Removing headlight control ?

[alexanderJ]

I will be installing gauges and would like to pick up the dimmer control at the headlight control as most seem to do. I've looked at the panel but can't get it out and I'm a little concerned about pushing much harder. Anyone got pictures or specific intructions for an '05 as how to remove?



Also, which wire should be used.



thanks,

 

[crabman]

You can go HERE and download free info for your truck.

It would help a great deal if you had dsl or cable as the files are very large.



crabman

 

[alexanderJ]

Crabman,



I'm one of the few left on dial-up. Will have high-speed available in about a month but need to install gauges soon.



I've searched forms and found many references but hope someone will jump in and walk me throught this simple proceedure before I break something.

 

[nickleinonen]

the dash on the 05's is the same as the 04's. . on the 04's, if yoiu pry down the knee bolster, you can then pull back the headlight switch [that whole panel it is mounted to comes out] and it will pop out [not push in]



on the back, in the wire harness, you are looking for an orange/brown wire [there are 2 of them] going to pin #6 on the connector [99% sure the pins were labled when i did my gauges]. the other orange should be on pin #3.



you can backpin the pin#6 orange/brown wire before you do the splice and check it with a multimeter to make sure you get a voltage change when you roll the dimmer. [it isn't a smooth voltage transission, there are 6 resistors in series, so the voltage will be stepped]

 

[alexanderJ]

Thanks Nick, great drawing.



I'm guessing the knee bolster is the large panel right below the steering wheel that hinges downward. It also looks like when you pull the headlight switch panel toward you off the dash, there is no need to actually remove the switch as the wiring should be accessable at this point.



Maybe I can get it removed without tearing it up now.



Interesting on the dimmer switch (using resistors) as I would have expected a linear voltage change. I'll tap with the voltmeter and take a look. I don't think it will be any problem finding it

 

[NavyDood]

alexanderJ...



Sorry i didn't get right back to you. nickelinonen is right on getting the panel off. As for the fluid, about a half quart or so if you work fast.

 

[alexanderJ]

Nanydood,



No problem, Nick covered it great.



What about taking the lower fitting off first, plugging the hole in the transmission, draining the hose/line, then removing the plug and catching that fluid from the transmission?



Looks like a NPT nipple (1 or 2" if room) would help drain the transmission and get the fluid in a can.



I'm not trying to complicate this, just trying to not make a mess in my garage.

 

[crabman]

alexanderJ,

Are you installing a transmission temp gauge? If so, check out THIS.

This might be easier to do and is a oem part.



crabman

 

[alexanderJ]

crabman,



Yes, this is where I'm getting my gauges from. I'm trying to find out if this is as good as the transmission line/tee fitting from Mass Diesel. I'm definitely going to use on of the two.



thanks,



Jerry