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E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Technical Shop => Electrical & Audio => Topic started by: 70rag383 on October 26, 2020, 09:01:18 PM

Title: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: 70rag383 on October 26, 2020, 09:01:18 PM
Hi All,

My dash dimmer switch is no longer functioning. I have power at the fusebox but no dash lights. What is the quick procedure to bypass the dimmer switch so that the dash lights automatically come on when I turn the headlights on?
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: blown motor on October 27, 2020, 02:30:58 AM
Just use a jumper wire from one side of the switch to the other. Mine had been that way for about eight years. Your lights will be on full but I find that just right.
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: 70rag383 on October 27, 2020, 05:53:08 AM
Thank you BlownMotor. I never use the panel dimmer switch unless it's to turn the interior lights on an that function still works, so I don't mind at all not having the dimmer capability.
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: Jim AAR on October 27, 2020, 08:16:54 AM
You could also try to fix the Dimmer. Mine wasn't working either so I took it out and removed the back. Cleaned the coiled wire and the contact that slides over it and it works perfect now. as long as the coiled wire has continuity from one end to the other it should work with a bit of cleaning, just do it gently so you don`t break the coiled wire. If that doesn`t work the bypass works just fine, i had mine like that for years before I actually took the dimmer switch out.
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: 70rag383 on October 27, 2020, 09:43:09 AM
Jim, that's definitely my long term plan to have the switch repaired. I will use your guidance and initially try to fix it myself. Thanks!
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: 70/6chall on October 27, 2020, 10:08:56 PM
I have an OE dash dimmer switch that I have been hanging onto for my '70 Challenger. It's clean and it's been in a drawer in my garage for quite awhile now. I may want to sell it off if your interested but it is used, but I kept it because it's clean and it works. So, let me know, we'll work something out.
Thanks,   Al
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: FSHTAIL on October 28, 2020, 12:28:46 AM
My dimmer switch was already bypassed when I got it, doesn't the dimmer control the dome light also?

Is there a way to keep the dimmer bypassed and still actuate the dome light? 

I like it better bypassed at full brightness which is still pretty dim..     But as good as it gets. 
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: dodj on October 28, 2020, 04:26:32 AM
Quote from: Jim AAR on October 27, 2020, 08:16:54 AM
You could also try to fix the Dimmer. Mine wasn't working either so I took it out and removed the back. Cleaned the coiled wire and the contact
@Jim AAR (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/aarcuda31atgmail-com_988) , where did you find the 'keeper' or whatever it's called to reassemble? The one on the 1/8" shaft that holds it together. My 'keeper' broke when I tried to pry it off and am in need of a replacement.  :huh:
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: Jim AAR on October 28, 2020, 01:18:56 PM
@dodj (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/dodj_816) Mine didn't break so i didn't have to replace it, sorry.
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: Chryco Psycho on October 28, 2020, 05:34:15 PM
JS restorations can rebuild your dimmer switch if needed  :bigthumb:
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: JunkYardFind on January 25, 2021, 06:24:13 PM
Quote from: blown motor on October 27, 2020, 02:30:58 AM
Just use a jumper wire from one side of the switch to the other. Mine had been that way for about eight years. Your lights will be on full but I find that just right.

Can you elaborate on this. I see 3 plug-ins on the switch, 2 vertical on each end and a horizontal plug in the middle.
Do you just jumper together the 2 end vertical plugs?

I am sure I am making this more complicated that it needs to be but I have limited experience with wiring.
Thanks for any help on this!
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: blown motor on January 26, 2021, 10:53:18 AM
@JunkYardFind.com (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/junkyardfind-com_10732) It's been a few years since I did it so having trouble remembering. If you aren't in a hurry I'm going to try and pull the dash this week to install light tubes. I'll take pictures when I have things apart.
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: JunkYardFind on January 26, 2021, 01:24:40 PM
@blown motor (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/blown-motor_52)
That would be great. Thanks!
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: worthywads on January 26, 2021, 01:42:13 PM
I swapped out the incandescents with LED recently, finally I needed the dimmer switch way brighter.  Tear into it, I bet it is fixable with a good cleaning.
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: blown motor on January 29, 2021, 02:09:34 PM
@JunkYardFind.com (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/junkyardfind-com_10732) I had in mind that we placed a jumper wire on the dimmer control to bypass the control mechanism but that wasn't the case. It looks like we just spliced a wire from the headlight switch into the wire going to the dash lights. Perhaps it was the wire that fed the dimmer.  :thinking:
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: JunkYardFind on January 29, 2021, 02:27:03 PM
@blown motor (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/blown-motor_52)
Thanks for the update. Just purchased some exact replacement LED bulbs and going to install them today. My dash lights do come on but are so dim they are useless. The LED's may solve my problem. If not I will look into splicing the headlight wire direct to the dash light wire as you said. I will post here of my progress.
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: JunkYardFind on January 29, 2021, 05:56:42 PM
@blown motor (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/blown-motor_52)
Well looks like the dash light problem is solved!
All I did was replace the 3 main bulbs on the light bar with BA9S LED bulbs.They light up WAY better than the original incandescent bulbs. Got them on Amazon for $9.99 for 10 bulbs.
Just ordered the 194 LED bulbs as there in one of these on the light bar also, lighting the dimmer/wiper panel.

Not sure what bulb is under the shifter console but I would bet the LED solves that problem also. The LED's come in ANY color you want if that's what your into.

My dimmer was "sort of" working and seems to be same with the LED's. I am able to get the near brightest selection to stay on so that works for now. I still am likely going to try the direct wiring route as well just to not deal with the dimmer at all. Been fighting with these damn dimmer switches for a LONG time.
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: worthywads on January 29, 2021, 06:46:02 PM
Quote from: JunkYardFind.com on January 29, 2021, 05:56:42 PM
@blown motor (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/blown-motor_52)
Well looks like the dash light problem is solved!
All I did was replace the 3 main bulbs on the light bar with BA9S LED bulbs.They light up WAY better than the original incandescent bulbs. Got them on Amazon for $9.99 for 10 bulbs.
Just ordered the 194 LED bulbs as there in one of these on the light bar also, lighting the dimmer/wiper panel.

Not sure what bulb is under the shifter console but I would bet the LED solves that problem also. The LED's come in ANY color you want if that's what your into.

My dimmer was "sort of" working and seems to be same with the LED's. I am able to get the near brightest selection to stay on so that works for now. I still am likely going to try the direct wiring route as well just to not deal with the dimmer at all. Been fighting with these damn dimmer switches for a LONG time.

If I'm following, if you direct wire the LEDs with no dimmer it is going to be brighter than you want, mine with working dimmer is way to bright full ON.  Just cleaning up the spring will fix the dimmer if you pop it open, see the corrosion, and clean it up.  Real simple device.
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: JunkYardFind on January 29, 2021, 06:53:58 PM
@worthywads (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/worthywads_460)
Just put the LED's in today. Going to test drive at night tomorrow to see where I am at. I drenched the dimmer with WD40 before all this and it seemed to help. I actually have 2 switches so I will take your advice and tear one apart and see what happens.
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: worthywads on January 30, 2021, 09:26:22 AM
Quote from: JunkYardFind.com on January 29, 2021, 06:53:58 PM
@worthywads (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/worthywads_460)
Just put the LED's in today. Going to test drive at night tomorrow to see where I am at. I drenched the dimmer with WD40 before all this and it seemed to help. I actually have 2 switches so I will take your advice and tear one apart and see what happens.

WD40 was a good first attempt and could well be all you need, it is generally just surface corrosion that breaks up the contact between the spring coil and the tab on the dial.  You are gonna love the LEDs.
Title: Re: Bypass dash dimmer switch
Post by: JunkYardFind on January 30, 2021, 06:33:58 PM
Well, I think the LED's is the place to start when you are having trouble with your dash lights. They work AMAZINGLY well! I have had my for 25 years or so and I cannot remember my dash lights ever working properly....till tonight! My dimmer even works now! I was able to get a small brush with more WD40 and clean the switch a little better. Now I have full brightness and dimmer ability! Now for the ALT gauge and heat control wire problem. Thanks for everyone's help here! I really appreciate it!
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