Panel Lights Dimmer Switch Kaput

Last night was one of those rare occasions when I had my car out after dark. I went to adjust the dimmer for the instrument lights (a switch I probably had not touched in years) and pfft, out went the lights altogether. No amount of turning the little knob could get the panel lights to come back on.

I reached under the dash to the back of the switch, and ouch! something under there was pretty hot. (I don't know if this is normal or not.)

After I got home, I found out that the dimmer switch is really easy to remove. Is it possible to fix it? If not, where can I find a replacement?

 

After a little more research, I have concluded that the rheostat is in the negative lead from the panel lights back to the battery. If I simply connect the two leads to the switch together, I should have "full-on, non-adjustable" panel lights, at least until I can replace the switch...

 

Excellent! Just what I needed. Thanks.