I want to do what this fellow mentions, https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/elec...sh-lights.html
but I have NO idea how to hook up a power transistor (or what type for that matter) to make it work.
Can you help me out?

I haven't look at that box myself, but it sounds like it's a TO-3 metal case NPN power transistor (type 2N3055). Like the description says it's just a matter of unscrewing 2 small bolts, pulling the old out of its socket and putting the new in, it can't go wrong. It's actually less complicated than exchanging the thermostat..

Wait, so there is already one in there? Did I miss that? Sheesh, I feel like a dweeb. I'm going to go look over it more thoroughly. I thought I had to add it to the existing system...

Alright, I can't seem to figure out what I'm looking for here. I took pictures when I disassembeled this time. Point me in the right direction!!



Back of fog lights area. Sounds like what is described in the post.



Area it all came from. "Under the dimmer"


Thought that might help ::shrug

Please, someone set me straight

I hope I'm not leading you on a wild goose chase here.. Adding a transistor to the existing system does require a bit more expertise and description, but is not at all undoable..
I don't see any such transistors in any of your pictures. I got the impression that there were 3 of them bolted to the outside of a box.. They are quite big, but could of course be located inside a box (especially if there is a more modern version of that box, using smaller transistors).. Here are a couple of links to datasheets of the transistor I think they were talking about: http://www.ortodoxism.ro/datasheets/...onics/4079.pdf
http://www.onsemi.com/pub/Collateral/2N3055-D.PDF
They have a characteristic look so should be easy to spot.
HTH..

Thats a weird interpertation. When I went to Radio Shack and asked for the piece, I was shown some parts that looked like a fork (but much smaller). I'll take it all apart again and see if I can't find what you posted links to.
This sucks, I feel to incompetent!

Well, one guy mention 3 small parts: "Look at your convience center.Its located to the right under the steering coloum.Its a little black box,on it should be three diaodes or something, I think you blew your middle one."
These could wery well be of the newer fork-like transistor type (TO-220 case) you were offered (MJE3055?).

The other guy mention:"Take the lower panel off, underneath the Steering wheel. Below the dimmer switch, you will see a heat sink and a wire harness. Unbolt this (2 bolts) and unplug the wire harness... Unbolt the 2 bolts holding the transistor to the harness and pull it out.. Push the new one on, make sure the fuse for the inst. panel is no more than 5 amps. Bolt it back in, plug the harness in."
This sounds like the big old TO-3 metal can type, only one, on a heatsink..

So there is conflicting information, maybe there are different versions.
I guess a wiring diagram could help.
I'm sorry I can't help with the location - not being familiar with the dash guts of these cars. I can only help identifying/ measuring the transistors once found..
I take it for granted that your dash lights are out, as described by these guys you mentioned.

Pics of the stock dimmer power transistor assembly:

I searched under my dash but couldn't find the box with a TO-3 transistor.
I also searched all my schematics and didn't find it there either.
Is this maybe just a Firebird option?
Does anyone have a diagram that shows this transistor and its function?
I didn't know that GM had enough smarts to use anything but relays in the 80's.

Thanks.
Lou

I'm still searching as well!
I've taken apart that dash so many times and STILL haven't seen that piece.

BlackandBlackGP- Could you let us know right where to find it?

It's on the RIGHT hand side of the steering column, buried up near the left of the center console. IIRC, it's hidden quite well, so grab a flashlight and a mirror. It's NOT in a box. It appears just like I photographed it (minus the wiring connector).

Would you happen to have a wiring diagram that shows its connections and function?

Thx
Lou

That was THE MOST difficult placement for that stupid transistor. I've gotten good at taking the dash apart, but I spend 35 minutes getting the damned transistor out. After that, another 10 lining it back up. Ultimately, I found it much easier to leave one of the screws out because of its inaccessablity. All is still well and firm and I now have lights!!


THANKS VERY MUCH FOR THE HELP AND PICTURES!!!

AGRH!!!!
THe lights died, AGAIN! When I gave the car some throttle tonight they dimmed, then died.

Any ideas?? The wiring is A1.

Do you have any aftermarket gauges or whatnot tied into the dimming circuit?