xxxHondaGuyxxx

Hey people.

My dimmer switch is out in my 84 GSL. I "accidentally" connected the wires for the shift indicator light for the automatic trans while exploring what was under the shift boot.

So, now I have no dash lights.

Other people have explained that that is the cause of the lack of lights, so now I set out to remove the dimmer switch to inspect it, bypass it for the time being, and shop for a new switch.

I start by taking out the obvious screws in that lower left dash section. Doesn't budge. (well it does, but still seems attached somewhere). I end up taking off the side of the dash, and remove 2 screws there. I take off the lower central piece, with the vent in it, to make sure there are no screws there. I also take off the steering column cover to look there as well.

Now, I have every screw out. Double checked each hole. I don't see any clips, I've rocked it back and forth to see if it was snapped in anywhere. Still, no go.

What is the trick to get that piece of the dash with the switches removed so I can get to the dimmer switch?

FlyPaulie

I got caught up trying to figure this out a while back. It does actually clip in. You have to get between the surface of the panel and the exterior face of the switch with a flathead screwdriver on the upper and lower sides. Those sides are where the little wafer spring pieces are. It should just pop out with enought pressure. Good luck.

jayroc

You'll need to take the fusebox out too. There's screws underneath that as well. And on the choke **** there is a small screw underneath the **** to take it off as well. Don't try and pull it off like my dumbass did.

jayroc

BTW, you did check the fuse for the dash lights didn't you? :P

xxxHondaGuyxxx

Yes yes...

I checked all the fuses. I even took them all out and tested them individually. After maybe 4,000,000 questions and posts, I have determined that I lost the dimmer switch when connecting these 2 wires:


Like I said, they are a positive and negative, and immediately blow your dimmer switch which causes you to lose the dash lights, and the lights behind the AC controls. (not the red lights on the buttons though).

I have to bypass the switch until I can get another one (if thats possible)

Was someone saying I can get the dimmer switch out, without taking all the switches on that dash piece out? If I can, that would be alot easier.

jayroc

I've done this swap myself, but I can't remember all the screws that came out, but there was a lot. Just gotta keep workin it out and lookin for more screws. Did you get all the sheet metal screws from underneath after you moved the fusebox? It should at least move a little...
I don't think I took that interior holding piece all the way out but I remember being able to move it around in order to get the switch out...