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I reviewed a lot of older threads so I hope this isn't a repeat. My dimmer switch isn't getting actuated when I pull my signal lever. The visible part of the rod looks fine and the rod is in place at the switch and pushes the dimmer switch, but just not enough for it to click. I can push the switch with my finger and it works. Looking at this helpful picture which I screen grabbed from an older thread, it looks like the switch could be shifted/adjusted if you loosened the dimmer switch mounting bolt/nut (green circles). Is that right? As my car isn't apart beyond the bottom column cover, my question is how much disassembly is required to access those mounting bolts (i.e. do you have to remove the vent/drop the column, or has someone adjusted it otherwise). Thanks in advance.
Yes you will need to remove the ducting and what ever else that is the way.
If you need a little more room,,,
You can remove the 2 bolts one on each side of the column (by end of yellow arrow) and loosen the 2 nuts on the large flange column at the end of the column and the column will drop a little.
Once the column drops a little cut a stick or some type of support as a brace under the steering wheel end. You don't want to put excess pressure on the column downward.
Follow these instructions starting at step 4.
If your dimmer has been replaced there will be a stud and nut on the left side, this was part of the install kit.
If your dimmer is the original it will have 2 bolts to loosen be very careful,,,,,
DONT LET IGNITION SWITCH ADJUSTMENT CHANGE!!!
Imo, this is where people get themselves into trouble on a 77 and break the dimmer pivot bracket on the wiper/washer switch because the adjustment was not correctly done.
Thanks. That is great info. I had been thinking about converting it to a floor switch so I might go back to that idea to limit some of the risks that you mention.
There is a "Dead pedal " area on the far left in my 77. I'm fairly certain one could easily mount the old style foot dimmer switch there. Then just intercept the wiring at the base of the steering column and route over to the new floor switch. Me, I've never had any trouble with the factory dimmer switch. And I would likely repair it if I did. But nothing wrong with the foot dimmer as well.
Before finding the adjustment sheet I posted above I bought the switch and the connector to do the foot switch change.
Built a pigtail harness extension and everything.
I just couldn't find a nice flat area to mount the switch, maybe a early vs. late change I don't know.
Anyways, here are the part numbers for the switch and connector
I bought this part a while back from Summit NotcHead Floor Dimmer Switch Kits and my thought was to use an oscillating multitool to modify the spacer piece that appeared to me to be bonded in the area that the floor switch is mounted in the '76. Thanks for the part number of the connector.
My carpet is out so I'll take a picture of the spacer piece later today.
I assume that this connector in your photo was made to plug into the connector that is removed from the current dimmer switch? Do you happen to know the part number on that? I'd love not to have to splice into anything.
I also hate splicing wires and try to use period correct connectors and housings when I can...
Also thanks for the PM!
I cannot find a MALE 3 wire connector housing that will couple to the original 3 wire F/M at the dimmer switch, none 0 if they were available I would have found it.
So this is what I did...
I removed the 3 wires from the original dimmer F/M connector housing, and installed those 3 wires in the new F/M connector housing link below.
Made my extension harness, MALE housing and crimp terminals one end.
New foot switch connector housing (88860549) and F/M crimp terminals to that end.
#16 gauge wire colors are Tan & Lt.Green
#14 gauge Dk.Blue wire.
Here is the best deal I could find for all connectors and terminals you will need, it also includes free shipping:https://www.ebay.com/itm/37275847040...UAAOSwKpFdcBsE
Hope this helps...
1977 dimmer switch adjustment
