53 dimmer switch for headlights

[steve3050]

The headlight dimmer switch (high beam switch) in the floor of my 53 does not allow the headlights to be on at one of the two switch positions. I want to change the dimmer switch, but I can’t get access to it. I have taken out the bolts holding the driver’s side inner fender panel. I can’t see how to remove the panel, and after further looking, it doesn’t seem that having the panel out would make any difference. Basically I’m asking how to get access to the switch, on a 53.

[Don Coatney]

Look under the floor mat. Should be 2 screws holding the switch to the floor pan.

 

[BobT-47P15]

Not sure on a 53 model.  

On my 47 Plymouth, it was on the slope of the floorboard, held by two bolts, and then there were the wires on the bottom of the switch

which also helped hold it in place.    I had to simply get under the car.......no parts needed removal......so you probably need to get out

the jack and jackstands.  

 

My dimmer switch looks like this.......yours might too.

 

Do you have a repair/service manual for your car......it may tell about the switch.

 

Be sure to mark where each wire was attached.

 

Edited February 18, 2015 by BobT-47P15

[steve3050]

The car is already up on jackstands. I see the two mounting screws on the floorboard.  In the past, extensive body work was done in the cowl and floor pan areas, and when the work was done, maybe the access to the dimmer switch may have been closed off. Thanks for the replies.

[greg g]

Keep rotating the switch, the contacts get corroded, and most times repeated motion will clean them enough to pass current.

[DonaldSmith]

It helps a lot to add a headlight relay, so that all the current does not go through the dimmer switch.

 

(It's not supposed to "dim" the headlights; it switches the power between the high beam and low beam.  But we all know that.)  

[steve3050]

Thanks to all. There are differences between model years, of course... I was just told by a 53 owner that the dimmer switch and wiring are definitely reachable from underneath the car. So the odd sheet metal work blanked off my access. The last time I turned on the headlights, the switch worked briefly on each position. Then it wouldn't. So I'll put it all back together and try the switch a few more times. The headlight relay is a great idea, too.

[Plymouthy Adams]

_{my 54, same floor plan..is accessible albeit a small tight spot..you still can work the switch..}