DIY 6WA Cluster LED Repair

[robbief00]

My right turn signal indicator (green arrow) on my cluster stopped blinking a while back. I suspected it to be a failed LED since it wouldn't light up even during the instrument cluster system test.

I coded my HUD to show the turn signal arrows but it still bothered me so I decided to take on this project and was prepared to buy a new 6WA or 6WB cluster just in case something went wrong.

All went well but unfortunately the new LED is a little brighter and slightly different green shade. I purchased a strip of 10 ea PLCC-4 3528 green SMD LEDs from Ebay. I may eventually swap out this LED for the adjacent "LIM" one which is a speed limit indicator light. That way both turn indicators look the same.

...

[kangfu84]

This is a great write up, thanks! Both my left and right are dead so this gives me hope that I'd be able to find someone to help resolder my LEDs in future easily enough.

[Zoff]

Did you “borrow” that microscope from your place of employment?
Also, can I have the bad LED?

[Zoff]

And for those of you wondering, I collect bad BMW parts. So sue me

[MH20jy]

Wow great write up. Usually you will have a bad resistor or capacitor, it’s surprising that the LED SMT is broken.

[stocktree]

Was there a visible part number on old led?
Awesome write up.
Maybe just change both if you can't find a match.

[Qsilver7]

Great DIY write up. Too bad you didn't’ change both left & right LEDs while everything was apart…then both would’ve been the same color. {hindsight 20/20 }

[Franktea1$]

Is there anyway to get the factory LED?
Thank you!!!

[RED_Y_]

Originally Posted by Franktea1$

Is there anyway to get the factory LED?
Thank you!!!

Sneak into the factory in Hungary? Just replace LED in pair so the color is matching.

[Franktea1$]

Originally Posted by RED_Y_

Sneak into the factory in Hungary? Just replace LED in pair so the color is matching.

Sounds good!

[Johnkwick]

Originally Posted by robbief00

All went well but unfortunately the new LED is a little brighter and slightly different green shade. I purchased a strip of 10 ea PLCC-4 3528 green SMD LEDs from Ebay. I may eventually swap out this LED for the adjacent "LIM" one which is a speed limit indicator light. That way both turn indicators look the same.

Hi, do you know if indicators that have green light share the same LED type? I have 3 dead indicators (left turn, headlight, and LIM). If they're the same, I have a plan to replace LIM with right turn indicator LED, use PLCC-4 3528 LED for both turn indicators and headlight

[Franktea1$]

Originally Posted by Johnkwick

Hi, do you know if indicators that have green light share the same LED type? I have 3 dead indicators (left turn, headlight, and LIM). If they're the same, I have a plan to replace LIM with right turn indicator LED, use PLCC-4 3528 LED for both turn indicators and headlight

Let us know how this turns out thanks!

[lonestar22]

I'd never think of doing this but it was definitely an interesting read. Nice work!

[Franktea1$]

Originally Posted by robbief00

My right turn signal indicator (green arrow) on my cluster stopped blinking a while back. I suspected it to be a failed LED since it wouldn't light up even during the instrument cluster system test.

I coded my HUD to show the turn signal arrows but it still bothered me so I decided to take on this project and was prepared to buy a new 6WA or 6WB cluster just in case something went wrong.

All went well but unfortunately the new LED is a little brighter and slightly different green shade. I purchased a strip of 10 ea PLCC-4 3528 green SMD LEDs from Ebay. I may eventually swap out this LED for the adjacent "LIM" one which is a speed limit indicator light. That way both turn indicators look the same.

...

I found using two teaspoons with equal pressure made it easy to pop off the 4 needles.
Thanks,
Frank

[9krpmrx8]

These LED's should be the right ones right?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/161464956634

[stocktree]

Originally Posted by 9krpmrx8

These LED's should be the right ones right?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/161464956634

Looks like same part number as mentioned before

[9krpmrx8]

I just want to say thanks to the OP, I ordered those LED's and had a local game repair shop do the soldering on the board and now my blinkers work perfect. My left one was the only one out but I had them replace both so they match.


Oh and be very careful as stated about the black surface on the gauges, I used a brand new micro fiber to clean dust off and it put slight scratches in one spot. You can't see them with the dash in but it bugs me knowing they are there.