Dash Light Dimmer Wire - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1980 Chevy · 06-09-2004, 09:40 AM

I just installed some aftermarket gauges and I want to hook the lights for them into the same wire that controls the brightness of the dash lights. Does anyone know which wire does this? Right now I have it going to the wire that makes them come on when lights are on, but it doesn't dim them.
I have an 80 Silverado. Thanks.

Grim Reaper · 06-09-2004, 09:46 AM

I want to say it's brown but it's been a year since I last did that.

I been tagging that wire at the plug for the radio. The factory Radio lights were on that dimmer. Just get a test light and probe that plug and turn on the lights and dim and you will find it.

jimfulco · 06-09-2004, 11:58 AM

Some vehicles have a terminal by the "inst" fuse that can be used for that.

flip66 · 06-09-2004, 06:50 PM

Grim Reaper is right its brown

prozacposterboy · 06-19-2004, 11:01 PM

The Chilton manual has wiring schmatics... I can get a copy for you if needed... but I just hooked up my gauge lights/tach lights and it was the green wire if you're going to the back of the headlight switch plug... or the grey wire on the instrument panel plug to the dash lights... Id personally go that route since it goes through the instrument light fuse on the fuseblock...its a 20amp fuse so it should be able to handle everything.. Ill scan the diagram if you need it..

Prozac.

06-09-2004, 09:40 AM	#1
1980 Chevy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Burleson, Texas Posts: 55	Dash Light Dimmer Wire I just installed some aftermarket gauges and I want to hook the lights for them into the same wire that controls the brightness of the dash lights. Does anyone know which wire does this? Right now I have it going to the wire that makes them come on when lights are on, but it doesn't dim them. I have an 80 Silverado. Thanks.

06-09-2004, 09:46 AM	#2
Grim Reaper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 1,704	I want to say it's brown but it's been a year since I last did that. I been tagging that wire at the plug for the radio. The factory Radio lights were on that dimmer. Just get a test light and probe that plug and turn on the lights and dim and you will find it. __________________ Grim-Reaper 70 Pontiac LeMans Sport Convertible, worlds longest resto in progress Looking for 71-72 2wd Blazer or Jimmy Project

06-09-2004, 11:58 AM	#3
jimfulco Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Shreveport LA Posts: 3,170	Some vehicles have a terminal by the "inst" fuse that can be used for that.

06-09-2004, 06:50 PM	#4
flip66 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Garland TX Dallas area Posts: 658	Grim Reaper is right its brown

06-19-2004, 11:01 PM	#5
prozacposterboy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 2	The Chilton manual has wiring schmatics... I can get a copy for you if needed... but I just hooked up my gauge lights/tach lights and it was the green wire if you're going to the back of the headlight switch plug... or the grey wire on the instrument panel plug to the dash lights... Id personally go that route since it goes through the instrument light fuse on the fuseblock...its a 20amp fuse so it should be able to handle everything.. Ill scan the diagram if you need it.. Prozac.



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