Is this normal

[Gaz64]

Also consider the total wattage of your gauge illumination bulbs.

The rheostat might not be up to the task.

It shouldn't get hot whether you are using the dimmer or not.

Are you using the dimmer?

[Blas]

Look to see if you have a clean tight grounds. A bad ground can cause high resistance which causes heat.

[strictlypersonl]

Originally Posted by Gaz64

Also consider the total wattage of your gauge illumination bulbs.

The rheostat might not be up to the task.

It shouldn't get hot whether you are using the dimmer or not.

Are you using the dimmer?

Actually, the dimmer works by running the current through resistance wiring. By "definition" there will be heat generated, possibly the equivalent sum of all the lights in the circuit.

[Gaz64]

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

Actually, the dimmer works by running the current through resistance wiring. By "definition" there will be heat generated, possibly the equivalent sum of all the lights in the circuit.

I know how a dimmer rheostat works.

The owner has not stated whether he is using the dimmer resistance, and more importantly what total wattage is in the instrument lighting.

[Dwight]

I always use two relays for my head lights.
One for low beam & one for high beam controlled by the light switch. This take the amp load off the switch. The amount of amps to turn the relay on is very small compared to the amount needed for the headlight.

Dwight