improving speedometer visibility

Where are you located? There are a number of members that have done this, and would probably be willing to help out.

 

You're not driving around with the headlights on are you? Cause when you turn them on the dash dims automatically, 'thinking' it's dark out and not wanting to tweak your night vision.

IE my instrument lights are auto on to let them show in the daytime from their little recesses. But that lighting level is brighter than the headlights on brightest setting.

 

Also, at least with the stereo on mine, it's brighter when the headlights are completely off. Can't recall though if dash lights do the same though..?
They dim with headlights on, probably under assumption is dark out (duh! ) I believe to prevent to much glare at night.
So if you're the type to leave your headlights on all the time this might be affecting it during the day.

Edit: Clearwater beat me to it! Had this page open since morning. ..

 

You could always just change out the gauge face, even with something that matches the white gauges of the 2012-2015 models:

http://www.blackcatcustom.com/toyota_tacoma.htm

 

I have no problem seeing mine, even while wearing sunglasses.

 

I have an UltraGauge mounted above and left of my rear view mirror. Easy to see when you look back (you do check your mirrors for idiots, right?) Not expensive, and able to calibrate for different tire sizes.

 

Near Yakima, WA.

 

That sounds interesting! Do you have a pic you can post?

 

Good for you but not everyone is the same as you.

 

I tried this and it does not make enough of a difference.

 

Good idea, I will look into this. Thanks!

 

Not sure if you feel like going without your gauge for a few days, but @Jerez offers this service. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-led-cluster-swap.162197/

 

No pic, but this tread should show mounting points: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ultra-gauge-mounting-location.313151/

If you still want I will get you a pic of mine tomorrow.

 

Lmfao what do you need a speedometer for? Just hammer down.

 

This may also be an alternative
. Plug and play heads up display ? For 50 bucks , it might be worth a try ?
https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobil...y/?utm_term=DT+Newsletter+-+Daily+Subscribers

 

I've thought about a heads up display, but would have to use one in different conditions to make an informed buy or not decision. They always look good in the ads. Real time with the sun on the horizon in front of me? I seriously doubt if anyone could see it.

 

I'm definitely doing this, exactly what I need. Fortunately for me, my brother is skilled at soldering circuit boards. All I have to do is take it out and put it back in.
Thanks

 

I just saw this on craigslist

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/pts/d/cluster-for-toyota-tacoma/6243958878.html

 

Nice write up, Chertzog!
I tried it today and have a couple of issues. The speedometer needle and the center where the kilometers are and the odometer are unlit. I replaced the leds there and no change. All else is correct. Have you had any issues in this area? Any suggestions?
Thanks

 

Are the LEDs lighting up? Were you sure to match the direction of the LEDs? The needle has a painted bottom and wont change much unless you scratch off the bottom side of the needle.

I had some where i put them in backwards. also, be sure to test before putting the dash all back together.