Replacing PA28 panel dimmer rheostat/position light switch

[Mike Noel]

Anyone here know how to access and replace/repair the panel dimmer rheostat
in an Archer? It still controls the panel lights OK but does not switch on
the position lights. My best guess is I'll either have to be a
contortionist laying on my back under the instrument panel, or I may need to
remove the bottom radio tray.

--
Best Regards,
Mike.

http://flickr.com/photos/mikenoel/

http://photoshow.comcast.net/mikenoel

[Bob Noel[_4_]]

In article >, "Mike Noel" >
wrote:

> Anyone here know how to access and replace/repair the panel dimmer rheostat
> in an Archer? It still controls the panel lights OK but does not switch on
> the position lights. My best guess is I'll either have to be a
> contortionist laying on my back under the instrument panel, or I may need to
> remove the bottom radio tray.

I'm just a cherokee owner, and it was pretty much being a contortionist.
At least you get to being laying down (I usually put a moving blanket
on the cabin floor).

[Mike Spera]

Mike Noel wrote:
> Anyone here know how to access and replace/repair the panel dimmer rheostat
> in an Archer? It still controls the panel lights OK but does not switch on
> the position lights. My best guess is I'll either have to be a
> contortionist laying on my back under the instrument panel, or I may need to
> remove the bottom radio tray.
>

Mike,

Yes, our friends at Piper are quite the sadists. First you need to
disconnect the battery. You will be working with the one and only hot
wire going to the instrument panel for the main switch.

You next need to free the switch assembly from the panel. The 4 screws
in the face are the easy ones. There are also 3 (or 4?) ABOVE the switch
assembly. Generally, you need to remove the bottom radio (or whatever
occupies that space). Once the bottom unit is removed, you either can
access the screws with a stubby Phillips or a 90 degree phillips through
an opening in the tray, or you need to take the screws put of the front
tray mount and try to push it backwards to get access.

After it is free, you then need to push it back and then work under the
panel (upside down) to get the dimmer/switch wiring undone. I believe
the mounting screws are in the front but I cannot remember. The rocker
switch screws are in the front.

There is a used one up for auction on e-Bay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PIPER-MASTER-SWITCH-AND-PANEL-LIGHT-CONTROL_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c66 Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksidZp328 6Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem350132888207QQitemZ35013288 8207QQptZMotorsQ5fAviationQ5fPartsQ5fGear

Good Luck,
Mike

[Mike Spera]

Mike Noel wrote:

> Anyone here know how to access and replace/repair the panel dimmer rheostat
> in an Archer? It still controls the panel lights OK but does not switch on
> the position lights. My best guess is I'll either have to be a
> contortionist laying on my back under the instrument panel, or I may need to
> remove the bottom radio tray.
>

Mike,

OOPS! I posted too soon. The dimmers are a little tougher to get out
than the rockers. It looks like they need the ring nuts loosened from
the BACK side of the switch assembly and then they slide out. However,
the wiring is all soldered on and both unit's wiring goes to a common
plug in the side of the assembly. Go look at the pictures on e-Bay. What
a bitch!

Mike

[Mike Noel]

Mike, Thanks.

--
Best Regards,
Mike.

http://flickr.com/photos/mikenoel/

http://photoshow.comcast.net/mikenoel


"Mike Spera" > wrote in message
...
> Mike Noel wrote:
>> Anyone here know how to access and replace/repair the panel dimmer
>> rheostat in an Archer? It still controls the panel lights OK but does
>> not switch on the position lights. My best guess is I'll either have to
>> be a contortionist laying on my back under the instrument panel, or I may
>> need to remove the bottom radio tray.
>>
>
> Mike,
>
> Yes, our friends at Piper are quite the sadists. First you need to
> disconnect the battery. You will be working with the one and only hot wire
> going to the instrument panel for the main switch.
>
> You next need to free the switch assembly from the panel. The 4 screws in
> the face are the easy ones. There are also 3 (or 4?) ABOVE the switch
> assembly. Generally, you need to remove the bottom radio (or whatever
> occupies that space). Once the bottom unit is removed, you either can
> access the screws with a stubby Phillips or a 90 degree phillips through
> an opening in the tray, or you need to take the screws put of the front
> tray mount and try to push it backwards to get access.
>
> After it is free, you then need to push it back and then work under the
> panel (upside down) to get the dimmer/switch wiring undone. I believe the
> mounting screws are in the front but I cannot remember. The rocker switch
> screws are in the front.
>
> There is a used one up for auction on e-Bay:
> > Good Luck,
> Mike