Dash Dimmer Never Connected?!?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by stewie3128, Jul 28, 2010.

  1. stewie3128

    stewie3128 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2008
    17
    5
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Hi all,

    Yesterday I swapped out my '05 with 131k miles for an '06 with 61k miles.

    Last night I noticed that nothing was switching to "night" mode even with the headlights on. Playing with the dimmer switch did nothing, so I pulled off the driver's vent cover and found that not only was the dimmer switch not connected, but I couldn't see any loose cables that were supposed to be connected to it.

    I've attached pics of behind the dash - sorry if they're awkward, it was tricky taking a photo of this.

    Was my car manufactured this way and just never connected up, or is there a cable dangling around in there somewhere that I'm missing?

    Thanks!
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 stewie3128, Jul 28, 2010
  2. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2009
    2,705
    511
    63
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Any history of accident/repair/mod?
     
    #2 2009Prius, Jul 29, 2010
  3. stewie3128

    stewie3128 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2008
    17
    5
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    No history of accident or mod. But the previous owner did say he just had the cabin air filter replaced at the dealer a week before I bought it. The service record reflects this...

    Could it have been disconnected and hidden when they did that?

    Where can I look for this phantom connection?
     
    #3 stewie3128, Aug 4, 2010
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
    18,200
    6,492
    0
    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Yes.

    Unlikely since the cabin air filter is located behind the glove compartment.

    I recommend that you remove the trim panel where the dimmer is mounted and tug on the wiring harness gently with your hands, looking for the cable that would connect to the switch. It's got to be in the vicinity.
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, Aug 4, 2010
    1 person likes this.
  5. stewie3128

    stewie3128 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2008
    17
    5
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    That did the trick!

    That did it. I pulled the driver's vent off again, then pulled out the lower panel and the cord was dangling right there. I just couldn't see it from the side angle I had before. Plugged it in to the back of the dimmer and now I have a fully functional Prius. :D

    Thanks so much!
     
    #5 stewie3128, Aug 5, 2010
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)