davegt79

Here is the problem I'm having: The dash lights and radio displays goes out when I turn on my headlights. I'm still able to turn the dimmer switch and turn on the interior lights (not dashboard lights) when the headlights are on. I'm guessing I either have a dimmer switch or headlight switch problem. Does anyone know a good way to diagnose this issue?

Easy Mike

I think you are saying you have instrument lights with only the parking lights on, then lose them when you tug on the headlights? If so, does the rheostat (dimmer) work with only the parking lights on?

davegt79

I lose instrument lights when I turn on the parking lights and or headlights. I turn on the car and the radio displays the clock. If I pull the headlight switch to the parking light position, the radio display goes out. Same behavior if I pull the headlight switch all the way out to turn on the headlights.

CaseyJones

Bad switch. Luckily, it is not expensive or extremely difficult to replace.

davegt79

Which switch? Headlight or dimmer. My understanding is that the dimmer switch is separate from the headlight switch and is in the steering column.

MyklB

Check your tail lights before taking anything apart. When they are out, your dash lights will go out.

Easy Mike

Nope. IP lights and tail lights are on different circuits.

CaseyJones

From you post I was assuming that the headlights switch was causing the problems. By dimmer, do you mean the one that brightens the headlights (high/low) or the one that brightens the dash lights?

davegt79

Just checked the tail lights, they are working properly.

davegt79

Casey, you are right. The dimmer switch is related to headlight (low/high beam). I was thinking it was related to the dimming of the interior light. So my issue must be with the headlight switch. Thanks

Easy Mike

Do you have a 82 owner's manual? If you do, sit down and read through it. If you do not have one, order a reproduction manual and read through it when it arrives. The owner's manual explains the regular operations of the car, including --among thousands of other things -- the high beam switch and how to dim up or dim down the interior lights.

There is a rheostat (dimmer) in the head light switch. Turning the headlight switch **** brightens the interior lights.

Bingo.

davegt79

Yes, I do have a manual and was reading it before I posted. When looking at the dimmer section, I was confused as to why they were talking about the low and high beam. I don't think my brain was functioning at the time.

Thanks for everyone's help. I'll report back once I replace the headlight switch.

davegt79

Installed new headlight switch. Everything is working properly now. Thanks for the help.

ruskinsignshop

would the problem of the dash lights going out, when the turn signal switch is pushed, for bright lights, be a part of the same switch replacement? Also, I don't have any outside running lights or dash lights, when the switch is in the parking light position. Not to mention that the traction and ABS lights are displayed all the time. TCM code will not reset...
I can also be reached by email, ted@ruskinsignshop.com
Looking for help...