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Electrical - headlights and dash lights

kellydw

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Hi Guys
Recently purchased 1973 Cuda which has had a rally dash conversion. Problem being foot dimmer switch turns out headlights when pressed - already fitted new dimmer switch. Also can't seem to get dash lights working. Do they operate when the parking lights are turned on or just thru the dash dimmer control ? I suspect problems due to rally dash retrofit. Any ideas would be appreciated- Thanks
 

72RoadRunnerGTX

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Assuming the replacement dimmer/foot switch is good, there’s an open between the dimmer switch and the lamps. Which circuit is working, the highs beam or low beams?

Dash illumination, should come on with the park lights, circuit routes from the headlight switch to the dash light dimmer, a dedicated fuse in the fuse box, then to the lamps. Would start at the fuse box, 5 amp fuse.
 
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kellydw

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Assuming the replacement dimmer/foot switch is good, there’s an open between the dimmer switch and the lamps. Which circuit is working, the highs beam or low beams?

Dash illumination, should come on with the park lights, circuit routs from the headlight switch to the dash light dimmer, a dedicated fuse in the fuse box, then to the lamps. Would start at the fuse box, 5 amp fuse.
Thanks for your speedy reply. Not sure if it is the high beams- have the whole dash apart now but I did check the fuses and in fact the top left fuse (which I think is #5) was blown. Just replaced it so not sure if that will solve both problems or not. Soon to find out.
 

Challenger RTA

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There is a possibility the the dash lights might have shorted out from being apart. Or the sockets have an issue. Check it out while your there.
 

kellydw

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There is a possibility the the dash lights might have shorted out from being apart. Or the sockets have an issue. Check it out while your there.
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I have put all new bulbs in and the sockets were in good shape. Number 5 fuse was blown and that is probably the dash light issue - haven't tested yet. But still have the problem with the dimmer switch turning out the headlights. There is continuity to each side of the switched when pressed for high and low beam but lights only work on one side. Thanks
 

kellydw

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Assuming the replacement dimmer/foot switch is good, there’s an open between the dimmer switch and the lamps. Which circuit is working, the highs beam or low beams?

Dash illumination, should come on with the park lights, circuit routes from the headlight switch to the dash light dimmer, a dedicated fuse in the fuse box, then to the lamps. Would start at the fuse box, 5 amp fuse.
Assuming the replacement dimmer/foot switch is good, there’s an open between the dimmer switch and the lamps. Which circuit is working, the highs beam or low beams?

Dash illumination, should come on with the park lights, circuit routes from the headlight switch to the dash light dimmer, a dedicated fuse in the fuse box, then to the lamps. Would start at the fuse box, 5 amp fuse.
New dimmer switch is working and so was the old one - has continuity to highs and lows when pressed for each side. Where else do you think the open to the headlights might be? If high beam lamp doesn't light up when the headlights are on I guess I can assume that it is the low beams that work and the high beams don't come on when the dimmer switch is pressed ????
 
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