Headlight/Dash Dimmer Switch

[Wayne R]

Anyone know the manufacture of the dash dimmer switch assembly or where one could be obtained for a 05 Alpine?

[Wayne R]

Anyone know the manufacture of the dash dimmer switch assembly or where one could be obtained for a 05 Alpine?

[dgerstel]

Wayne,

Can you explain further. Isn't your dimmer on the Smart steering wheel. If it is, are you sure it is the switch? Other possible causes of headlight dimmer function are: Smart Wheel module, front VMM module or any of the wiring in between the steering wheel and the modules.

[Wayne R]

Dale, I am refering to the dash dimmer not the headlight dimmer but I typed headlight.

The 05 has a rotary switch (thumb wheel) next to the light switch. The thumb wheel is the dash dimmer switch and the overhead reading light switch. The overhead reading lights are intermittent if I cycle the switch several times I usually can get the reading lights to stay on.

[dgerstel]

Wayne,

I would try spraying some contact cleaner into the switch and then rotate the wheel. This will frequently clear up intermittent problems in rotary switches.

[Jim Jussila]

I have a part # for you courtesy of the 2005 trade of Forrest and Charlotte Hardt.

Ford Part # F81Z-11654

I just had a tech run out and pull the switch out of the dash to get the number off it. Maybe you'll get lucky and Dale's tip will help you out without having to replace it.

[Wayne R]

Dale,
Thanks, I have planned to do that I just don't think to unless I am on the road and wanting to use the reading light. In fact I will get off the coach and go get my contact cleaner and try it.

Jim thanks for the part number. Again it just proves how valuable this site is.

Wayne

[Ted III]

Wayne, I just went through this and Chris had sent me a new headlight switch which as you know includes the overhead lights. I replaced it and it took care of those overhead lights. What you need to know and we both have the same year, is Alpine took the switch apart and added a screw so that the U bracket in the back has something to attach to. Do not try this. Switch is made by Ford and I will get you the P/N. I made certain my switch laid very flat to the dash and glued it down. I will get back to you with all info.
Ted

[rmmpe]

I, too, had problems with the light switch. But my problem was that the shaft was broken when I bought the Coach. I got a replacement switch, which range from $150.00 to $220.00, depending on who you get it from.
When I disassembled the old switch to take it to the Dealer, I found that WRV did not allow for the compound curves of the switch's front panel and simply drilled 3 holes at the outermost edges of it and screwed it into place. When the screws were tightened, it broke the panel.
Consequently, when installing the new switch, I made a wood spacer that matched the contours and screwed the assembly into place (better than new now).

If it were just the dimmer part that had broken, I would have simply have jumped it out by installing a SPST switch to control the overhead lights. I always have the dash lights at the brightest setting so that wouldn't have been a problem for me.

[Wayne R]

I removed the switch assembly and the little blue rheostat is the problem the clicking is produced by the rotary knob and has no electrical function.
Although I am not wild about how it was mounted. I doubt the installation had anything to do with the failure.
I may try and use a magnifying glass and read the number on the blue rheostat and attempt to replace it. Otherwise at $145 I probably will go with a separate switch for the overheads I rarely use. The dimmer function still works.

Mine has part # F81B-11654 AG

Thanks for all the help.

[Algoma]

This dealer has good prices on the Ford headlight switch. You may need to verify the part number as they seem to change it every year.
http://www.directfordparts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?ac...ear=2005&catalogid=1