Overheating key light timer

[Odin]

i have a 70 Dart Swinger. It’s hard to tell what’s been modified but it has the wiring and timer for a key light even though there is no light in the column. I recently did a lot of work behind the dash. When I first started loosening the dash wiring harness I noticed the key light timer was just laying loose behind the dash and it was very hot. It seems to always be hot unless the ignition is off and the car sits for a while. Sometimes it’s too hot to touch.

Should it be this hot?
If not, What can cause it to be this hot?
How can I fix it so it doesn’t cause damage or fire?
I looked online for a new timer and it was marked at $120!!!

 

[toolmanmike]

i have a 70 Dart Swinger. It’s hard to tell what’s been modified but it has the wiring and timer for a key light even though there is no light in the column. I recently did a lot of work behind the dash. When I first started loosening the dash wiring harness I noticed the key light timer was just laying loose behind the dash and it was very hot. It seems to always be hot unless the ignition is off and the car sits for a while. Sometimes it’s too hot to touch.

Should it be this hot?
If not, What can cause it to be this hot?
How can I fix it so it doesn’t cause damage or fire?
I looked online for a new timer and it was marked at $120!!!

Weren't the timers just a capacitor? Hopefully someone will chime in.

 

[68 bee]

Weren't the timers just a capacitor? Hopefully someone will chime in.

Do you have a picture of it?

 

[67Dart273]

The timers were a deal similar to a flasher only different timing. (The old original gauge regulator/ limiter works same way)

They contain a bi-metal strip...like a thermostat.......which warps with changes in temperature, and have an electrical heater wrapped around the strip. When the heater gets warm, the bi-metal warps and moves and opens or closes a contact, depending on the use

Here's an "actual video" LOL

 

[Odin]

The timers were a deal similar to a flasher only different timing. (The old original gauge regulator/ limiter works same way)

They contain a bi-metal strip...like a thermostat.......which warps with changes in temperature, and have an electrical heater wrapped around the strip. When the heater gets warm, the bi-metal warps and moves and opens or closes a contact, depending on the use

Here's an "actual video" LOL

 

[mderoy340]

My 93 dodge van uses one , I'm sure it will work. $120 is a rip off. If you don't want the light to work pull the timer out and be done with it. I removed the timer in my van because it went bad and drained the battery after 2 weeks.

 

[toolmanmike]

View attachment 1715107345

I'd sure like to see what that can looks like inside.

 

[67Dart273]

I'd sure like to see what that can looks like inside.

Very simple, same as a flasher or the gauge IVR. They are a bimetal strip.......like a thermostat...........and a heater coil