2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Headlight switch - HOT!

[LRWatson]

On my '99, the panel around the headlight switch near the dimmer-roller gets hot. Some nights it gets so hot that you wouldn't hold your finger on it for long. Doesn't seem to matter if the dash lights are on bright or dim. Headlight switch and dimmer seem perfectly reliable with all functions. Any ideas? Is this a chronic problem, have you had melt-down?

 

[Oil Burner]

i believe there is a transistor in the switch assembly which varies the output voltage. However, this resistance creates heat and having the switch dimmed makes it even hotter. i keep mine all the way up and it doesn't get as hot as when it is dimmed but definately kicks off some heat.

my . 02

-Jason

 

[homeka45]

Someone posted once about drilling a small hole in the top of the ac vent near the headlight switch so that some cool air would be vented and cool the heated area. HTH.

 

[Un-Hemi]

There is no transistor in the dimmer circuit. It's a flat ceramic resistor with a wiper contact behind the aluminum heat sink. The hole in the vent duct is a good idea. A semiconductor dimmer would take the load off the resistor, but that's yet another project.



Tom

 

[Turbo Thom]

Yeah I had a melt down. Well more of a melt. It just melted down to nothing. The switch itself came out in my hand. I drove home with the fog lights. Now I keep the dash lights turned up and the dash is not as hot. I had the switch replaced under re-call.



. . Preston. .

 

[tgbol]

check out this thread:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...?s=&threadid=62371&highlight=headlight+switch

 

[Deezul1]

I believe there is a recall on this problem but not sure what trucks are involved.