the screw driver)

I then took this photo as a comparison so you can see how much of an impact the filter has (excuse the crappy quality, I left the camera in the garage and it was pouring down). It doesn't even look as if the right hand screen is illuminated due to the filter.

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/IMG00455.jpg)

Remove the filters from both screens and replace the dials/needles:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0483.jpg)

If you do not wish to add extra LED's then all you need to do is reassemble the clocks and you are done :smiley:

Part 3 to come!
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's
Post by: dom on 05 February 2011, 19:50
Part 3

Ok, here is where the fun begins!

I have an extra 4 UV LED's to wire in, all of which have resistors.

The first step is to solder the resistor to the positive leg of the LED (the longer leg is always positive)

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0484.jpg)

Then insulate the legs, leaving only a small length to solder to the metal strip that runs along the top of the clock unit. (I didn't take a pic specifically of this, but you can see it later on in the guide.)

The next stage is to unclip the white plastic strip from the rest of the clocks, you need to pull the metal pins out of the circuit board as well (no pics but it is obvious what you need to do). It is then worth removing the metal strips from the plastic, you may need to use a small screw driver for this.

Next decide where you want to place the extra LED's, I decided to place all 4 inside the existing 2. I used a 3mm drill bit to make a small hole and then a 5mm bit to enlarge it:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0485.jpg)

I then placed the LED in to ensure that it fitted and used a spare car battery to check that it worked:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0486.jpg)

I then did the same for the other 3 LED's and carefully soldered them onto the existing metal strips (you may have to drill a hole in the metal strip as well to allow for the LED. Looking at the clocks from behind the metal strip closest to you is Negative, so the leg without the resistor gets soldered to this strip. I then tested to ensure that they all worked:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0487.jpg)

Here's a pic to show them all soldered on and the metal strips back on:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0488.jpg)

Put the plastic strip back onto the clocks:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0489.jpg)

Replace the black plastic cover:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0490.jpg)

At this point I used the car battery to check that they all still worked before I put them back into the car:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0491.jpg)

Once I was happy I put them back into the car and tested them again (excuse the quality of the pics, camera is rubbish in the dark):

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0494.jpg)

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0495.jpg)

Then you just need to screw them back in, replace the plastic cover and screw that back in. Plug both the headlight switch and the ABS/Airbag warning lights in but don't push them back into place until both are plugged in! Replace the plastic blank for the screw on the left and don't forget to put the steering wheel back to the desired height! Reset the time and your done!

Sit back and enjoy your brighter clocks/dials :smiley:
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: Jimmy Filth on 05 February 2011, 20:03
This is brilliant, can we make it sticky?
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 05 February 2011, 21:01
Very good write up Dom. Congrats on the first (and last  :grin:) sticky.  :kiss:
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: dom on 06 February 2011, 00:15
Very good write up Dom. Congrats on the first (and last  :grin:) sticky.  :kiss:

Cheers Shady :kiss:
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: Jimmy Filth on 06 February 2011, 00:36
The problem I came across tonight is that my speedo unit is a different type, that absolutely isn't as easy as that to change  :cry:
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: dom on 06 February 2011, 11:42
The problem I came across tonight is that my speedo unit is a different type, that absolutely isn't as easy as that to change  :cry:

What do you mean a different type? The bulbs? or the actual unit itself? I also have another type of clocks in the garage so i'll go and get some pics of them if you like?
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: Jimmy Filth on 06 February 2011, 11:57
a completely different unit. 
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: dom on 06 February 2011, 12:06
a completely different unit. 

Like the one here? (http://www.cdgold.co.uk/clockmod/)
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: Jimmy Filth on 06 February 2011, 13:12
dom, you sir are my hero.  Cheers for that
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: dom on 06 February 2011, 15:18
dom, you sir are my hero.  Cheers for that

No probs, if you get stuck I also have a set like the ones in that guide. They're knackered, but I could have a play with them to see if there are any obvious mistakes that you could avoid with yours?
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: Ferdinor on 13 June 2011, 23:41
i know this is an old post but where did you get your l.e.d's and resistor from mate? also what size resistor's did you use? cheers  :smiley:
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: dom on 21 June 2011, 17:58
i know this is an old post but where did you get your l.e.d's and resistor from mate? also what size resistor's did you use? cheers  :smiley:

They were from eBay and came with the resistors, i'll see if I can find the spares that I got to see what the resistor was :smiley:
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: WadGTI on 22 June 2011, 18:22
You could always use a glue gun and glue the lights to disperse the light from the LEDS :)
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: shelaghmk3gti on 27 June 2011, 20:32
oh wow what a fab thread! x
i love the way everything in a golf pops off with a flat screwdriver lol
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: Len on 29 June 2011, 09:34
Anybody know a cheap way to change the mileage on a different set of clocks?
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: dom on 29 June 2011, 10:41
Anybody know a cheap way to change the mileage on a different set of clocks?

PM Kells, i'm sure he's done it :wink:
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: trog_nfs on 29 June 2011, 10:43
Anybody know a cheap way to change the mileage on a different set of clocks?

PM Kells, i'm sure he's done it :wink:

I doubt he'd want to post how to clock mileage on a public forum  :grin:
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: dom on 29 June 2011, 11:09
Anybody know a cheap way to change the mileage on a different set of clocks?

PM Kells, i'm sure he's done it :wink:

I doubt he'd want to post how to clock mileage on a public forum  :grin:

Hence the PM bit :wink:
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: Len on 29 June 2011, 12:47
I have a set of Anni clocks that I have done most if not all of what this thread is about from stuff Brad has said in the past.
But when it cam around to MOT time I didnt want the mileage changing so swapped em back and have not bothered since due to the mileage.
Was quoted £80 to have it done.

I will PM Brad and see though!
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: stow1985 on 06 March 2012, 21:52
Hi,

Great thread!

Where can I get the 501t LED's for the dials and for the MFA screens?
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: Itteh on 20 May 2012, 14:51
This guide will show you how to change the colour of the dials and MFA screens, including removing the green film and adding extra LED's.

You will need:
  • T6 Torx Screw Driver
  • 2 x 501t LED's for the dials
  • 2 x 501t LED's for the MFA screens
  • 4 x 5mm LED's (with resistors) for the dials (optional)
  • A selection of screw drivers
  • A drill with 5mm bit
  • Soldering iron with solder
  • Electrical insulation tape (preferably heat shrink stuff)
  • Pliers

First you need to remove the clocks from the car, the first stage of this is to lower the steering column, by pushing the lever on the left of the column down.

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0463.jpg)

The next step is to remove the ABS/Airbag warning lights. First you need to prise the lights off with a flat headed screw driver:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0464.jpg)

Once you have access, unclip the panel:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0465.jpg)

This will provide you with access to the headlight switch which also needs to be removed. This can be done by pressing in the clip highlighted below and simply pulling the switch towards you:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0466.jpg)

Unplug the headlight switch to reveal a screw:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0467.jpg)

Next move to the other side of the steering wheel and pop off the blank pictured below with a screw driver:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0468.jpg)

This will again reveal a screw, undo both screws:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0470.jpg)

Once the screws are undone pull the black plastic surround off, starting at the bottom. You should be left with this:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0471.jpg)

Either side of the clocks is a screw, both of these need to be undone:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0472.jpg)

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0473.jpg)

The clocks will then pivot forwards, allowing you access to the plug:

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0474.jpg)

Undo the plug and pull the clocks towards you, they should come right out. They may take a little wiggling to get around the steering wheel, but as you have moved the wheel down it should be easy enough.

(http://i790.photobucket.com/albums/yy183/codling1234/111_0474.jpg)

Part 2 to come!

mine is different too... the 1 you have photos of is a new model to myn.. as you can see the date on the photos of when the clocks were actually made.. myn says 06.09.97 wher as your is 18.09.97 which is the later model. my clocks are totally different, the blue leds u have used for the clocks/speedos which are at the top of the picture with the blue surrounding... did you buy these ? or make them your self with resistors. plus i have a bit of a problem, i removed the needles to change the dial faces, and when i tested the the dials, the speedometer and rev counter worked perfect as they sat on the 0 figure. but the petrol and temp gauge dropped all the way down... how do i get them 2 to sit on the correct positions for when i turn the key and the ignition comes on.
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: GolfGL on 24 July 2012, 23:05
Hi, so i attempted replacing the lcd mfa display as mine had stopped working. The guide was great but both displays got damaged in removal and i was pretty careful so what did i do wrong? not sure whether to.get another replacing at 20quid or leave it as it is.
Adam
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: sharki786 on 26 July 2012, 09:36
Hi, so i attempted replacing the lcd mfa display as mine had stopped working. The guide was great but both displays got damaged in removal and i was pretty careful so what did i do wrong? not sure whether to.get another replacing at 20quid or leave it as it is.
Adam

whats happened to the display? Have you cracked them? Just buy a cheapo set and get some1 to desolder the displays and swap them over.
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: nhop10 on 03 September 2012, 22:23
good guide, but are you saying you have to take the filament/sreen cover thing off the mfa dial part to get the colour to show through? i was just going to add red leds..? cheers
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: whileoceanasleeps on 20 January 2013, 18:42
anyone know what the resistor values need to be? just ordered some leds (inc uv..)  :cool:
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: stow1985 on 25 January 2013, 21:07
good guide, but are you saying you have to take the filament/sreen cover thing off the mfa dial part to get the colour to show through? i was just going to add red leds..? cheers

Yes, otherwise the mfa is dark
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: itavaltalainen on 28 January 2013, 20:34
anyone know what the resistor values need to be? just ordered some leds (inc uv..)  :cool:

what led's have you ordered? do you have any info on them? at least which colours are they?
then can easily calculate min resistor required...
just pointing out that info helps.... at least a girl could tell you the colour of their car  :whistle:
 
estimate for R is between 680 and 1k5, depending on colour and how bright you want it, probably 1k is fairly good for most.
make sure to use resistors that are rated at least 1/4 W.
1/8W can be close to their limit and since 1/4W aren't more expensive would just use those.

Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: whileoceanasleeps on 28 January 2013, 22:51
anyone know what the resistor values need to be? just ordered some leds (inc uv..)  :cool:

what led's have you ordered? do you have any info on them? at least which colours are they?
then can easily calculate min resistor required...
just pointing out that info helps.... at least a girl could tell you the colour of their car  :whistle:
 
estimate for R is between 680 and 1k5, depending on colour and how bright you want it, probably 1k is fairly good for most.
make sure to use resistors that are rated at least 1/4 W.
1/8W can be close to their limit and since 1/4W aren't more expensive would just use those.

ordered what i thought were the ones in this thread but they may be the wrong ones. anyway my clocks are different to these, mine are the ones here:

http://www.cdgold.co.uk/clockmod/

much more tricky job to do! i need to get some more led's but i have no idea which ones to buy, i can't find the info anywhere!! i'm guessing if i can find some 12v leds i wont need resistors?

Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: itavaltalainen on 29 January 2013, 18:29
which leds have you bought (part number)?
the clocks in the link are mk3 clocks aren't they? which bulbs do you wanna replace, just clocks or the ones for lcds?

there are no 12V LEDs... LEDs have forward voltage of around 1.5 ~3V depending on type, so for replacing dial ones you will need resistors... if that is just buy a few different ones (would suggest 5 different values across) from e.g. maplins between 680 and 1k5 or 2k ohms.
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: sharki786 on 03 February 2013, 19:09
which leds have you bought (part number)?
the clocks in the link are mk3 clocks aren't they? which bulbs do you wanna replace, just clocks or the ones for lcds?

there are no 12V LEDs... LEDs have forward voltage of around 1.5 ~3V depending on type, so for replacing dial ones you will need resistors... if that is just buy a few different ones (would suggest 5 different values across) from e.g. maplins between 680 and 1k5 or 2k ohms.

Your wrong there. I have 3mm 12v leds. But for the display (smd) you could get the mk4 clocks strip them down and get the smds out of them. Also go to rs componants for the leds waaaaaayyy cheaper then maplins.
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: itavaltalainen on 03 February 2013, 21:18
I repeat there are no 12V leds, so suspect what you got is a LED with a current limiting resistor built in which is overall rated for 12V ;)

e.g:
http://pdf1.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/view/221008/BRIGHT/BR-B21V1-12V.html

Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: sharki786 on 04 February 2013, 15:08
I repeat there are no 12V leds, so suspect what you got is a LED with a current limiting resistor built in which is overall rated for 12V ;)

e.g:
http://pdf1.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/view/221008/BRIGHT/BR-B21V1-12V.html

Well i got 3mm red led in the drivers windows switch which doesnt have a resistor. So you must be right.
Title: Re: HOW TO: Change lights in dials/MFA displays & adding extra LED's - Pic Heavy
Post by: samehalabhar on 22 February 2018, 18:10
good