2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission instrument light rheostat

[dgrothusen]

On a recent trip in my new 02 we did several hours of night driving. I noticed the rheostat dial for the intrument lights and the area around it got almost too hot to touch. I know that a resistor will creat heat but this almost seems a bit much. Anyone else have this problem?

Dave in KS

 

[Sticks]

Every Dodge truck I have owned (82, 94, '01, '02) has done this. I remember reading a thread a long while back (some time in mid '02) about this. It's normal. I have had the instrument panel trim off on both my '01 and '02 and noticed that they have a heat disperser or cooling fins - like on an air-cooled motorcycle or stereo amp. Great idea, but no air circulation under there. Evidently too hot is when the plastic starts to deform from the heat.

 

[Sticks]

Try this thread



Headlight switch recall kit

 

[Dkevdog]

The recall only effects early 2nd gen 3500 trucks. It is normal, and they do get hot. The more you dim the lights (or increase resistance) the hotter it will get.



Kev

 

[tgbol]

This is a continuing problem with our trucks. The dimmer you set the dash lights the hotter the switch. I like my lights dim so my switch would get really hot. Look at this thread and you will get some ideas.

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

 

[dgrothusen]

Thanks for the info. Sounds like we need an aviation radio cooling fan mounted in there somewhere.

Dave