1st Gen. Ram - All Topics Discussion for all Dodge Rams prior to 1994. This includes engine, drivetrain and non-drivetrain discussions. Anything prior to 1994 should go in here.

where are grounds

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Old Dec 9, 2006 | 06:03 PM
  #1  
colesdad's Avatar
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From: Vancouver, Wa.
where are grounds

I see where the battery ground cable connects to the engine, is there a ground cable or strap that connects the block to the frame?

Is that where I look for a "bad ground" that could be the cause of my speedo and constantly on 4X4 indicator light problems?

This is my last attempt...... if I dont find this ridiculous problem check the classifieds for my truck...complete with this idiotic speedo system!
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Old Dec 9, 2006 | 10:14 PM
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OK this is were you start........if you really want to learn how to fix it!

the 4wd light is probably a broken wire from the 4wd switch some were between the the t-case and the light

And as far as you speedo go's it probable the sensor on the tranny(2wd) or t-case(4wd) or a bad wire........
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Old Dec 9, 2006 | 10:59 PM
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Thank you flashgordon for taking the time to reply, I appreciate your input. I have looked at both of the items you mentioned and both seem to be fine, I am now moving on to looking into the possibility of a faulty ground..... but other than the block I have no idea where the other grounds are, thus my question.
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Old Dec 9, 2006 | 11:31 PM
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Get you some ring terminals and 12AWG wire and establish your own grounds regardless of OEM grounds. I would make sure there is a good ground between the negitive terminal on the battery and the frame/body. Grounds are pretty important since they're half the DC circuit. Good luck.
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Old Dec 10, 2006 | 01:26 PM
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Thanks dcwm, that's a very good idea.
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Old Dec 10, 2006 | 01:45 PM
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Originally Posted by colesdad
I see where the battery ground cable connects to the engine, is there a ground cable or strap that connects the block to the frame?
According to the '93 FSM, there's two conductors connected to the negative battery terminal. One is the large black 2/0 that connects to the left front of the engine block. The other is a black 10awg that connects to the body right there above the driver's side headlights.

There's a ground conductor at the rear of the windshield wiper motor.

The headlamp grounds tie in with the battery/body ground above the driver's headlamp.

The alternator has it's ground connect to the front of the engine, right there in front of the thermostat housing.



That presented above is from the point of view where the factory ran the cable assemblies.
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Old Dec 10, 2006 | 02:59 PM
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From: over yonder back there
I just redid my battery cables, as i was having some annoying electrical issues with random things in the truck, especially lights. I made a new negative post-to-engine ground cable from some good 2/0 welding cable using 3/8" hole copper lugs, a good cimper, and som,e heavy duty shrink tube at the terminals. I used a 2ga, 12" cable from napa and replaced the negative post-to-body ground. This runs to just above the left headlight, as mentioned. I also replaced the battery positve-to-starter cable with another 2/0 cable and copper 3/8" lugs. I also plan on installing a 2ga cable from the negative post-to-forewall, as well as a 2ga cable from back of cab-to-front of bed.

So far these new cables have done wonders for the truck. I could not be happier. Hope this helps.

FYI: Total cost so far has been about $50
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Old Dec 10, 2006 | 04:34 PM
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Thank you, EClancy and BC847 knowing where to look solves 1/2 the problem, I haven't had the truck long enough to get the factory manuals so this info really helps guys! Thanks again.
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