Johndeerefixer

I have a 1990 D-250 I am in the process of buying. The owner says that there are time that he is driving and the Gauges will max out and the headlights will shut off. He had a "switch" replaced about a year ago on the steering column and it fixed the issues for roughly 3 months. He cannot remember the name of the switch and cannot find the receipt for the part. I'm trying to figure out what switch it is before I bring it home So I know what I need to replace when I get it there. Some other small minor problems but all seem to be fixable and located in the stickies. Thanks in advance for any insight.

oliver foster

Read the thread, 3 threads under this one as it deals with the same problem.
He fixed his with a new ignition switch.

Johndeerefixer

Thank you. I didn't even look at that because it title indicated that is was just voltage jumping. I was wondering if it was the ignition switch because I only see a few switches on these columns. It stays running he just loses the headlights and the gauges max out. I will check into that. Any reputable places to source a good switch?

nonrev

The switch he was talking about was probably the multi-function switch for the turn signals, high beams and wipers.
Welcome to the forum

cougar

Pull out the headlight switch. Check it for burning along with the wiring harness. Had that happen before. Beyond that, look for a short in the wiring.

Rug_Trucker

These trucks probably have a voltage limiter on the gauge panel. My old Super Bee used to peg the gauges every once in a while. I never fixed it because it was the 70's.

edwinsmith

My 89 does.

jimbo486

Make sure you have a good ground at the core support just in front of the battery. The front end lighting and gauges especially are heavily reliant upon that ground. Although, typically the gauges don't function at all if you lose that ground so maybe it's not the sole issue.

Johndeerefixer

Sounds like it may be a combination of a few things. I haven't gotten a chance to put my hands on the truck yet as he has lost the title and will not release it until he gets one. In person its a great truck and cant beat the price though.

KRB

If it is a "great truck" and a great price it may be worth the electrical trouble shooting. It will at least keep you occupied and out of trouble for countless hours.

Johndeerefixer

That's the plan. Project for the son and I to work on. No rust in the usual spots and everything is still solid. If it is the ignition on the column and a new one goes our quick again I'm not opposed to running a few switches and a starter button. We've been wanting a 1st gen for years. Now if the owner could just find the dang title.

edwinsmith

If necessary he can get a replacement title from the state it's titled in. I had to once in Florida. Not a big deal.

Edwin

KRB

Ah, I love father & sons stories - and father & daughter ones too! Nothing better than quality time together and teaching the young ones how to fix & maintain a vehicle, the pride of a nice project completed well...

What state are you in? Perhaps others from your locale could offer ideas with the title like Edwin.

I get my headlight switches from NAPA and so far so good. I'm sure Oliver has some used OEM if you want to try that route. The headlight relay goes a long way to save that switch.

Johndeerefixer

I'm in SW Washington State. We should be picking it up next week from across the river in Oregon. I've talked to the current owner again and he said just don't drive at night because when you hit a bump the lights will go out. This First things will be the Ground on the core support and checking the headlight switch. if that doesn't fix it I will move on to the ignition switch. I will check into the headlight relay as well. I have seen a few write ups on them.

Thanks

nonrev

Johndeerefixer, it could be the the multi-function switch as well