1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Dash Light Wiring Issues

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Old Apr 24, 2017 | 07:40 PM
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Dash Light Wiring Issues

My dash lights no longer work. I have tail lights, and all other lights, except the dash. I recently done a stereo aftermarket upgrade and had issues with the power antenna wiring. I unhooked everything I've done, but still no dash lights. I checked all the fuses, and all are good. I'm assuming it's the dimmer switch. How can I test?
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Old Apr 24, 2017 | 07:58 PM
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Pull dimmer switch out & disconnect. Using test light if you have one, or multimeter set on dc volts scale And black test lead grounded,probe 3 wires in plug for power. I'm in middle of putting an engine together before i can leave for DGRR,don't have much time. Not sure i remember wire colors but think red/black? is power wire. Whichever one has power jump it to one of other two wires with park/headlights on and see if you have dash lights. If i have time later i'll verify wire colors. Will look in & see where you are. Is that all you have left on your list?
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Old Apr 24, 2017 | 08:22 PM
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Get that engine together, and I'll deal with this in North Carolina, if need be. I think I can figure it out from your instructions above.

This was not a planned job - it happened somehow with the power antenna. It's all I'm gonna do, except change fluids tomorrow evening. Still running original clutch, and TO bearing was not making sounds last time, so.

What day are you going down.
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Old Apr 24, 2017 | 08:26 PM
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Does the dimmer switch slide out of the dash without me taking stuff apart?
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Old Apr 24, 2017 | 10:08 PM
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Has two clips on backside that have to be depressed to remove. You may be able to gently pull on the barrel of dimmer and push up on bottom with small screwdriver from front,but probably need to get behind to depress clip(s). May need to pull the panel at bottom to get your hand up in there and if never been apart before the connector/harness may be clamped to other wires in harness and won't let connector thru hole in dash til wires are released.
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Old Apr 24, 2017 | 10:14 PM
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Thanks -- I'll check the wiring on the dimmer and go from there. You're like a RX7 encyclopedia. Much appreciated all your help
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Old Apr 24, 2017 | 10:18 PM
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Still didn't answer what day you're going to DGRR
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Old Apr 25, 2017 | 06:46 AM
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Originally Posted by k4adams
Thanks -- I'll check the wiring on the dimmer and go from there. You're like a RX7 encyclopedia. Much appreciated all your help
Not really,used to work on these cars at Mazda dealer when they were new. That was a long time ago and have forgotten a fair bit about them. Have owned several FBs over the years and an FD i owned for a short time slightly used. Liked the power but car had too much stuff,too complicated,not a true sports car. Sold it at less than a year old and bought SE i have now in 1993,keeping this one til i can't drive it anymore.
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Old Apr 25, 2017 | 06:54 AM
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Took WED-Friday off from work. Plan was to be there Thursday afternoon & check in at hotel and register for DGRR. I'm about 9 hrs away. I service,repair motorcycles & ATVs and restore old motorcycles. I have two bikes i need to finish and return to their owners by Wednesday,one i finished last night but can't test ride as we're having a lot of rain here today/tonight. Trying to finish second one tonight,both need to be test ridden and delivered back to owners tomorrow. Then i can focus on packing and going to DGRR. Still hoping to leave on time and be there Thursday afternoon. What's your plan?
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Old Apr 25, 2017 | 07:11 AM
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Hope to see you both there. GSLSEforme, theres a number of folks coming out of the east up there,
you may be able to get in a caravan with someone. I know a few are leaving Wed but some still leave
on Thurs as well.

I'm leaving Charlotte Thurs around noon, should be at the village that afternoon/evening.
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Old Apr 25, 2017 | 12:23 PM
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I'm 4 hours away, but I'm not sure when I'm heading down. I'd like to do the drive on Friday morning, so I'll either show up Thursday evening late, or early Friday morning. I still don't have room reservations, but I am registered for DGRR
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Old Apr 25, 2017 | 02:24 PM
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Thanks for the heads up on the caravan,t_g. Have a fair amount of work to be done & delivered to owners before i can turn my attention to DGRR.
If everything goes smoothly &weather cooperates,i can leave early Thurs. morning. If not,will have to leave later,so don't want to commit to a caravan/time frame at this point,wouldn't be fair to others.
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