weird electrical problem
#1
10-24-2020, 08:02 AM
weird electrical problem
I'm visiting family in the Detroit area and on my way out something strange happened:
I stopped for gas, and when I restarted, the gauges weren't working properly.
The system is charging at 13amps, and there doesn't appear to be any problem with the alternator (thanks Chris @ Hometown Auto in Portage, Indiana). Chris thought maybe the voltage regulator was failing, but neither of us had the time to dig in to it.
The truck is running great otherwise.
Anyone have suggestions?
Oh, my truck is a 1996 3.9l v6, 4x4
I stopped for gas, and when I restarted, the gauges weren't working properly.
- When I turned on the headlights, the gauges stopped working and the turn signal/high beam dash lights came on. Specifically, the speedo and tach drop to 0, and the oil temp/alt/engine temp/fuel spiked to the right.
- Also, when I engage the emergency flashers, the tach/speedo bounce with the lights!
The system is charging at 13amps, and there doesn't appear to be any problem with the alternator (thanks Chris @ Hometown Auto in Portage, Indiana). Chris thought maybe the voltage regulator was failing, but neither of us had the time to dig in to it.
The truck is running great otherwise.
Anyone have suggestions?
Oh, my truck is a 1996 3.9l v6, 4x4
Last edited by Lotus_65; 10-24-2020 at 08:08 AM. Reason: add make/model
#3
10-24-2020, 10:32 AM
I could see that for sure, but it happened so suddenly and it hasn't flickered, almost like it was a straight disconnection.
We've done a lot of work in the engine compartment recently, but my buddy is a very thorough ASE certified tech.
It would surprise me if it was from any of that work.
Thanks a ton for the lead! I'll poke around.
We've done a lot of work in the engine compartment recently, but my buddy is a very thorough ASE certified tech.
It would surprise me if it was from any of that work.
Thanks a ton for the lead! I'll poke around.
#4
10-24-2020, 10:39 AM
Champion
Before I tackled the grounds under the hood, I'd check the ones inside the dash.
Remove the knee bolster, and you'll find a strap with one to three ground wires on it; it's probably a bit rusty, so I'd loosen the nuts, clean the strap a bit with some steel wool or a Brillo™ pad, maybe a ScotchBrite™ pad, then reassemble it carefully. I'd also do some dielectric grease on it to help halt further oxidation.
You may even find that the nut has worked loose ...
RwP
Remove the knee bolster, and you'll find a strap with one to three ground wires on it; it's probably a bit rusty, so I'd loosen the nuts, clean the strap a bit with some steel wool or a Brillo™ pad, maybe a ScotchBrite™ pad, then reassemble it carefully. I'd also do some dielectric grease on it to help halt further oxidation.
You may even find that the nut has worked loose ...
RwP
#5
10-25-2020, 09:49 AM
Before I tackled the grounds under the hood, I'd check the ones inside the dash.
Remove the knee bolster, and you'll find a strap with one to three ground wires on it; it's probably a bit rusty, so I'd loosen the nuts, clean the strap a bit with some steel wool or a Brillo™ pad, maybe a ScotchBrite™ pad, then reassemble it carefully. I'd also do some dielectric grease on it to help halt further oxidation.
You may even find that the nut has worked loose ...
RwP
Remove the knee bolster, and you'll find a strap with one to three ground wires on it; it's probably a bit rusty, so I'd loosen the nuts, clean the strap a bit with some steel wool or a Brillo™ pad, maybe a ScotchBrite™ pad, then reassemble it carefully. I'd also do some dielectric grease on it to help halt further oxidation.
You may even find that the nut has worked loose ...
RwP
This is a big public thank you!
