How to bypass the instrument light dimmer

[Steve Bakken]

We are replacing the dingy dash lights on my son's Calais with led bulbs. I'm pretty sure his dimmer isn't putting out full voltage any more and I believe the led lights need the full twelve volts to illuminate. Has anyone bypassed the dimmer so the dash lights are direct from the switch?

 

[pontiacgp]

 

[Steve Bakken]

Oh, that is just beautiful. Thanks

 

[565bbchevy]

Did you try and install the led's first?. I replaced the dash lights with led bulbs in the factory sockets in my Regal, they don't dim but are plenty bright.

 

[Steve Bakken]

No, not yet. I just know they're about half as bright as the stock lights on my '79, so I'm guessing there's some pretty good resistance there