Dash Light Dimmer? (1 Viewer)

[DomSmith]

I know most people are looking to increase the light in their dash cluster but I'm wondering what components are needed to add the dimmer feature (dash not headlights) to an earlier FJ40 (3/73 in this case). I have a light switch with the dimmer knob that rotates and everything works (except the dimmer function) when plugged into my stock harness.

When looking at the connectors there are only 4 wires on the harness side of the 6 connector plug and there appears to be 5 on the light switch side. Anyone know what the other lead goes to? Is there a dimmer control box or something?

When looking at the OEM plug from the switch side I have:

Top Left= R Top Middle= Empty Top Right= GR
Bottom Left= RW Bottom Middle= Empty Bottom Right= G

Any suggestions where I go from here?

Thanks.

 

[tm7302]

I believe the problem with the dash lights is that they don't put out enough light. Using a dimmer will only make the light output lower. Increase the wattage on the bulbs first, then you'll be able to adjust the light to suit your needs.

Additionally, find the contacts connect to the potentiometer, then you can use a multimeter to see if you get a change in resistance as you adjust the knob. This will let you know that the dimmer knob is working.

 

[cruiserbrett]

I think you will need to split the wiring for the parking lights and dash lights somewhere in the harness. once you figure that, should be easy to figure out which terminal that is unused on the back of the switch will provide the dim...with a spade female and a short section of wire to the dash lights.

the green wire at the back of the switch(and likely green as well at the back of the instument cluster is the park/dash light hot from the switch. leave the green alone at the switch, and use the jumper wire/spade to a multi meter and figure out which unused terminal varies voltage by turning the knob. that will be the answer... connect that terminal to the dash lighting(after disconnecting them from the main wiring harness)

 

[DomSmith]

Thanks for the input. I actually stumbled on some higher wattage bulbs in the garage that I used to run in my 71. They fit the socket fine but the bulbs are too big to slide in the normal way so I had to pop the bezel of the gauge cluster off and stuff them in that way. The difference is amazing.

Brett- I'll have to pull the switch and look at what you're talking about. I imagine that upper middle connector on the switch is for the dimmer. I'll hook up a meter and see what I get.

After this... intermittent wipers from a late 40? Your assistance would be appreciated...

 

[rusty_tlc]

If your careful you can dis-assemble the switch and clean the dimmer wiper and contacts to renew it's function. It's a job if you take your time and watch how it comes apart.

 

[rusty_tlc]

...

After this... intermittent wipers from a late 40? Your assistance would be appreciated...

Here you go
http://www.techlib.com/files/wiperkik.pdf

If you not up for a DIY electronics project you could try this
Products in Washer Switch - JCWhitney