My headlight switch/dimmer went out and I got a new one from Autozone today. I hooked it up and it works fine, but I noticed the unit started getting hot after only a minute or so of the running/headlights being on.

Could this have something to do with the HID lights I've got hooked up, or is this normal?

Edit: info.

1999 Olds Bravada with fog lights

 

Update: worked for a few minutes, then all of the cluster lights stopped working. Checked all related fuses, none bad.

 

probably burnt the switch up. to high amp for the switch maybe

 

What would be a good fuse if I'm using the HID lights?

Or would it be better to switch back to stock type bulbs?

 

If you didn't change the optics (the headlamp lens assembly) to parts designed for HID lights, you should definitely go back to stock(ish) bulbs. I like the Sylvania Xtravision bulbs, but the Silverstar Ultra are also excellent. I'm not a fan of the SilverStar or SilverStar zXe. Those tend to burn up quickly, and they run hotter than the Xtravisions or the Silverstar Ultras.

HID bulbs in halogen optics aren't street legal, and throw a lot of glare and stray light at oncoming traffic. IMO, running that kind of setup should result in jail time.

If you put in anything higher wattage (unnecesary if you run really good bulbs like the ones I mentioned), you'll want to use relays and additional (thicker, heavier gauge) wiring for the higher current. Don't exceed the stock wattage with the stock switch and wiring. Relays also cause issues for the DRL's.

 

In Virginia, they're only illegal for state safety inspections. Unless the vehicle came stock with HID lights, the inspector is supposed to fail it. All you need to do to avoid this is pop stock type bulbs in for the inspection and you're fine.

But yeah, the kit I put in it is the VVME 55w 8000k set. Just in case, I've always kept a spare set of stock bulbs in the glovebox.

The weird thing is, I had been running the HID lights in my car (1999 Olds Alero GLS) and never had issues with burning out fuses.

 

The manufacture of your setup says this about their Xenon HID kits:

Those lights are not street legal anywhere. Period.

Further, if your vehicle is in a condition where it would fail state safety inspection, it's not a street legal vehicle. If Officer Friendly notices, you can be cited for equipment violations.

It's possible you have a defective or failed part in your "off road use only" HID setup. But if you plan to drive on public roads, you really should just install DOT approved (FMVSS compliant) bulbs in your headlights. I'm pretty sure that will resolve your fuse and headlight switch issues.

 

I've never been pulled over for the HID lights being on. What I meant about it being illegal during inspection is that the inspector I took the vehicle to informed me that the aftermarket HID kit would present a failing condition. He then told me that all I needed to do for it to pass was put the stock type bulbs in and it would pass. Other than that, he said they were fine. If I had the factory HID setup, those would have passed anyway.

I think it may be a short somewhere. I put the stock bulbs in and got a replacement switch. Did the same thing. Worked fine for a couple of minutes, then cut out again.

 

Start checking grounds.