There is an electrical component under the dash, on the driver's side (about in line with the steering column), that was extremely hot after about an hour after driving the car. Several hours later, it was still pretty warm. The size and shape and color of the component reminds me of a relay. Does anyone know what this component is and if it's normal for it to get that hot. (Couldn't keep my finger on it for longer than a second.)

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

I think thats for the green halo around your ignition. Does your jeep have it?

 

Thats for the halo around the key. I 'think' its also tied into the dome light, and something else i cant remember.

 

Its a capacitor (like a short term battery) that feeds items that are illuminated/on when the key is on, but then stay on for a short time and go off automatically after the key is off or removed. (think key halo, interior light perhaps on some later models, etc). Getting hot is normal, if it is scary hot, it may need to be replaced.

 

Thanks for the replies. I do have the green halo, but I think the heating is associated with the interior dome light. When I got to work this morning at 6:00, it was cold. I opened the door and left it open for a while and it started to get warm. I might look for a replacement.

Thanks again!