Hi everyone,
I have been having problem with the dashboard illumination ever since I got my 79. I recently replace the dimmer resistor unit with a new one (the original unit is bad), however, when I turn on the headlights, the dashboard illumination still wouldn’t turn on. And if I leave the headlights on for a second longer, the fuse for the “meter illumination” would blow. But if I disconnect the dimmer resistor unit from the circuit, the parking lights and headlights would work perfectly. So I figured I must have a short somewhere in the dashboard illumination circuit.

Where should I start looking?

Thanks,
Nelson

 

Any Idea??

 

I don't know but i hope that someone responds because I have the same problem.

 

Good to know that we are on the same boat.
I will be doing some more research on it, I will keep you posted.

 

I don't know if a 79 model has these wires but look under the plastic trim at the shifter there may be 2 wires with a bullet type connecter that look like they should be together but they are for illumination on an automatic shifter and are not supposed to be hooked up on a stickshift.
Does the car have an aftermarket stereo?It could be something shorted there also.

 

Thanks for the input. I will check on the shifter illumination connection, mine one is stick hope the previous owner didn't hook those up.

The car had an aftermarket stereo but it has been disconnected by the previous owner. Since it is already disconnected how does it short out the illumination circuit?

Thanks again
Nelson

 

The dimmer switch on my '80 is also broken. All my lights work however they are dimmer than I would like. When the dimmer switch breaks will the lights remain dimmed to the last setting?

 

The illumination problem is finally fixed. Much thanks to 2GSLSE. The connection was hooked up underneath the shifter.

 

your welcome,glad I could help.