Dash Light Dimmer Switch

[tytypetersen]

1989 325i Vert
So my dash lights are quite dim even when you rotate the light switch to max position. Have checked the cluster bulbs and they're the correct wattage.

This is the weird part. When the ignition is in the first accessory on position, the dash lights come on barely visible as well as the ashtray lights, the license plate lights (very dimly) and the passenger side rear marker light. The light switch is completely off. If I rotate the headlight dimmer, with the headlight switch still completely off, the driver side rear marker comes on as well!

Has to be a worn out headlight switch that is somehow shorting out and causing this. Would also explain the dim dash lights when the lights are on??? All lights are off when you turn the key off.

Anyone else had this problem? Replace the light switch?

Thanks

[AndrewBird]

Definitely sounds like something is shorting. Unplug the headlight switch and see if it still does it. If it does, the short is not internal to the switch.

[tytypetersen]

Thanks
With the light switch unplugged, the plate lights and both rear marker lights are burning at full brightness with the key in first postion. Has to be short somewhere else but where??!!