Replace dimmer switch in 1997 honda civic hatchback

In 96-98 Civics the dimmer simply pushes in under the left dash vent and is held in place on both sides by metal flexing tabs (no screws). If it were possible to grab it you could pull it straight out with a bit of rocking / side to side motion to help to release it. Unfortunately the proper way to remove it requires removing the lower panel as follows:

You need to remove the plastic cover panel that is underneath the steering column (the one with the switches, coin pocket, and fuse box cover built in). To do this you remove three screws (one above the switches on the upper left, one in the lower left corner, and one on the lower right. You will then need to pull the bottom edge out slightly from the dash and tug the entire panel down towards the floor of the car as gently as possible. You will be pulling out three metal snap-in retainers at the top of the panel, two on the left and one on the right. It is often hard to remove plastic panels without damaging them so be careful. Now unplug the switches (mirror, sunroof, fog light) and set the panel aside. At this point you can easily reach behind the dimmer switch, push it out, pull it through the front of the dash, and unplug it.

Hope this helps