Instrument panel dimmer switch replacement

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Jul 19, 2004 | 09:50 PM

Bond007

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Racer

Joined: Jul 2000

Posts: 416

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From: Iron Mountain,Michigan

Instrument panel dimmer switch replacement

Hello fellow vetteheads, has anyone had the opportunity to replace the headlight/instrument panel dimmer switch lately? The headlights pop up and work OK but the dimmer portion will not control the cluster lights very hard to drive at night with a flashlight LOL. I would appreciate some advice on the matter, have to fix it regardless just would like to know the degree of difficulty. Thank All in Advance. :flag

Last edited by Bond007; Jul 19, 2004 at 09:54 PM.

Jul 19, 2004 | 10:36 PM

Edzred72

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2001

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From: Wildwood IL

It can be done by removing the top dash cap, and maybe the drivers dash pad door jamb screws (2) The dimmer is part of the headlight switch so ya have to replace the whole thing. Not hard...just time consuming.
Eddie

Jul 19, 2004 | 10:47 PM

Bond007

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jul 2000

Posts: 416

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From: Iron Mountain,Michigan

:flag Thank You Eddie better get ordering switch, also have speaker problems suppose I will see them when dash cap is removed?

Jul 20, 2004 | 09:47 AM

GaryS

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 1999

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From: Moon Township PA

You didn't say what year, but we just did this on my friend's 73 for the same situation. Pull the screws on the front of the driver's instrument cluster, pull it forward as far as you can and then have someone with a small hand wiggle it up under the dash to remove the headlight pull ****. Pull your duct work loose from under the dash to give more room.

You will want to practice the removal of the **** on your replacement switch so you can do it by feel. This is very easy but you WILL scrape and cut your hand a bit.

Gary

Jul 20, 2004 | 12:34 PM

Avette4me

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From: Tuttle OK

Cruise-In VIII Veteran

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryS

You will want to practice the removal of the **** on your replacement switch so you can do it by feel. This is very easy but you WILL scrape and cut your hand a bit.

Gary

Gary...does it remove by pressing the spring loaded "button" on the switch?

Jul 20, 2004 | 12:47 PM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

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Go slow. There are two vacuum lines on that light switch in addition to the wiring harness connector. Trust me, you'll make your life easier and pick up a couple of inches of working space if you will lower the steering column.

Jul 20, 2004 | 12:52 PM

lowvette

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2004

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From: Click Avatar for Contact Info

I changed the one on my '77 recently. It was easier with the steering wheel removed. I did not remove the top dash board, but could access the speaker wires -- installed Kenwood speakers in the kick panels. I believe the spring loaded "button" does make it easier to remove the ****. I didn't know about the button until the new part arrived -- d'oh! One watch-out I can offer is to make sure the sheet metal nut tabs stay in place when re-installing the front driver's dash. Old ones fall out easy and might not be noticed until you realize the screw won't tighten.

Jul 20, 2004 | 12:57 PM

lowvette

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Easy Mike

If you want to lower the steering column, I believe there's a summary on www.corvettefaq.com. An assembly manual shows an exploded view to make it easier to know which bolts need to be removed. Also, don't let the column hang from the lower support as it puts stress on the connections. I didn't lower my column for the dimmer switch swap, but my hands did get scratched up a bit.

I've heard that the vacuum hoses need to be in the correct location to work on the switch.