The instrument panel lights on my 82ce are very dim (no not dim witted, well maybe).  I have researched the shop manual schematics, GM Parts manual and Ecklers and now am very confused . 

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Lifetime Member #58
Our 82CE

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I don't know why the CE would be different.

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when you say "on", do you mean it is built into the headlight switch or it is a separate part that plugs into the headlight switch?

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Lifetime Member #58
Our 82CE

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Your dash light dimmer switch is built into the headlight switch,your headlight ,high- low beam switch,I believe is down at the bottom of your steering column,I'm sure somebody will correct me if I'm wrong

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C3VR Lifetime Member #93

The control for the instrument panel lamps is a function of the knob on the headlight switch. It is indeed a part of the switch itself.

There is also a headlight dimmer switch, which is the Hi-Lo beam switch, and it is mounted on the side of the steering column, so it is a separate switch.

Sounds like your problem is the headlight switch, or at least the instrument panel light part of it.
Have your tried turning the knob to see if it controls the brightness of the inst. lamps? It should control all of the lamps in the dash, as well as the console/radio (including the courtesy lamps, if you turn it all the way). IF it doesn't or they just sorta blink as you turn the knob, the rheostat is prolly burned, or otherwise damaged, and you'll need to replace the headlight switch.

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Like Joel says, it is part of the headlight switch. Rotate the switch to dim or completely turn off the instrument lights.

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The headlight switch does indeed control the instrument panel lights and the digital clock in the radio.  The radio light works great, low light to very bright....BUT, the instrument cluster lights and gage lights have a very low illumination when I turn the headlight switch to max (just before the dome light comes on).....

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Lifetime Member #58
Our 82CE

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Kerry, if the dash gauges are just dim, and hard to see, are you sure all of the bulbs are actually burning? Sometimes, there might just be one or two bulbs burnt out, or not working for some other reason, and that will make it dim back there.
It may just be a bad connection on the circuit board on the back of the gauge panel. Either way, you're gonna need to pull the cluster out to fix it....
If the center console lights, and the radio lights dim properly, and they seem to be brighter than the speed-o cluster, you've either got some burnt bulbs, or a bad connection to the cluster back there. The light switch is fine.

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Your right , it can't be the switch since the clock works.  This weekend we will check the bulbs and look for something else on the circuit adding resistance. 

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Lifetime Member #58
Our 82CE

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I'm bettin on the doo-doo...

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"