Funny things are starting to add up and making me wonder what has failed in my electrical system. The first thing to happen is my factory radio crapped out. I figured out this happens after it rains and after a few dry days it starts to come back to life as static through the speakers then slowly cleans itself up and is normal. When it is dead all the buttons and backlighting still comes on, just no screen or sound
The second thing is my headlights have become very dim. I drive at night now with only highbeams and its still dim.
Third is my cell phone takes forever to charge via the cig lighter.

I'm thinking voltage is dropping off? Possibly causing all 3 items?

Maybe the radio needs a full 12V to run right and its getting less?

 

Check grounds under the hood. These things have horrible grounds.

 

I agree with grounds, have batteries tested and alt output also. You should also have a few codes stored with low voltage problems.

 

the factory wiring of these trucks was as bad as the paintjobs, what a mess

fusible links all need to be re-done to ensure reliability and the steering column/ignition module is part of the problem...R/R!

grounds too

 

update:

No codes

i used a jumper wire from the driver side headlight to the battery and tapped the jumper to the battery giving the bulb 12 volts then whatever the system was giving it, then 12 v again and I'd guess there's a 15-20% difference. definitely some power lose in the factory wiring so i guess its time to mock up a "Jim Lane" rig.

removed ground cable from block and filed it all clean and dabbed a tiny bit of connector grease on it. lots of good sparks so i think that connection is good.

where are some other major grounds to look for?

radio still dead too


Thanks

 

One of the best investments of your time would be to "renovate" your main fuse panel.

"Demineralzing" or chemical removal of the contact buildup in each terminal of the fuse panel, followed by "tightening" of the female connectors, spade polishing, or replacing of the fuses, and finally a lubrication of each terminal will work wonders with these trucks.

I spent a couple of hours and about $15 in cleaner and lubricant, and I haven't had one single issue since.

The same can be done under the hood as well.


T.