How do I remove and replace a instrument panel dimmer switch on a 1996 corvette

SOURCE: 1996 chevy blazer dome light stays on

the part of the door the switch hit my be worn down and you may need some type of spacer if it will go off when you push the switch all the way down

SOURCE: I HAVE A 2000 MONTE CARLO AND MY DIMMER SWITCH DOES NOT WORK

Yes, if the panel lights dint work at all but if they works and not quite clear, check for the illumination adjuster

joecoolvette

• 5660 Answers
• Posted on Apr 18, 2009

SOURCE: 1981 corvette instrument panel lamp replacement

I'll tell you, but when you go to do it, you'll probably curse Chevrolet, your car, and me! lol!

You have to reach behind the dash. Even with the seat in the back position, you'll turn into a contortionist! Place an old couch cushion, or something similar on the ground/driveway next to the car, with the door open. Kneel on the couch cushion. Reach up under the dash, and back behind it, with your left hand, while holding onto the steering column with your right.

It's hard to describe this to someone who has never done this before. (Just think. You'll be the expert, when someone you know asks you, when you're done!)

You are feeling for a plastic bulb holder. This holder is about the size of a dime. It resembles one of a gas stove's knobs. It has a round base, and from the middle of the base, it comes up into rectangular shape. If you look at this -> T <- the base is the top of the T. Turn the T upside down, and you'll have the basic shape.

This plastic holder has the lamp bulb in it. You turn it to the RIGHT.
As you face the instrument cluster, it is turned to the Right. You just turn it one quarter turn, then it will come out.
Once you get one in your hand, you'll know why it was difficult to describe. You'll also immediately see how it turns in, and locks into place.

The bulb itself it extracted, by holding the bulb holder in your hand, bulb facing you. You push in, and turn the bulb to the Left.
It is at this point, that I advise you to wear some protective gloves of some kind. The bulb base, could be corroded down in the socket. You may exert enough force to break the bulb, and cut your fingers.
I advise Safety above ALL ELSE!

I also advise that you replace one bulb at a time.
Notice the brass metal ring around the bulb holder base?
This corrodes after time, giving a poor contact. You can take a little fine steel wool, and clean it up. Use care as the steel wool can catch, and bend the brass ring, misshaping it.

Behind the dash panel that you can't see, is a thin plastic flat strip.
Another thing hard to describe. Envision a large U shaped flat piece of plastic, on the back of your instrument housing. The U shape will be upside down, in relation to how it sits on the back of the instrument housing. It's about 1/32nd of an inch thick, and about 2 inches wide.

There are thin flat strips of copper, making a path all the way around this strip. There are holes in this strip, for the various lamp bulbs. The flat copper strips go around these holes, making a connection to the bulb holder. That's what that brass ring on the bulb holder contacts, when it's screwed in.

SOURCE: Headlights ok, but instrument panel,fog,&parking lights don't

Maybe a relay but maybe and more probably a broken wire Get a diagram Chilton or Haynes manual

SOURCE: Both Instrument panel lights and HVAC control

there are little mini bulbs behind the the interment panel try that