Wiring a dimmer switch help! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Denee007** · 01-23-2013, 04:58 PM

I can't find my truck book to see if it has wiring in it. Can someone help me figure out where how the wires go on the dimmer switch? The wires weren't connected to it when I got it. I have installed a entire wiring system from Hotrodwires.com. This is the original switch. I probably should have replaced it, but maybe it will be ok. If I can figure out where a "hot" wire can go, I can probably figure the rest out.
dne'

Wrenchbender Ret · 01-23-2013, 05:37 PM

The hot wire goes in the middle & the other 2 on the other terms.

**Denee007** · 01-23-2013, 06:01 PM

Thank you Wrenchbender~ thank you thank you

!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrenchbender Ret

The hot wire goes in the middle & the other 2 on the other terms.

_Ogre · 01-24-2013, 04:54 PM

you need to figure out how to use a multimeter

harbor freight gives them away for free, no reason not to have one

OrrieG · 01-24-2013, 05:53 PM

Wiring diagram shows this, my wiring kit has a connector for the dimmer wired the same way.

**mr48chev** · 01-24-2013, 06:37 PM

I'm pretty sure that the pattern that Orrieg showed is the right one for most switches.

No matter what you have a one in three chance of getting it right the first time.

If you are using female slides instead of a plug it's easy enough to swap the wires around until it works right.

**Denee007** · 01-24-2013, 07:18 PM

Ogre, I have a really nice meter ; ) I was just worried about getting the wires in the right spot. I had to order a new switch anyway. Thanks Orrie for the schematic, you're the greatest! I cut and soldered the terminals, but won't put the plastic cover on until I see all is working. I ordered a bunch of parts to install all the headlights, but won't be here for a bit. But I temporarily hooked up the passenger side lights~ I half ass understand how the dimmer switch works now. I'm still having a difficult time understanding how one gets from low beam, then to high beam and all the lights working from just two wires~ wiring kind of hurts my brain! lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Wiring diagram shows this, my wiring kit has a connector for the dimmer wired the same way.

01-23-2013, 04:58 PM	#1
Denee007 Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Cypress, Tx. Posts: 1,504	Wiring a dimmer switch help! I can't find my truck book to see if it has wiring in it. Can someone help me figure out where how the wires go on the dimmer switch? The wires weren't connected to it when I got it. I have installed a entire wiring system from Hotrodwires.com. This is the original switch. I probably should have replaced it, but maybe it will be ok. If I can figure out where a "hot" wire can go, I can probably figure the rest out. dne' __________________ '72 Ford Bronco project(July 17 2021-?) https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=828015 59 Apache (sold 6-25-2021) 67 Ford Mustang (re-restored after Harvey) 1968 Jeep Cj5 (2-8-2020 to present) 1992 Jeep Yj (8-17-20 to present) (Jurassic build) www.Classiccarsandtools.com

01-23-2013, 05:37 PM	#2
Wrenchbender Ret Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Overland Park, Ks. Posts: 5,229	Re: Wiring a dimmer switch help! The hot wire goes in the middle & the other 2 on the other terms.

01-24-2013, 04:54 PM	#4
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,680	Re: Wiring a dimmer switch help! you need to figure out how to use a multimeter harbor freight gives them away for free, no reason not to have one __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

01-24-2013, 06:37 PM	#6
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,711	Re: Wiring a dimmer switch help! I'm pretty sure that the pattern that Orrieg showed is the right one for most switches. No matter what you have a one in three chance of getting it right the first time. If you are using female slides instead of a plug it's easy enough to swap the wires around until it works right. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.



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