What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Help wiring in a new floor dimmer switch for 91

R

RJB44

1/2 ton status
Joined
Dec 3, 2005
Posts
238
Reaction score
1
Location
Northern Virginia
Looking for some guidance on how to wire in a new floor dimmer switch my truck. Currently has dimmer on the column, but it is defective and I don't want to pull apart the column. Other lever functions works fine, except for dimmer. I have a new floor switch and dimmer pig tail, just need some instruction on how to wire it in to existing setup. Don't want to risk shorting anything out.

91 GMC Jimmy

Thanks

Items.jpg
 
you do know its only 2 bolts on the colume and 1 plug. dont need to drop the colume.

and to get to your wires you will be there anyways.

otherwise i cant help you on a wiring diagram
 
feedback

It's not the original dimmer switch itself that is the problem, it is the connector *(in the pivot where lever fits into) that is the problem. Several sources told me that I need to take a good part of the column apart to replace that piece. It is costly on top of that and the small plastic piece which I actually need is not readily available aftermarket. For under $10, I can just add the floor switch.

thanks
 
Installing floor dimmer, bypassing the stock switch

You can pick up the dimmer switch assembly at most local parts stores. Pretty cheap, maybe $5. The first thing I did was unplug the stock harness from the stock switch at the base of the steering column and plug it into the new switch to make sure it works.

Things you will need, razor blade, new dimmer switch, roughly 7 feet of 12 gauge wire, two sheet metal screws, drill, small drill bit, electrical tape, and rubber grommet for dimmer switch.

Installation:
Step 1: Remove the plastic harness from the stock dimmer switch, note the orientation of the wires to the corresponding terminals on the new switch. Clip the wires on that harness, giving yourself enough wire to splice to.

Step 2: Splice your new wire to the plastic harness and the wires you just separated it from, giving yourself enough slack to mount the new switch wherever you like in your floorboard area.

Step 3: Plug the new switch into the stock harness, test your lights, make sure it works before you go cutting carpet... when you finally install the switch, you'll need to remove the retainer clip from the stock harness, it isn't used on the new switch.

Step 4: Find a suitable mounting place on your floorboard. Actually sit in your truck and pretend you are going to dim your headlights.

Step 5: Once you find a suitable position, get a punch, or a nail, or whatever, tap a mark through the carpet so you can locate the position you chose for your switch by using the mark on the sheet metal. Use the razor blade and cut a 1" X pattern using the hole you just made as the center. Cut the "ears" off the X pattern to complete the hole for the switch.

Step 6: Remove the kick panel and pull back the carpet. Route your extended wiring harness out of the way, center your new switch using the mark you made with the punch/awl/nail. Mark and drill two tiny hole using the mounting "ears" on the new switch, screw your sheet metal screws in to the holes you just drilled, securing the new switch. Make sure your connections are correct, test the new switch again.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom