| Author | Message | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
Advanced Member Username: Magoo Post Number: 2639 Registered: 2-2001 |
Eric, One thing that we find is that if we bypass the rheostat and wire it directly the lights get somewhat brighter. However I guess whatever rheostat you use it couldn't be brighter than bypassing the rheostat completely. Thanks, | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 266 Registered: 11-2001 |
Magoo (and fellow Chatters)...finally got around to driving the 308 at night, mainly to check the brightness of the dash lights. The lights do appear much brighter than before -- I'd say about twice as bright. If I dim the lights down about half, then that would be equivalent to the intensity that they were before the dimmer switch changeout. Of course this could be simply due to the fact that my old dimmer switch was on its last leg. Regardless, they are plenty bright for my taste (sure beats driving in the dark  ), and am very pleased with the results. Unfortunately, I never thought to try bypassing the switch while it was out to compare the resulting intensity of switch vs. no switch. Hope this helps. | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
Intermediate Member Username: Magoo Post Number: 2499 Registered: 2-2001 |
Ok Eric, It would be nice to know if it did or not since we have had problems with dim dash lights. | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 262 Registered: 11-2001 |
I'm not certain of the answer to that question Magoo, as I did the switch change-out during the early evening (in the garage). I'll check it out tonight and find out for sure -- good question -- you really have my curiosity up now | ||
| magoo (Magoo)
Intermediate Member Username: Magoo Post Number: 2465 Registered: 2-2001 |
Eric, Would you say that your dash lights are any brighter than before? | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Intermediate Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 2352 Registered: 2-2001 |
Nice. | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 259 Registered: 11-2001 |
Just wanted to let you all know that I fixed the problem by purchasing a new dimmer switch from the dealer (roughly $80.00). It was very easy to change out and required no cutting of the dash material. Basically, the switch is comprised of two pieces: the switch / housing itself and the face plate / cover. The face plate pops off the front. Next I unscrewed the small shelf / pocket (driver's side under dash on the QV model) that also contains the receptacle for the map light plug. This made the wires / harness connected to the dimmer switch much more accessible. The dimmer switch pushes out the front of the dash (toward rear of car). Had to play with it a little to force it out (has to small self locking clips on the top and bottom of the switch). Reversed the procedure for installation and the dash lights work fine now. Thanks for all the suggestions from everyone on how to solve this. I'm trying to repair the automatic antenna now, and will keep you posted... |