Dash light dimmer control knob removal

[redmondjp]

How do you remove instrument panel dash light dimmer control knob?

There is a secret to it, I know there is, but alas, it escapes even me . . .

Additional search terms: rheostat

[asavage]

I don't have a truck here right now. Removal isn't mentioned in the FSMs I have here at work (but they're 85-86), though testing and a drawing is.

Generically, there are only three methods:

a) Unscrew (knob is threaded, shaft is threaded);
b) Setscrew
c) Spring lock tab (GM loved this kind for years)

When the '86 gets here later this afternoon, I'll look.

[redmondjp]

Thanks, Al, I'd really appreciate that.

I've tried twisting on it pretty hard in either direction. I've half-heartedly tried prying it off (but maybe not hard enough--really easy to damage the lower edge of the dash). Also tried prying out the center portion of the knob, as sometimes this gains access to a Philips screw underneath (Honda manual side mirror adjustment knobs are this way). No dice so far.

The knob moves slightly with respect to the shaft--like it's pinned to it as though it had a roll pin driven crossways through the knob and shaft.

I'm usually pretty good at figuring out these kinds of puzzles, and this one has me stumped so far . . . thought maybe somebody else out there has solved it already. In any case, this will make it much easier for the next guy!

[moose60]

I think that I had a similar problem last summer when I tried to disassemble the throttle lock assembly on my 720. I think that I got it partially taken apart, but could not get the knob off. I must have given up, cause it still doesn't work.
I'd like to know the vintage Nissan secret as well.

[asavage]

The truck didn't get down here today. I guess I go out there at 9am tomorrow and get it fired up to move it here to sell the engine out of it.

Sorry, JP, that I can't get you more info tonight.

[redmondjp]

Don't sweat it--it's not a show-stopper. Plenty of other things to work on tonight.

Compared to the past couple of weeks, it positively feels balmy in the (marginally heated) garage with it being 45 degrees outside! Turn on the meter-burning 2400W space heater (240V of course) for a couple of hours, put some CDs in the changer, and I'm ready to go . . .

[philip]

How do you remove instrument panel dash light dimmer control knob?

Page EL-60 in my '82 FSM shows a line art depiction of the switch, outer nut, and knob.

[asavage]

Yeah, but it doesn't tell or show you how to remove said knob!

[asavage]

Got it. After using the usual tools (mirror, flashlight, tugging, prying, swearing, drinking), and scratching up mine pretty good, I looked again at that illustration. Yup, the clue is there, but you have to look very closely:






Look hard at the end of that shaft.

Turn knob CCW to the stop, then push in (knob will move <1/8"), and turn CCW a bit more. Knob will fall off.

(Al takes a bow)

As so much in life: Easy . . . once you know how!

[philip]

I removed and replaced the knob on my truck. Simply put, the procedure you discovered is like any spring loaded bayonet style light bulb.

[redmondjp]

Pure genius! This means of attachment never even entered my mind . . .

Thank you all.

Al--I now have a spare knob in good condition--PM me your address and I'll mail it to you (you can have the whole dimmer if you want), to replace your dinged-up one.

[asavage]

Nah, it's a work truck, the rest of the interiour doesn't warrant the postage

In particular, it's a brown interiour that has what appears to be a Toyota PU bench seat bolted in via new holes (and only in the rear) -- and it's blue.

Since the driver's door panel is missing, I think I'll steal one of the blue ones off the B'ham truck's door. Color won't match, but at least there'll be an armrest. Since I can't get anyone to take these doors or bench seat off my hands.