Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Ever since I've had my 86 oval fascia 944, its had no light to the dashboard with the lights on. I've now got the whole thing out and found that the 3 main fittings Across the bottom to light up the instruments are missing - I don't mean just the bulbs, the bulbs and the holders are not there. The remainder of the smaller lights are there and most seem to work.
I've struggled to find new bulb holders for these - I believe they are T10 twist lock type - I eventually found some on flea bay, but now they have arrived they don't seem to fit.
Anyone know what the spec is for these holders please?

Hi Steve, the bulb holders for the illumination are slightly larger and the bulbs higher wattage too. See photo for comparison:

These ones have been taken from a cluster that I am modifying so they are surplus to requirements (so to speak). If you are interested PM me with an offer?

The holders work fine, I cant vouch for the bulbs as they are quite old..but they are readily available from Halfords, etc. However, don't ever be tempted to put higher wattage ones in to increase the light output as you will melt the holders, etc

One difference between my old S2 and my Turbo is the latter car has a set of refurbished mirrors for the illumination. It really does make quite a difference, better than my own homegrown efforts of the time!

Thanks for the responses gents, and thanks for the offer Rhett, I'm taking you up in that! Already got some replacement LED bulbs, so should soon be able to venture out in the dark and know how fast I'm going!

Hi Steve, bulb holders on their way!

With regard to LED bulbs, you might find that they don't necessarily give a better illumination than standard ones as the diffusion, power and colour of LED light is very different to a normal bulb. However, it depends on the LEDs they have supplied, but remember they will only work one way round, so if they don't light up first thing, fit the holder 180 degrees around to reverse the polarity. Also, they may not respond particularly well to the dashboard illumination adjuster, as that simply reduces voltage and LEDs do not really dim that way.

But, by the end of the week you should be well lit!

Bulb holders arrived, thanks Rhett!

Over weekend, upgraded the dash light reflectors using white enamel paint as an alternative to the Clark's Garage foil upgrade as had read this was just as effective - arguably better....

As I've never had dash lights, I can't say if it's better, but I can say that the combination of T10 "tower" LED bulbs and the white reflectors make for a good level of pure white light to the dash. Very satisfied!

Good news Steve, another little job crossed off the '944 to-do list' - which is like a pile of laundry....never really gets finished