Just retightened my tilt steering column, thanks for the help it sure seems alot safer.

While I was at it I replaced my turn signal / cruise stalk and put in a new radio (found a Kenwood 2007 so no cutting). Everything appeared fine. The cruise works, turn signals etc.

While I was out on a test run I blew a fuse. After I replaced it I noted that my courtesy lights were always on. Now it could be I just did not notice this until my head was under the dash, but I don't think so.
I turned on the headlights and also noted the brights were stuck on. I cannot get the switch to turn them off.

This may be two different problems. The brights could be stuck because I did not route the cruise sender right and it may be physically binding the switch. (try as I might there just did not seem to be a good route for the wire coming from the stalk, do you go in front of the switch toward the driver, in back of it or over or under it?)

The courtesy lights just plain have me stumped. Any ideas?

You could be right about the cruise switch wiring binding the switch, or you knocked the dimmer switch out of adjustment while working on the column. As for the courtesy lamps staying on, I assume you don't have the headlamp switch rotated all the way left? Otherwise, you may have a grounded door pin switch or a short in white wire to the lamp circuit. Double check your radio installation wiring. Which fuse did you blow?

I blew the circuit with the horn on it. I didn't have an extra 20a fuse so I pulled the courtesy light fuse to replace and make sure it did not blow again. Then I got a fuse from the gas station, replaced the courtesy fuse and noted it remained on.

I checked the stereo wiring, it all appears fine. Guess I'll check for a grounded door pin switch or short, although the wiring looks pretty good I have to remember its age.

I fooled with the headlight switch. That wasn't it, although the switch could probably stand replacing.

What do you mean by the dimmer switch may be out of adjustment?

Thanks for your help. It sure helps to have someone to bounce this stuff off of.

What do you mean by the dimmer switch may be out of adjustment?


Houston, we have a problem....

The dimmer switch is located on the bottom end of the column, next to the ignition switch and is controlled by a rod leading up the column to the lever mechanism.

http://elcaminocentral.com/articles/elect/dimmer/dimmer.gif

Disconnect battery ground cable.
Remove instrument panel lower trim and on models with A/C, remove A/C duct extension at column.
Disconnect shift indicator from column and remove toe-plate cover screws.
Remove two nuts from instrument panel support bracket studs and lower steering column, resting steering wheel on front seat.
Remove dimmer switch retaining screws and the switch. Tape actuator rod to column and separate switch from rod.
Reverse procedure to install. To adjust switch, depress dimmer switch slightly and install a 3/32 inch twist drill to lock the switch to the body. Force switch upward to remove lash between switch and pivot. Torque switch retaining screw to 35 inch lbs. and remove tape from actuator rod. Remove twist drill and check for proper operation.

It was the actuator, although on my 85 it doesn't look much like the diagram above, you could tell how it fit together and was binding.

I've taken the steering wheel apart so many times getting this right I feel like I could do it blindfolded. Now if I just didn't feel like I was putting it together blindfolded, I'd be in good shape.

Now I just have to run down the courtesy light gremlin.

Thanks again for all your help acauth1.