Electrical woes....

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Kyle Childress

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Kyle Childress

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It sounds way better in person, not sure why it's such poor quality.
 

75gmck25

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I'm glad to hear you performed your logical, methodical troubleshooting and found a relatively simple fix. Many guys can't figure out electrical problems, and they give up and ask "where can I buy a replacement harness?" because they don't want to go through the troubleshooting.

As you learned with your truck, despite an apparent rats nest of wiring in most trucks, the problem is usually only one or two wires that are connected wrong or disconnected. Or a ground that is missing.

If I was ever going to work part time as a mechanic, I would want to specialize in electrical troubleshooting work. It seems to baffle most mechanics, especially if there are complicated wiring diagrams, or some type of computer involved.

Bruce
 

Kyle Childress

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Here is a video that actually works, finally figured out the whole internet video business. Thanks again for all of your advice and help, marvel in the sweet sound of success.

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Kyle Childress

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Truck is running and driving fantastic now, thanks to all the wiring Gurus help.... but, my happiness is short lived. Now I have lost power to headlights/markers/taillights and wipers, it was working before. Any clue where to start looking? Is there a dedicated fuse for these bad boys I'm missing?
 

HotRodPC

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Update to all!!! I had the accesory hot wire ran to the constant hot bulkhead..... my mistake, but fixed it and everything is a green light go! Can I upload a video?
Normally to post a video, we upload to Youtube, then link here. Only some people get to see it if it's on Facebook and depending on your setting, if they're not your friend on FB, then noone here will be able to view it.
 

HotRodPC

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Here is a video that actually works, finally figured out the whole internet video business. Thanks again for all of your advice and help, marvel in the sweet sound of success.

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That thing sounds nice. Got a little bumpity bump to it too. What exhaust system is on it?
 

Kyle Childress

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It has a set of Hooker Comps, 2.5" exhaust into 3" magnaflow mufflers then 2.5" out the back. I have tips to go on it, but going to take it back to exhaust shop and have the tips turned out to the side of the bed, not to crazy with them straight out the back. It has a sweet idle but its a little harsh when you're hard on the throttle.

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Snoots

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Truck is running and driving fantastic now, thanks to all the wiring Gurus help.... but, my happiness is short lived. Now I have lost power to headlights/markers/taillights and wipers, it was working before. Any clue where to start looking? Is there a dedicated fuse for these bad boys I'm missing?

Well first, check your fuses.
There is also an 'Accessory' Fusible Link fed from the solenoid. Check for anything near the starter that may be pinched or burned.
 

Kyle Childress

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I downloaded some pretty nice layouts for the fuse panel last night, plan on scowering over that thing this afternoon. The wiring to starter is good, I had already checked that, I have everything key on hot now.... Its the exact opposite of what I started this post with. I think I shorted something out when I was probing wires and looking for a fix for my original issue. The Headlights/running lights pull power from direct 12v right? directly from where the 12v goes into fusebox? I bought a new wiper switch and headlight switch to be safe, rather have it on hand and not need it then need it and not have it.

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Snoots

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Yes, headlights get power through a fusible link.
Wipers through the acc link (switched).

Wiper switches get 'gummed' up and act flakey.
Headlight switches rarely fail entirely.

Did you disconnect anything when you were originally probing?

Check the 12v 'buss bolt' connections. It's located on the firewall.
 

Kyle Childress

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I have had the wires off the bus on the firewall a thousand times, how many 12v are supposed to be running to bulkhead from the bus? The fuseable link you were talking about, are you referring to the one going to the starter or is there another I'm not aware of? inside cab or under hood? Ive done so much wiring to this thing I'm sure ive just got something unhooked or ran to the wrong spot, they were working when I started this post. its just now became something that doesn't work, this is how it currently looks under the hood, cant tell much from pictures but give you an idea of what ive got going on.

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Snoots

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There are several different layouts. The best way is to go to our front page, look up your vehicles electrical diagram and follow that.

I know that there are at least 2 feeds. 1 from the solenoid and 1 from the alternator.
Others have 1 for the headlights and 1 for the electric fan.

You've got it pretty tidy in there.
I'd also suggest you lose the yellow zip-ties and use velcro strips until you get everything fingered out.
 

chengny

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I have had the wires off the bus on the firewall a thousand times, how many 12v are supposed to be running to bulkhead from the bus? The fuseable link you were talking about, are you referring to the one going to the starter or is there another I'm not aware of? inside cab or under hood? Ive done so much wiring to this thing I'm sure ive just got something unhooked or ran to the wrong spot, they were working when I started this post. its just now became something that doesn't work, this is how it currently looks under the hood, cant tell much from pictures but give you an idea of what ive got going on.

Here is how the H/L switch, T/L CTSY & HORN DM fuses are supplied with power. That circuit is protected only by the fusible link down at the solenoid - it does not pass through the FW junction block. If that link were burned it would explain the loss of H/L's and the other exterior lighting you mention (it would also knock out the horn and dome light). But it would not explain why you have no wipers. They are on a separate - ignition switched - feed:
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First check would be the fusible links - the ones that are connected to the starter solenoid. The wipers are probably an unrelated issue.
 

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