Bridging the Dashboard Rheostat Help

[gtc87]

Hello,

I have a 96 Camry, and all my dashboard lights went out at the same time (including the ones that illuminate the stereo/AC controls), I have searched extensively on this forum, and followed this steps:

1. Change fuses
2. Change dashboard lightbulbs

So now I have narrowed it down to a faulty rheostat. I pulled it out, and sure enough the heatsink area looks a bit melted.

The thing is I cannot afford a replacement rheostat, so I tried to bridge it, using the information on the Camry Manual, bridging the 1 and 2 plugs


But that only worked for a while, and then burned my tail-light fuse. Please help me, I am still learning, thank you.

[Stillrunning]

Looks like "bridging" 1&2 will produce excess amperage as there is no resister in the circuit except for the fuse. I'd join 2&3 and use the bulbs as resisters thereby reducing amps to proper level.

[Chris Crash]

I have a spare rheostat from a 97. Should fit. You can have it for free, only a few bucks to ship.

[gtc87]

Thank you guys, Stillrunning, what do you mean run the bulbs between 2 and 3 and using the bulbs as resistors?

And Chris Crash, where do you live, I live in Houston Texas, where can I pay you for the shipping?

[Chris Crash]

I'm in North Carolina. If you've got paypal you can throw me a few bucks that way.

[gr91]

This guys from houston,tx?
Haha hey chris, looks like we're the only ones willing to buy your stuff. :P


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[Chris Crash]

Had another guy buy an ECU off me in Houston, TX.

[gtc87]

Thank you guys, and thank you Chris, check your PM and email please

[gtc87]

Do you guys know what is the resistance offered by the rheostat? maybe I can use some resistors, and bridge it like that