Dimmer switch TEMP.

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Installed a set of guages on the pillar and considered taping into the circuit for the dimmer switch. Have noticed the switch is always very warm and wondered if this is normal or do I have a problem before adding more of a load to this dimmer.


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This problem was a recall on some years,check with DC or Fritzs' Ram Tech.

 

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The addition of the gauge lights to the in-cab dimmer should not be enough load to cause any problem.

 

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The dimmer switch on my truck gets pretty warm after the lights have been on for amy length of time. It worried me so I took the switch out to have a look. It appears that dodge uses some kind of aluminim heat sink to dissipate the heat created by the dimmer resistor. I'm not sure if it gets hot enough to hurt anything, but it is very noticable. BTW, I have my guages wired in at the back of the dimmer switch and they have worked fine so far.

Mike

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'99 QC 2500 SLT Driftwood 2wd SB 24v Auto 3. 55 LSD ISSPRO pyrometer

 

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Try running them all night long dimmed. It's really hot!!

 

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I've also noted that more you dim them, the more heat the switch has to dump. On "bright", very little heat, but if you dim to low levels, the switch gets almost too hot to touch.
I'm not too concerned - figure this is just the way they designed it.

 

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could always install a thermonics cooler on the heat sink, that would cool it off.

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TAZ... 2001 2500 SLT+ 4X4 Auto ETC Cummins, LSD 3. 54,Quad Cab, Long Bed, Agate Leather, White/Driftwood Exterior, Sliding rear window, Camper Special Group, Towing Group, Cab clearance lights, Diesel Dynamics Stage-3's, DD Boost Module,SPA-Technique Digital Dual Gauges (Pyro/Boost, Trans pressure/temp) Aux. Backup lamps. BNM 5th Wheel Hitch, Additional Body Molding on Bed. BD Torc Loc, BD Pressure Loc, Line-X bed-liner. DTT's TC & VB. Pac Brake

2000 32' Aljo Triple Slide 5th Wheel.

http://www.ramtaz.com

Add on's to come: Power Edge Box,and any other Ram Runner required modifications...

 

[Archive]

Just notice the heat on mine and thought it was my overwattage headlights. But, sure enough it was only related to the dimmer setting. Darker the dash, the warmer the switch got. Phew!!

( I had them turned down so I could enjoy the northern lights last night on the way home from NY )

 

[Archive]

I run with the dash lights dimmed down as low as possible, as it eases eye strain when your away from the street lights. I have to be carefull when shutting off the lights not to burn myself, or so it seems. I was wondering about those who do drive all night. Now I think I will look into better heat sinks, or ventilation. Thanks for someone bringing up a topic I was wondering about.


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1999 Driftwood Regular Cab, 2WD, Auto.
1967 Barracuda