This video goes through a quick DIY method to diagnose, possibly repair, and replace a failing dimmer switch (rheostat) on a GM Chev truck 2000 Suburban. When this switch fails the backlight for the instrument cluster, radio, overhead light, and clock all go dark, but the PRNDL display is unaffected. I found the new OEM replacement part on Ebay. Note that there are a few different part numbers depending on the year of manufacture, so you need to be sure which one is right for your vehicle. Parts departments such as the local dealer, NAPA, Rock Auto, etc, or the dealer repair manual will help you to find the appropriate part number for your vehicle.
Note also that there are other causes for these lights to fail, including bad wiring, a bad ground connection, corrosion at connectors, blown fuse, etc. You want to be confident you have made the correct diagnosis before buying replacement parts.
The included information is offered in good faith, for free, but is not guaranteed. Do not attempt back yard repair unless you are prepared to accept and deal with the risk of expensive and potentially dangerous mistakes. Any misadventure you encounter if you decide to accept the risk of home repair is your responsibility.
Music at the end is River Meditation by Audionautix, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/
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Hello! You seem like one of the most thorough technicians I've ever seen! So here's my question:
I have a 1995.5 GMC Sierra k2500. My ABS unit is in my engine compartment, and the the lip of the unit has no bolts and seems to have a very strong adhesive holding it together. Have you ever taken one if these styles apart, and if so, are they more difficult then the bolted lids?
Excellent and interesting video! Thank you.
Thanks for sharing this. I have a 1999 Tahoe so I'm sure to have this problem sooner or later.
Take care,
Bill
Smashing job, that new unit should outlast the car :-).
I expected something like a wire wound circular form resistor with a sprung metal contact to select the resistance in tiny steps.
The output of that would drive a transistor bolted to a plate to keep it happy, the transistor would do all the work (A crude variable power supply).
But It's just a set of fixed resistors with a switch, i feel cheated lol 😀
A good method for cleaning corrosion from aluminum, scotchbrite pads, abrasive but not too abrasive to damage parts
Nice job with the vid
I enjoy watching your videos very educational, informational, well thought out,
Thank you sir
God bless you
You are in Vancouver, IIRC. I'm in Lincoln City, OR. Switches & corrosion here go together like Bullwinkle & Rocket J. Squirrel.
I got to tell you, your really good at making an instructional video. Maybe I'm bias because I have a Chevy truck that has this same issue. After watching this video I believe I could do this job blindfolded. 🙂