ballast resistor

[phf]

should the ballast resistor heat up real high when the key is in the on position but the car isnt running?

 

[dartman1965]

If the car is not running but the key is in the run possion,the resistor will get very hot.New resistors have been known to smoke when first put into service.

 

[Longgone]

Yeah , the ballast resistor is only out of the circuit when you turn the key to start the engine. When you release the key (after ignition) the resistor is back in the circuit. The slower the engine`s running the hotter the resistor will be be and vice-versa.

 

[Ace]

A cheap, easy mod to lengthen the life of the ballast is to install a spacer under it with a longer mounting screw. Lets it dissipate heat better with better air circulation around it.