Instrument panel illumination

[roedmose]

While trying to repair a defect ignition-switch I also checked why the complete illumination of the intruments was out of order. It turned out that all the wiring from the illumination dipswitch was burned away. And the dipswitch itself was defect as well. Replaced the wiring and the switch (had a spare) and it works again. However, I noticed that the switch itself turns very hot when the instrument-lights are dipped. This is naturally enough but it is hotter than I like.
Now I wonder : has anybody had the same doubt and will it be wise to eighter never dip the instrument-light or simply to bypass the switch so the instruments are lit when the headlights are ?

Frank, DK

[Phil Nottingham]

I assume you mean the instrument dimmer rheosat - this has a resistance wire ib it and on low will get hot - I never have seen the point of such devices and the instrument backlights on P5's can hardly be described as bright so I always leave it full on.

[roedmose]

Yes Phil ! Thats the one I mean ! As I now have the instrumentation light working, I can only agree that it will not disturb the wife while she sleeps, even on the brigthest position !
On low it gets so hot that one burns the fingers if touched, and I don't like the thought of something so hot enclosed together with wires with current. I know that I will keep it on brigthest position, but I am not always the chauffeur !
I think I will follow my instincts (has never failed me so far!!) and bypass the dimmer.

[Phil Nottingham]

The wiper and the heater switches can also get quite hot too.

If the main lighting switch gets too warm then its past it and lighting failure and melted wiring or even a fire will ensue