Dimmer Switch replacement-81-87

[65chevysub]

What am I looking at to replace the dimmer switch in my 84 Sierra?(column mounted). I see its at the bottom of the dash. Thanks

[kwmech]

Removal of the center piece under the column (phillips screw driver) 5/16 quarter drive socket with accommodating ratchet.. I think that's it, haven't been under the dash of a square lately

[79vette]

I haven't been able to do this satisfactorily with the column bolted up, but maybe you have smaller hands than me...


I would pull the plastic trim piece under the gauge cluster, remove 2x bolts on each side of the column (9/16, or maybe 5/8 socket?), and carefully lower it down so the wheel rests on the seat. You might have to stack some stuff up on the seat to support the wheel; if you don't the weight of the unsupported column will put a lot of stress on the rubber gasket on the firewall.

There are 2 small screws, either 5/16 or 3/8 that hold the switch in place. You need to remove it and install the new one, and then adjust it along the long axis of the column until it clicks between positions when you pull the lever. Move it up or down as needed, then tighten the screws and test it by moving the dimmer lever. Once you get it adjusted, reinstall the column.

[HOGDADDY]

Originally Posted by 79vette

I haven't been able to do this satisfactorily with the column bolted up, but maybe you have smaller hands than me...


I would pull the plastic trim piece under the gauge cluster, remove 2x bolts on each side of the column (9/16, or maybe 5/8 socket?), and carefully lower it down so the wheel rests on the seat. You might have to stack some stuff up on the seat to support the wheel; if you don't the weight of the unsupported column will put a lot of stress on the rubber gasket on the firewall.

There are 2 small screws, either 5/16 or 3/8 that hold the switch in place. You need to remove it and install the new one, and then adjust it along the long axis of the column until it clicks between positions when you pull the lever. Move it up or down as needed, then tighten the screws and test it by moving the dimmer lever. Once you get it adjusted, reinstall the column.

I agree with dropping the column to gain access.

[65chevysub]

Thanks. Going out to try it now. Off work from spine surgery so have free time, lol

[65chevysub]

Do I need to disconnect anything under the hood? I unbolted the column from the dash, but it didnt drop down. Seems like is secured at the firewall

[hatzie]

Originally Posted by 79vette

I haven't been able to do this satisfactorily with the column bolted up, but maybe you have smaller hands than me...


I would pull the plastic trim piece under the gauge cluster, remove 2x bolts on each side of the column (9/16, or maybe 5/8 socket?), and carefully lower it down so the wheel rests on the seat. You might have to stack some stuff up on the seat to support the wheel; if you don't the weight of the unsupported column will put a lot of stress on the rubber gasket on the firewall.

There are 2 small screws, either 5/16 or 3/8 that hold the switch in place. You need to remove it and install the new one, and then adjust it along the long axis of the column until it clicks between positions when you pull the lever. Move it up or down as needed, then tighten the screws and test it by moving the dimmer lever. Once you get it adjusted, reinstall the column.

My big hands don't fit up in there either.

Easier to see stuff with the column down a bit too.

BTW. 83 was the first year for dimmer on the column.

[Pontiac1976]

Question: terms is it not the high/lower beam-turn signal switch and wipers, could have cruse control and delay/plus option. Because I thought the dimmer was on the head light switch for the dimming of the dash lights & on bright or low - off.(combo switch used market name)
I know what your taking about. I was re-reading this again to day this just cam to mind. Any thought or info ?

[Pontiac1976]

hatzieBTW. 83 was the first year for dimmer on the column.

So 83 had the high/low beam on the column but No wiper/switch. That way 84 up switches will not be a plug and play on 83.
Thanks hatzie lots good info.

[hatzie]

The panel lamp dimmer rheostat is usually on the headlight switch but most folks refer to the HI/LOW beam switch as the dimmer.

The headlight dimmer switch for 84 should fit the 83 column but the wipers are still in the dash on the 83 trucks.

While you can use the stalk for the later vehicles with the wipers on the column it's not exactly the right part.

The 1983 Impala is the same odd orphan critter. A fellow on the Impala boards is putting his 83 Impala back to original condition. He eventually found the oddball orphan cruise/dimmer/turn stalk on ebay from someones NOS parts stash.

Not quite 1984 and not quite 1981. Odd little critter.
https://www.impalaforums.com/threads.../#post-3730575