Instrument Light Brightness Switch

[HarryFD]

My new to me 1971 2+2 came to me a few months the ago.

While most of the car was in great shape, it was running very rich. My local Jaguar guru was able to get that resolved with minimal fuss. He reported no issues of concern to me.

Another minor issue was that the toggle switch that controlled the brightness of the instrument lights was jammed in the dim position. Fearing that if I took the switch apart to repair, I would be unable to fix it, I ordered replacement from SNG Barrett. It was installed with no drama.

I decided to take the old switch apart. After gently removing the front of the switch, I found that the white plastic toggle had be jammed to the side and a contact was bent. The two switch tetter-totters were intact. After putting all the parts in their proper places, the switch is now functioning as designed.

My take away, the next time a have a switch issue I will attempt a home repair first as it seems pretty straightforward.

[bitsobrits]

Fortune favors the brave.

[Marcusu]

Just out of interest, where do you find the instrument dimmer switch on the dashboard?

[Craig Balzer]

The switch is a simple 3-position one: off-dim-bright
Just left of the headlight switches:

[malcolm]

The switch is a simple 3-position one: off-dim-bright
Just left of the headlight switches:

If it's anything like mine was, the three positions are "Off, almost unnoticeable, dim"

[Craig Balzer]

the three positions are "Off, almost unnoticeable, dim"

Absolutely correct.
Historical research has revealed that Lucas was responsible for the first intermittent wiper, too.

[Craig Balzer]

I got to thinking about your question regarding a dimmer switch.

There is actually another dimmer on Series III's (may be also on earlier series, just not that familiar with them).

This photo from the 'net shows the US driver's footwell.



There is a stubby black knob down in there at shin level; just above the chromed bolt that holds the radio tower in place. It controls a rheostat for the dashboard gauges - I just don't remember which ones.

Here is the back-side of that knob: