I had the same issue in my '88 GTA and it ended up being the dimmer switch.

 

I ordered a new dimmer switch a while back and still, nothing worked. I am stumped to what it could be?


sounds like some fun projects!


This is my first car so i'm trying to learn as I go and get all the basic problems out some complicated problems out the way.

 

Sounds like it's time to break out the multi-meter and start testing circuits!

I have referred to my trusty 1987 Camaro Electrical Diagnosis book and here is what I have found...

1. If no interior lights work check the "TAIL" fuse and check the "Inst" Fuse.
2. If a group of interior lights do not come on check the wires at the suspect lights.
3. If a single light does not come on check the bulb, socket, and corresponding wires.
4. If the Dimmer Switch will not vary the brilliance of interior lights, replace the light switch.
5. If interior light will not shut off, replace light switch.

Circuit Operation:
Voltage is applied at all times through the TAIL fuse to the light switch. With the light switch in the park or head position, voltage is applied through the INST fuse to the individual lights.
A rheostat inside the instrument cluster dimmer switch controls the brightness of the lights. When the dimmer switch is turned, the resistance of the rheostat either increases or decreases, thus increasing or decreasing the brightness of the interior lights.

How to check:
connect test lamp at light switch connector.
Ignition switch: Park and Dimmer switch: HI
Connect between Dark green wire and ground. Correct result should be test light turns on.

If the above results are correct, check DK green wire, INST fuse, and Gray wire for opens. Replace Light switch.

Hope this helps!

 

thanks a lot! I will check all this out this week and let you know on the results!

 

If you plan on having the car for a while look into getting a service manual set for your year. I'm not talking about a Chilton or Haynes, even though those are good to have, but a set that would have been in a dealership.

I picked up a 1987 electrical/service manual for $15 and a 82-92 parts and illustration catalog for $75 off of Ebay a while back. Both of mine are hard copies, but I beleive you can get digital copies now too. Just search "firebird service manual" and you'll see what Im talking about.

 

The Remote Dimmer may be blown. This is unique to Firebirds. See my post titled "Firebird Remote Dimmer". I have an '85 and had problems. The Camaro's don't have this feature/curse. It is a bugger to get to as it is down by the convenience center. That's where the door chime module is and the flasher relay. It is to the right of the steering column and very close to the radio pod.

 

This is from the 86 Pontiac Firebird Service Manual.I got this book off Ebay.
jharrison5 has a point and it is a good investment for info on our cars, especially if your going to keep it.

 

I've been into 3rd gens for a while and am in the process of restoring an '87 IROC. I have an '87 camaro service manual with the electrical addition, an 82-92 parts catalog, and two versions of an assembly manual. Everything is original GM and was well worth the $200 or so that I have invested in it. Plus if I ever get out of 3rd gens I can sell the books and get my money back lol!

 

The Firebirds have that "dimmer module"; Camaro does not.

It goes out kind of a lot. Probably what's wrong with yours.