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It has been 33 years since I drove my TR-3 and am finishing a rebuild. Some TR-3s had a simple on off for the Dash lights and some had a dimmer. Please refresh my memory. I would think one would want the dash lights to come on when they turned on the headlights. (OK-I drove the car from 1967 until 1980 but can't remember) Did I have to turn the dash lights on and off everytime I turned on my headlights? I can certainly wire it so that the dash light lights come on when I turn on the headlights. Is there a reason to use a twist type dimmer? I have several of the center plates the gauges and switches go in. The only difference I think is that the simple on off switch has a smaller "D" whole than the dimmer type switch.
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TR2/3/3A Dash light switch
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TR3driver
Great Pumpkin - R.I.P
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Yup, original wiring had the dash lights come on with the tail lights (first position of headlight switch). The separate switch was useful only if you wanted the dash lights off. With the dash lights off, your eyes are better able to adjust to the dark, letting you see farther with the woefully inadequate headlights of the day.
Note that on cars with the dash light switch, the switch is in the top hole. The dimmer won't fit there, though, so on cars with the dimmer, the wiper switch moved to the top and the dimmer went in the middle. As you mentioned, the hole is bigger for the dimmer.
All of my TRs have had the switch, and I prefer it. Much more reliable IMO than the dimmer.
PS, Congrats on getting the old girl back on the road (when you do). There is a wiring diagram at
that might be helpful.
Note that on cars with the dash light switch, the switch is in the top hole. The dimmer won't fit there, though, so on cars with the dimmer, the wiper switch moved to the top and the dimmer went in the middle. As you mentioned, the hole is bigger for the dimmer.
All of my TRs have had the switch, and I prefer it. Much more reliable IMO than the dimmer.
PS, Congrats on getting the old girl back on the road (when you do). There is a wiring diagram at
that might be helpful.