Instrument lighting

Maybe it's my eyesight but I struggle to read some of the instruments on my 240 at night.
The worst ones are the cluster of three above the centre air vents (clock, oil press and vacuum/economy gauge).

Does anyone know if it's possible to fit higher wattage bulbs to these? I think the bulbs fitted are 1.2W.

[migrator]

There is also the rheostat switch on the dash for control of the illumination level. I presume that that is set OK and working properly?

[neil stevenson]

When you say set OK, I take it that it can be adjusted some how?

Yes, the rheostat is right round to max. In fact, I never bother adjusting the brightness of the instruments using this. I could understand it being of some use if the instrument lighting was too bright. Not the case sadly.

[neil stevenson]

Yes I understand you can turn it up and down but is it adjustable to shine brighter when turned up full.

Neil, yes, the instrument lights will be at their brightest with the rheostat turned right round.
Sadly, these lights aren't bright enough to sufficiently illuminate the gauges, especially when there is a lot of oncoming traffic at night which affects night vision.

My original question still remains, is it possible to fit higher wattage bulbs? The ones fitted are 1.2W.

[Erling]

I do not know if there are other bulbs available. But a common fault is that the rheostat tend to degrade over time, making the lights go weaker. It is not hard to bypass the rheostat though, just make a couple of wires with male spade connectors. At least you get back the original max output, then you can judge if that's good enough for you.

Erling.
http://home.no.net/ebrox

[vjck_uk]

Have you tried new bulbs as the old ones discolour with use and consequently lose their brightness.
I think you can 3 watt in the same fittings,just ask at you local spares place.
If you are still running it with the DRL's on then they will deteriate a lot quicker.
Vaughan