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

Dimmer switch?

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Old Oct 21, 2017 | 10:32 PM
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Angry Dimmer switch?

My dash lights stpped working so i pulled the dimmer switch out, unplugged it and tried jumping the wires that did not help and now my headlights wont go down and the indicator/night driveing light ( including the tailights) dont turn on
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Old Oct 22, 2017 | 07:46 AM
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Check you retractor fusible link. Start there and let us know what you come up with.
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Old Oct 22, 2017 | 06:11 PM
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Originally Posted by mazdaverx713b
Check you retractor fusible link. Start there and let us know what you come up with.
Thankyou for the quick reply were is the retractor fusible link?i also pulled out the dimmer switch do you know how to test it?
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Old Oct 24, 2017 | 04:21 PM
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I found were the fusible links are I checked them and there all good I tested to see if there was any voltage going to the dimmer switch and there wasnone
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Old Oct 24, 2017 | 05:17 PM
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http://foxed.ca/rx7manual/manuals/19...Electrical.pdf
my guess the switch under the steering wheel
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Old Oct 24, 2017 | 05:52 PM
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How are you checking the fuselinks,with a test light,voltmeter? Do the headlights lo/hi beam work,hi beam indicator in dash work? Use a test light/voltmeter and check all fuses in underdash fusebox.
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Old Oct 24, 2017 | 06:18 PM
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How are you testing the fuselinks,test light,voltmeter? Do headlights work,lo/hi beam,does hi beam indicater on dash illuminate with hi beams on? Check fuses in underdash fusebox, particularly the 10 amp fuse for taillights,likely find it blown from trying to jump dimmer switch incorrectly,takes out dash lights also. Connector E-18 is connected to dimmer,has three wires. Colors: Black-ground Red/Green tracer-power from combination switch Red/Blue(i believe blue tracer) power from dimmer to all instrument/heater control,ash tray lights Jumper Red/Green to Red/Blue to test dash lights in place of dimmer(replace 10 amp fuse 1st)should have dash/running lights. Replace dimmer switch or leave wires jumpered,dash lights will be full bright. See if headlights retract with headlight switch turned to off.

Last edited by GSLSEforme; Oct 24, 2017 at 06:19 PM. Reason: sorry for double post,thought 1st post didn't appear...
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Old Oct 24, 2017 | 07:01 PM
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I tested the fusible links with a multimeter by testing continuity, i rechecked the fuses and the 10a fuse for the tailights was blown i replaced that and now my headlight retractors and night time running lights work, but the dash lights dont im guessing thats due to a bad dimmer switch so im gonna try to go to the parts store tommorow to order a new one
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Old Oct 24, 2017 | 08:24 PM
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I don’t think they sell new ones.
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Old Oct 24, 2017 | 08:34 PM
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For what it's worth,using the voltmeter will tell you more about the fuselink connection to power than ohming it will. The dimmer switch is specific to this generation/model of RX7 and for this reason no parts store will carry one,they'll not even have a listing. Mazda discontinued production of these some time ago so only choices are junkyard or classifieds parts for sale on this site,or jumper the two wires iv'e indicated in previous post. Strongly suggest you check Red/Green wire at dimmer connector for power with park/headlights on then check Red/Blue and black wire for continuity in same connector. If there's continuity,you have a short in dash light circuit and plugging in a newly acquired dimmer will burn it out,like what you have now. If no continuity,again as in previous post,jumper the Red/Green & Red/Blue wires(with dimmer unplugged) and you should have dash lights. You can drive car like this till you find a dimmer(tape jumper wires so they don't touch anything). Some just leave jumper in place which runs dash lights at full brightness which is fine. The dimmer is an issue on these cars,more than likely was/is bad on yours and jumping wrong wires together blew that 10 amp fuse which caused no running/dash lights and no headlight retractor operation. Post back what you find to help another member down the road.

Last edited by GSLSEforme; Oct 24, 2017 at 08:37 PM.
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Old Oct 25, 2017 | 11:36 AM
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You won't find a new dimmer switch at a parts store, sorry to tell you.

I had one break on my FB and left me with no interior lights either and I had to drive it home in the dark, no idea how fast I was going (not like it mattered). I ended up jumpering the wires together and basically had the interior lights on full blast from that point on. It's not terrible to figure out, a quick look at the wiring diagram could be done and you should have working lights again.
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