blew up dimmer, any way to fix?

[Valk]

so while wiring up my autometer boost gauge, i somehow manage to blow up the interior light dimmer switch. so i have no cluster backlighting, and no center console lighting..

was looking over the lighting wiring diagram and it doesnt look like htere should be any reason the lights wouldnt power on if i just fed them a straight 12v, but low and behold, they dont light up.

Im pretty sure im faced with either trying to pull a dimmer from a junker or buy a new one but id hate to do that only to find out something else blew up after the dimmer.

any options? maybe its a good time to swap em all out with leds =)

[Bluemica3.5]

not sure i would just check all the fueses would be a good place to strart.

[Pmpkinhead]

The bulbs are crappy. Be sure to check them first. I listed all of the dash light part numbers on another thread. I am stock and have already blew 2 dash bulbs!(protest)

(Be sure to re-use the red condom, it peals off the bulb.)


367 (mp3yellow

[808MP5]

not sure i would just check all the fueses would be a good place to strart.

+1

[Valk]

all the fuses are good, we already tested that. i guess ill have to check the bulbs.. they are all in the center console and gauge area right? if im gonna rip it open though. might just install leds and be done with it heh.

[Pmpkinhead]

Yes, 2 screws above speedo/tach area. Be sure to read my directions in the other thread so you don't destroy the Alarm "Red Light" Wires. Pull off black bezel, 3 more screws on cluster, and 2 wire harness "quick release" plugs. Put a towel on the steering column. Pull it outta there.


367 (mp3yellow

[Valk]

and they are all 12v lights? so if i put a current to them they wont just pop in my face?
mazda wants $108 for a new dimmer. the wreckers are all snowed in and i can do led lighting for like $10 and a bit of an afternoon.. sooooooo

[Valk]

aite. checked out all the bulbs and they were ok. so put it all back together and just for shits and giggles put my fused jumper cable to the blue and black wires and it all worked.. sooooo the green/black is a +12v for the ocilator power, and the blue/white and black are for the interior lights.

put my multimeter to it, and read like 0.12ish volts? seems kinda low for bulbs but i wont complain. wire tapped the remaining +12, boost gauge works, ripped the dimmer appart, and put the plastic shell back in its holder as a dummy.

[Pmpkinhead]

Wow, sounds like the dimmer! Keep us informed.

367 (mp3yellow

[Valk]

i blew it up pretty bad lol. the mosfet on it completely melted and fell off the heatsink. but yea. jumped the two wires and all is well.. for now.

[Mutmatt]

that is what i had to do with mine... not sure how it happened but it did

[DubbyDoo]

i have some dimmer switches i will sell if you want one...ive got a "collection" goin on picture is way out of date but i still have 4 left i had kinda the same problem i was blowing them out so i got a few extras..i found out a wire was grounding out easy fix

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c37/DubbyDoo/forsale/DSC00265.jpg

[Mutmatt]

i don't dim mine at all... haha i'm just waiting for something else to put in its place :P

[DubbyDoo]

ive learned you can never have enough dimmer switches

[Pmpkinhead]

How Much?

[Valk]

i actually kinda like the light level with it jumpered. who knows if its full or not.. not that bright.. i mean nothing like the damn autometer lol.

might be interested in aquireing one though. would be less ghetto =O.