Problem with dimmer switch

[GNRick]

I just fixed the wire in the center console that was shorting out and blowing a fuse. Now I find out that the dash lights only come on when the dimmer is turned up just before it clicks for the dome light to come on. If I back it down just a little, the dash lights go out. This of course is with the headlights or parking lights on. Fuses all look good. Can anybody help? Thanks!

 

[FastRegalWE2]

I just fixed the wire in the center console that was shorting out and blowing a fuse. Now I find out that the dash lights only come on when the dimmer is turned up just before it clicks for the dome light to come on. If I back it down just a little, the dash lights go out. This of course is with the headlights or parking lights on. Fuses all look good. Can anybody help? Thanks!

The dimmer is a rheostat, it varies resistance when the wheel is turned on the switch, you can check it with a fluke/voltmeter to see if its good. Sounds like its just worn out

 

[notacarlo]

It's actaully really easy to take it apart. It is most likely cracked since it is a ceramic plate with copper embeds. Mine did the exact same thing. I superglued it back together and re-ran copper tape over the breaks. Works fine.

Or, you could go buy another one.

 

[GNRick]

Will check it out. Thanks for the speedy reply!

 

[GNRick]

I bought a new one at O'Reilly for $20. It is more knobby (not smooth) like the stocker but it works fine. The stocker looks like it is perfect. I don't see any broken areas. Oh well, another part for the junk box.

 

[vacuum 6]

I bought a new one at O'Reilly for $20. It is more knobby (not smooth) like the stocker but it works fine. The stocker looks like it is perfect. I don't see any broken areas. Oh well, another part for the junk box.

Rick, What's the O'Reilly part number for the dimmer switch? I checked on-line and the pics don't look correct but the description does. BTW - emailing you does not work...received the following from 3 different email addresses.

----- The following addresses had permanent delivery errors -----



Thanks,
Walter

 

[GNRick]

Rick, What's the O'Reilly part number for the dimmer switch? I checked on-line and the pics don't look correct but the description does. BTW - emailing you does not work...received the following from 3 different email addresses.

----- The following addresses had permanent delivery errors -----



Thanks,
Walter

Oh, I'll change my signature. New email is rudydog33@comcast.net. I'll have to do some digging and see if I saved the receipt. Otherwise I could go to O'reilly in person if you want me to. Do you have a local O'reilly's?

 

[vacuum 6]

Oh, I'll change my signature. New email is rudydog33@comcast.net. I'll have to do some digging and see if I saved the receipt. Otherwise I could go to O'reilly in person if you want me to. Do you have a local O'reilly's?

If you can dig that would be great! The closest O'Reilly is Rockford which is a 90 min drive for me.