289cobra

When I turned on my headlights I smelled a burning maybe electrical smell. Pulled the switch down, left it plugged in and the ceramic white area at the rheostat was hot when turned on. I noticed smoke maybe oil from my hands where I had touched the ceramic area. Replaced switch and dimmer switch still getting hot. I do not see any wires that might be shorting. I would have to think there is a short. .Any ideas please. jim

65GGvert

Is the headlight switch still getting hot after you replaced it, or just the dimmer switch?

62Jeff

Are your dash lights turned to a dim setting?

65GGvert

And by dimmer switch, do you mean the headlight dimmer switch on the floor, or the dash light dimmer section of the headlight switch?

289cobra

I replaced switch and dimmer switch. Still getting hot (ceramic section) even with switch set for maximum dash lights. One of my questions is it normal for the ceramic section to get hot.

65GGvert

The ceramic will get got when the dash lights are on, the lower you have your dash lights, the hotter it will get. You, should not smell it or get burned when you touch it. If you do, yours is getting too hot due to drawing too much current. Usually caused by adding lights in the circuit, or using bulbs that draw too much current. Check to make sure you have the correct size fuse (4a) so you won't overheat the wiring if something is wrong.

289cobra

Yes, I have a 4 amp fuse. Will keep dash lights on full, an watch for smoke or smell. Many thanks for everyones help. jim

VetteRed1965

Put relays in and the switch as a switching device, You will get brighter head lights too !

MrPbody

did you check each terminal of the headlight switch plug? it's fairly common for those terminals to develop a weak connection and cause overheating. use a spare spade connector and plug it into each terminal in the switch harness plug to check for a tight connection. it wouldn't hurt to do the same on the dimmer switch as well. those terminals, know as Packard 56 style, are available at most NAPA stores if you need replacements.

Russ

DUB

You can have loose terminals and that is what can cause a heat being built up...or the terminals are dirty/corroded. If the terminals do not fit snugly on the terminals in the headlight switch...you will get a resistance build up that can cause for heat to build up.

I also agree in installing relays for the headlights. I have done several over the past year that needed it due to ****/poor reproduction headlight switches where the circuit breaker begins to pop on and off and causes the headlights to pop on and off.

DUB