Melted Courtesy Lamp Switch

The courtesy lights were not working in my 71 and I found the end of the courtesy lamp switch (front of door) melted.

So I replaced the switch only to find, that the switch was getting very hot and so I quickly disconnected and popped out the 20 A fuse.

Has anyone else run into this problem? I don't understand why the switch and white wire were getting so hot. Thank you.

Chet

Start by checking the lamps. Are they the correct ones? Did someone change them to a higher wattage/brighter lamp? That will cause higher current flow through the switch. Lamps ok? Then remove all the lamps and replace the fuse with a 1/2 amp fuse. Did the fuse open? If so you have a partial short on the lamp side of the switch. It won't be a complet short or the original 20 amp fuse would have opened. Check the wires running from the switch to the lamp sockets. Look closely at the sockets for corrosion. Hope this helps.

Hi Owen,

I believe some bulbs were changed. I'll have a look. Thank you.

Chet