Here's the jumper wire to bypass the dash rheostat | FerrariChat
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Here's the jumper wire to bypass the dash rheostat

Discussion in '308/328' started by Dino246gt, Aug 9, 2008.

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  1. Dino246gt

    Dino246gt Formula 3

    Mar 26, 2007
    1,038
    Winnipeg, Manitoba,
    Full Name:
    Dennis Ezmerlian
    #1 Dino246gt, Aug 9, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I pulled the steering wheel, popped out the four warning lights, unscrewed the instrument cluster (I used FUN-TAK on the end of a phillips screwdriver so as not to drop those 4 screws) marked all the big plug ins with a Sharpie, then took the whole thing into the house. Once I replaced the 4 bulbs with those recommended for brighter illumination, I cleaned everything and headed back to the garage where I made this to bypass the dimmer! Simple task really that anyone should do in about 2 hours with 3 handtools! (sorry about the flash on the second picture) Going out tonight with brighter (readable) instruments! Ciao, Dennis
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  2. jonesdds

    jonesdds Formula 3

    Aug 31, 2006
    2,163
    SB,CA & Park City UT
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    #2 jonesdds, Aug 9, 2008
    What kind of car? Thinking of doing this on my 328. Where is access to the screws for the instrument cluster? Thanks

    Jeff
     
  3. Dino246gt

    Dino246gt Formula 3

    Mar 26, 2007
    1,038
    Winnipeg, Manitoba,
    Full Name:
    Dennis Ezmerlian
    #3 Dino246gt, Aug 9, 2008
    It's the 308, I've heard that the 328 doesn't need this improvment, however, the screws that hold the instrument cluster in are behind the four warning lights at each corner, those warning lights just pull out with a strong fingernail or tiny flat screwdriver!

    I just got in from a night out and the lights are WAAAAY better, fantastic improvement!

    Ciao! Dennis
     
  4. GeoMetry

    GeoMetry Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2008
    471
    Virginia
    Full Name:
    Richard
    #4 GeoMetry, Sep 6, 2008
    I have seen several posts about this but the instruction that they often link to don't seem to apply to my car. The dimmer on my 1985 308 is not located in the instrument cluster, it is down to the left of the steering column. How do I get to the wires on my car?
     
  5. mike996

    mike996 F1 Veteran

    Jun 14, 2008
    6,908
    Full Name:
    Mike 996
    #5 mike996, Sep 6, 2008
    Last edited: Sep 6, 2008
    I drove my 328 at night during my trip from LV and didn't see any need for brighter dash lights but I guess like many things, it's a matter of opinion/personal taste. I admit that I prefered it at the brightest setting but that was bright enough for me.
     
  6. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,055
    USA
    #6 f355spider, Sep 6, 2008
    Last edited: Sep 6, 2008
    Jeff, the reostat is located lower left part of dash on a 328. You can make a similar jumper to accomplish the same thing. I made one for my 328 years ago (no longer have the car). I don't recall if I had to use male or female spade connectors, but it will be simple enough once you look at it. You do not have to remove anything, you can reach under the dash to undo the plug and insert the jumper wires. Made a slight improvement. I also did the bulb swap as well.
     

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