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Old Nov 12, 2021 | 07:38 PM
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Default Dimmer switch? Help!

Hi. I have an 04 sti and I’m wondering if the dimmer switch is supposed to affect the gauge cluster as it’s quite dim and I would like to make it brighter. Currently the dimmer switch only affects the radio and odometer is this normal? If not how would I fix it to make it adjust the gauge cluster. TIA
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Old Nov 12, 2021 | 08:11 PM
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It does on my Classic yes but barely makes any difference. Just replace bulbs with brighter ones.
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Old Nov 12, 2021 | 11:20 PM
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Originally Posted by jaygsi
It does on my Classic yes but barely makes any difference. Just replace bulbs with brighter ones.
Really, mine only dims the clock, expect it dimmed the original radio/CD at one time as well but that's long gone.
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Old Nov 13, 2021 | 10:23 AM
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Replace the bulbs with new ones. As bulbs age the inside of the glass gets a coating of metal oxide (or something) from the filament which reduces the light output, so try fitting new bulbs.
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Old Nov 13, 2021 | 11:37 AM
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Don't pick blue bulbs did that on whole dash and couldn't see anything lol


Originally Posted by nicam49
Replace the bulbs with new ones. As bulbs age the inside of the glass gets a coating of metal oxide (or something) from the filament which reduces the light output, so try fitting new bulbs.
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Old Nov 13, 2021 | 07:48 PM
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Do you mean aftermarket gauges?
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Old Nov 13, 2021 | 08:09 PM
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Originally Posted by m40ttc
Do you mean aftermarket gauges?
it’s oem sti type uk gauges.blue face with green illumination but the green lights are dim and I want them to be brighter.

preferably I would like the dimmer switch to work rather than just replacing the bulbs and having no adjustability.

Last edited by Liamsim2; Nov 13, 2021 at 08:10 PM.
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Old Nov 14, 2021 | 09:12 AM
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Well, look, they're too dim now, right? But a dimmer won't make 'em brighter, only dimmer still so your 1st task would be to investigate how to brighten them, maybe by changing the bulbs in tne 1st instance. That's my suggestion anyway. Also, stay clear of leds if you don't want to have to keep changing them as they burn out too soon unless fitted with current regulators.
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Old Nov 14, 2021 | 08:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Liamsim2
it’s oem sti type uk gauges.blue face with green illumination but the green lights are dim and I want them to be brighter.

preferably I would like the dimmer switch to work rather than just replacing the bulbs and having no adjustability.
you got a photo? Are you sure they aren’t Defi’s ? If so you can brighten from the controller. 🤓
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Old Nov 15, 2021 | 06:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Beastie
you got a photo? Are you sure they aren’t Defi’s ? If so you can brighten from the controller. 🤓

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Old Nov 15, 2021 | 06:30 PM
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If their not bright enough you may give up
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Old Nov 16, 2021 | 06:24 AM
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Originally Posted by 1509joe
If their not bright enough you may give up

think headlights are to dimm to

Last edited by JdmSti2006; Nov 16, 2021 at 06:25 AM.
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Old Nov 16, 2021 | 08:12 AM
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Originally Posted by 1509joe
If their not bright enough you may give up
okay the picture might not do it justice😂😂 however my point was that the odometer and temp part are ALOT brighter than the actual gauge lights. Currently it is set to dim but when I put it to bright it’s noticeably different😂 just wanted to know if I could get the dimmer to work with gauges but thank you😂
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Old Nov 16, 2021 | 12:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Liamsim2
okay the picture might not do it justice😂😂 however my point was that the odometer and temp part are ALOT brighter than the actual gauge lights. Currently it is set to dim but when I put it to bright it’s noticeably different😂 just wanted to know if I could get the dimmer to work with gauges but thank you😂
You sure you haven’t got dimmer control on the stalk?

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/334...8&odnBg=FFFFFF

Last edited by Beastie; Nov 16, 2021 at 12:40 PM.
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Old Nov 16, 2021 | 12:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Beastie
You sure you haven’t got dimmer control on the stalk?

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/334...8&odnBg=FFFFFF
I do but mine is just a hollow circle and then a full circle. So either bright or dim but it doesn’t affect the gauge’s themselves. It only adjusts the little parts for the odometer
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Old Nov 16, 2021 | 01:57 PM
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There are two "variations" of interior illumination control on MY04 Imprezas depending upon whether or not it was specified for UK cars.
The "Bright" switch which controls the following:- clock, "outside temp LCD" and "Odometer/trip LCD" leds plus a bunch of AT model illuminations in the dash.







Variable illumination control
This has a rheostat control multi position rotary switch which in conjunction with a control module which controls numerous switch illumination lamps plus items on the dash






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