ok. sounds like you may just have a bad dimmer switch. it is not too bad of a job but the worst part is pressing the button on the bottom of the dimmer switch to release the switch. could try turning the switch a bunch to see if it helps but probably wont.

 

Do you know of any forums links for that? It’s definitely not in my Haynes manual haha.

I assume the dimmer switch is attached to the headlamp **** back there? Looks like I’ll be taking the dash off again!

 

if you have had the dash out that is most of the work there. this button is on the bottom of your dimmer switch is the other tough part. you have to press on it extremely hard to get it to release the **** to turn the lights on. sometimes you got to push the **** in and out while pushing the but it will release eventually. then you can remove the screws and disconnect it.

 

I’ll order a new switch before I rip everything up and give that a shot. Thanks!

 

I had a thought: could that switch be bad if my headlights and taillights function appropriately?

 

it is not entirely bad but if the part that controls the dash lights is bad really not too much you can do about it unless your ok with bypassing it. you could possibly power the dash lights at the fuse using a ignition circuit but if you did there would be no way to dim them. you could try taking the switch out and cleaning it and hope it makes it start functioning. other option would be to try spinning it back and forth a ton hoping it may fix it.

 

I’ll just replace the thing and see how it goes!

 

For anyone else doing this job: give the headlight stalk a little shot of PB Blaster and let it sit a few. Use a nickel on the pad of your thumb to depress the plunger to pull the stalk out.

 

told you the button is hard to push. i almost wonder if a good cleaning might fix that switch. doesn't look too bad other than being very filthy.

 

I was thinking the same about the cleaning. The contact for the dimmer looks very corroded. I have a new switch on order ($25). The new switch is a 9 pin, this switch is an 8 pin, but the website says it’s compatible with this part. I wonder what the 9th pin is for and if my current harness will fit!

What’s the connector on the back?