tractor light smoked and got hot

[Trigger Mike]

I was out on my John Deere tractor 5055E and since it was getting dark i turned on the lights and it has a light facing to the rear so i can see the equipment attached to the 3 point hitch and noticed a light cloud around the light.  At first I assumed it was dust from the work I was doing then i noticed it was around the back of the light as well and was getting whiter.  I smelled a faint whiff of smoldering wires that quickly disappeared so i barely touched it with the back of my hand and man alive was it hot.  I turned that light off right away.  finished what i was doing and left her outside but next to the barn.  I guess there must be s short or something .  the ignition switch already went out the other day a few months after the warranty.  Im beginning to wonder if I have a lemon.  

 

 

[Linn Keller, SASS 27332, BOLD 103]

I'd fetch that gentleman to the dealer -- the tractor, that is -- or grab the dealer by the nose and drag him out to your place kickin' and squealin'.
Something is definitely wrong -- with the current draw needed for that kind of resistance-generated heat, a breaker should have kicked, and didn't.
No telling what damage was done somewhere hidden in the wiring harness.
I don't know if the Lemon Law extends to tractors the way it covers cars but your instincts are good, something is very wrong here!

[Trigger Mike]

Called them first thing this morning, waiting for a call back.  

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

Mice and such, love to eat insulation off of wiring.

Do you leave your JD outside?

OLG

[Trigger Mike]

i usually leave it in the barn though last month she stayed outside while the driveway into the barn was repaired.  the dealer is sending someone out but they have a long list ahead of me so it may be a while.  the wires don't look frayed or anything.