Why did the dimmer switch on the floor move to the steering column? I always thought it was handier to use my foot, espically when turning and having hands occupied. That's all, why?

 

it was to easy to fix

 

LOL! Probably true.

I wonder if too many people had to look down to find the foot switch, and got into crashes.


When the hand hi/lo switch went out on my old vw bus, I replaced it with a foot switch from NAPA...$6.00 (1991). Took 30 minutes and really helped keeping the hands on the wheel.

 

I suspect it is probably cheaper to make and install 1 multi-function switch than multiple single function switches in different places. It also allows you to flash the headlights rather than just turning on high beams.

 

Problem was Chevy drivers were getting confused and getting thier foot caught in the steering wheel.

 

I suspect (sorry, no joke here) that in the snow and rain, water would get into the switch and cause it to fail.

 

Naw, the switches were way up on the angle of the floorboard. Any snow or rain would just run right out the big rust hole under the floor mat. I think it was Detroit's efforts to appear more 'European' in their offerings.

 

My 90 E350 still has it on the floor. Easier to fix. I like it better.

 

Floor switch = $12.00
Column Multi-Function switch = $300.00

Any questions?

 

I had a 56 Olds 88 with automatic dimmers,remember those?

 

I always thought part of the issue was when Detroit started making smaller cars, there just wasn't room enough to have a foot switch with the clutch pedal on a manual, and it would've been too much work to have foot switches for automatics, and dinker switches for sticks.

It always amazes people in my truck that I can dim the lights without having to fiddle with the dinker lever.

 

76supercab has the only correct answer here boys , it's all about parts after you leave the lot .

Henry Ford told us this in 1910 but nobody understood what he was saying untill 1980.

Mine is still on the floor and has seen 27 winters without problem as well and the dinkers have never failed either to make it necessary to change them .

Less complicated equals less maintenance and repair as well and my left foot works just fine without having to use a hand that is supposed to be driving .

Now the multi function switches are not all the same and some engineer has decided that some should be down for high beam not up just to confuse the issue like the Ford Windstar for one .

 

A lot of it has to do with the newer Federal saftey regs. and how each item has to be clearly identified (in some cases lit up) and how the DRL work with the headlamp switch etc. etc. It is easier and cheaper to compile with the law by putting it all in one place, a multi function switch. Especially when the basic function is provided and designed by outside suppliers.

 

My '86 F150 had the floor switch and I loved it! Had to change it once 'causse the truck leaked somewhere and the drivers side carpet got wet and stayed wet for awhile. When I put the new one in, I cut the carpet and insulation away about an inch's worth. I wish the '05 had it on the floor.

 

MY dad can't use a floor mounted dimmer without his cruise control set. He only has one leg.... So we've always moved the floor mounted switch to the bottom of the dash so you can reach down and hit it.