Dimmer switch
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Fl
Dimmer switch
I believe the dimmer switch is KAPUT in my 77, approximately how much is one and are there any "surprises" involved in replacing it? Here's wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Re: Dimmer switch (Geoff1340)
If you have a floor mounted dimmer, then it is a very simple r&r of the switch. If you have the stalk mounted kind then never mind.
Are you sure it is broken though? Often, these floor mounted switches get really dirty and corroded. Think of all the cra* your feet drag in and it sits right by the diimmer. Try pulling the dimmer switch and washing it out with contact or brake cleaner. Then activate the switch rapidly, in and out. Again, this advice only applies to floor mounted.
Gary
Are you sure it is broken though? Often, these floor mounted switches get really dirty and corroded. Think of all the cra* your feet drag in and it sits right by the diimmer. Try pulling the dimmer switch and washing it out with contact or brake cleaner. Then activate the switch rapidly, in and out. Again, this advice only applies to floor mounted.
Gary
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
From: Burlington NC
Re: Dimmer switch (Geoff1340)
Not sure about the ’77, however if it’s like the ’79 then the switch will run you less than $15 at your local Autozone or Advanced Auto.
The switch is located at the bottom of the column, with small hands and a little patience you should be able to pull it without pulling the column. When I replaced mine, I had other things to tend to at the same time so I pulled the whole column (out and apart – major PIA).
Buy the switch, pull the connector, hook up to new switch, and test – before pulling everything off the column.
IMO throw your Service Manual in the trash can before replacing the switch – It will only confuse you and make it sound more difficult than it is.
The switch is located at the bottom of the column, with small hands and a little patience you should be able to pull it without pulling the column. When I replaced mine, I had other things to tend to at the same time so I pulled the whole column (out and apart – major PIA).
Buy the switch, pull the connector, hook up to new switch, and test – before pulling everything off the column.
IMO throw your Service Manual in the trash can before replacing the switch – It will only confuse you and make it sound more difficult than it is.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Re: Dimmer switch (Geoff1340)
replacing it is pretty easy when you get a new one. Just unscrew the lower dash pad on the drivers side. And unscrew the upper dash pad. You can push it up and give you about 3-4 inches, then you can losen up the steering column(as far as it will go), which will drop the lower dash pad down giving you an extra 4 inches. The resulting room is tight, but enough room to do your switch. There is a button on top of the switch "housing" that when pressed will release your lightswitch ****. When you get that out, there is a little screw like thing behind the **** holding the switch housing to the dash, unscrew this, unplug the wiring harness, unplug the vacuum lines, out with the old in with the new. I had done it about 5 times while trying to get my headlights working, and by the last time, I could do it in 30 minutes.
Daniel
Daniel
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: Dimmer switch (daniel77350)
Daniel,
He is talking about his dimmer switch not the light switch.
Geoff,
The explanations on changing the dimmer switch on the column are pretty complete. If you want even more info you can go to: http://www.corvettefaq.com and look under Suspension and Steering. One of the first papers is how to adjust the column mounted ignition and dimmer switches.
BTW it is a very good idea to unlatch the dimmer wiring harness and connect it to the new switch to confirm that it solves your problem before installing the new switch.
He is talking about his dimmer switch not the light switch.
Geoff,
The explanations on changing the dimmer switch on the column are pretty complete. If you want even more info you can go to: http://www.corvettefaq.com and look under Suspension and Steering. One of the first papers is how to adjust the column mounted ignition and dimmer switches.
BTW it is a very good idea to unlatch the dimmer wiring harness and connect it to the new switch to confirm that it solves your problem before installing the new switch.
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