57 Dimmer switch

[Tony P.]

I put 2 light switch's in my 57 and want to know if they should turn on the interior lights like in my 65. Or it just doesn't work that way in a 57.

[William C.]

Re: 57 Dimmer switch

Are you referring to when the door is opened or when the switch stem is rotated?

[Mike E.]

Re: 57 Dimmer switch

Tony,
Your title says dimmer switch, which is generally accepted to be the floor-mounted switch that you step on the change the headlights from dim to bright and back to dim. If you are talking about interior lights, it is, as Bill indicated, the headlight switch that if rotated all the way, would turn on the interior lights. First of all, is your car equipped with interior/courtesy lights? They ere an option in 57, but standard in 65. If so, is the wiring intact with door switches in both door jambs, etc.?

[Tony P.]

Re: 57 Dimmer switch

I'm sorry your right I'm referring to the interior lights. As I turn the head light switch the gauges will dim and brighten, but If I turn the switch all the way to the left my interior lights don't come on. Only when the door is opened.

[Tony P.]

Re: 57 Dimmer switch

I'm talking about the switch stem. The interior lights(courtesy lights) wont come on when I turn the switch all the way. I'm going to get a new switch from Corvette Central because I guess these 2 that I have that came with the car are not working properly. They do dim the gauges when I turn the knob.

[Richard M.]

Re: 57 Dimmer switch

When the switch is turned fully CCW you should hear a click. What this does is holds a copper contact to the switch metal case to complete a circuit GROUND to activate the Courtesy Lamps via the WHITE wire.

Check to be sure the White wire is connected to the Switch "GRD" terminal. The metal case of the switch needs a GROUND connection to activate the White wire for the lamps. The switch should have a BLACK ground wire connected to one of the screws on the metal case of the switch.

A 56/57 switch...




Black Ground Wire in upper left of picture curving up to the top of the switch.


The BLACK ground wire from the harness should be connected to the case(where missing screw is shown below).



Check to make sure you have a good ground on the headlight switch. This Ground is used ONLY for the Knob to activate the Lamp circuit. Also make sure the Harness ground connects to the metal reinforcement under the dash. Both shown in AIM Section 12 Sheet 12. Below is a corner of that page showing the Grounds.

[Richard M.]

Re: 57 Dimmer switch

Bigger for clarity.....



Also, the dash grounds originate from the Cowl Brace stud in the firewall. A ground for the wiper terminates there also. The source of this ground is a Wire originating from the Left Valve Cover mount screw. Note that I have not seen where this Ground is shown in the AIM.



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[Tony P.]

Re: 57 Dimmer switch

THANKS!!! That must be it, the ground wire to the switch. Thank you so much.