Dashboard lights not working properly

RAGINGSOUL

MEMBER
2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE
5.3L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
175,000 MILES

My dashboard lights fade out. If I push on the light switch or push on the dimmer switch and the lights may come on and stay or or they will fade out again. A bump in the road will also make them go on and off.

Is this the that you adjust you headlights with faulty? I greatly appreciate any help you have to offer.

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,383 POSTS

Hi,

Based on your description, it does sound like the switch is bad. What to do is before replacing it, check to make sure there isn't a loose connection at the switch or corrosion causing problems where the switch and wiring connect.

If you find the switch is bad, here are the directions or replacement. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

____________________________________________________

2004 Chevy Truck Tahoe 2WD V8-5.3L VIN Z Flex Fuel
Procedures
Vehicle Sensors and Switches Sensors and Switches - Lighting and Horns Headlamp Switch Service and Repair Procedures
PROCEDURES
HEADLAMP SWITCH REPLACEMENT

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Remove the instrument cluster bezel.

Pic 1

2. Unsnap the switch from the housing.
3. Disconnect the electrical connectors.

Pic 2

4. Remove the switch.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

pic 3

1. Connect the electrical connectors.

Pic 4

2. Install the headlamp switch by snapping the headlamps switch into place.
3. Install the bezel to the instrument panel.

_______________________________

Let me know if this helps.

Joe

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Friday, August 21st, 2020 AT 9:45 AM

FREEMBA

MECHANIC
1,152 POSTS

It sounds like the instrument panel dimmer switch (it's part of the headlight switch) is defective. When they go bad the instrument panel will behave in the manner you described.
Test it by wiggling the dimmer rheostat ("wheel")and watching the instrument panel lights. If they flicker, dim or go out during this process the dimmer rheostat (dimmer switch) needs to be replaced.

In order to replace the dimmer switch you'll have to remove the instrument panel trim piece.
Use the video link below in order to remove the instrument panel trim piece (you'll have to watch about 31 seconds of the video).

https://youtu.be/_HEC44xENxw

Once the rim piece is removed, use a "Flathead" screwdriver to carefully pry the headlight switch out of the dash. Unplug the wire connector. Reverse this process to install the switch.

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