Dimmer switches go bad, more often than regular switches.
Yes it can.
if it doesn't work, consider it detected
I'm going to assume that the switch that's getting warm is the dimmer. Even when a dimmer is working correctly it gets warm and that's just the electronic parts of it. The face of a dimmer is actually a heat sink to help remove excess heat. If you swap out the dimmer you will likely find your problem is resolved. Remember to de-energize the circuit by turning off the breaker before working on it. If in any doubt, consult a qualified electrician. Andy Be aware that a dimmer for lights does NOT work for fans (though it may sometimes appear to work, you can end up with noise, problems such as the light attached to the fan not working, the dimmer getting overheated, etc). So even though it might seem to work at first, you'll have problems, and it's against code to put the wrong kind of dimmer there. You can purchase a dimmer which is rated for ceiling fans at Home Depot or Lowes, but they are more expensive than light switch dimmers. Of course, if there is a single on/off switch at the wall which controls the fan and its light, then you might be better off buying a remote control unit to install in the fan - it will allow you to dim the fan and light separately (and safely). Or purchase a new fan with a remote... ceiling fans are cheap enough now that if yours is old enough, it might be a nice time for an update.
A rheostat is an extremely ancient form of variable resistor that was used very largely to vary voltage. As you mention replacing a light switch, presumably you want to install a dimmer? If so, lighting dimmers are solid state and are a simple replacement for a standard switch. NOTE - you cannot use a conventional dimmer on anything but standard incandescent lamps. They will not work on low volt, fluorescent or halogen lamps (or HID). Make sure that the circuit breaker is turned off before starting work on changing the switch out. Just for the sake of convention the top wire on your conventional switch should be the hot one. Connect this same wire to the top wire that is on your new dimmer switch. Make sure that the dimmer switch is in the off position before turning the breaker back on.
Although a dimmer can be designed for 12 v halogen lamps it is more common for dimmers to work on higher voltages. Dimmers have to work into a resistive load so it is not usually possible to place the dimmer on the high-voltage side of the 12 v transformer that comes with the lights.
The dimmer switch is adjustable. Take bolts out that support steering collum. Loosen screws that hold switch and slide it whichever way it needs to go to work.
probably because your dimmer switch is bad or a relay
They work? Interior dash light dimmer switch on high or loW Inst panel fuses =check
Most dimmer switches will work with turning it to the left will make it darker and to the right will make it brighter. If you want it on or off you just push in the switch.
Be sure the dash light dimmer switch is not turned off.
Check bulbs Check dimmer switch if located on floor for loose or disconnected wires or corrosion
bad wireing or your insterment panel dimmer switch is bad
Yes, the dimmer switch could be at fault but, be sure the bulbs are okay before you spend anymore money.
It can be the dimmer switch. It needs to be checked out./ A test light will check for voltage.
Bad dash light, or dimmer fuse. Or a bad dimmer switch itself
AnswerIf the lights work on the flash to pass but do not work otherwise either the switch is bad or the dimmer switch is bad. I just am working on a 1995 Ranger and found the dimmer switch to be bad. I checked the headlight switch and that was good so I found the dimmer switch to be the problem. I jumped the wires after unplugging the dimmer switch and lights come on. Replace the headlight dimmer switch and good to go! Hope this helps.
could be bad wiring