dash/running lights issues:-banghead
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
The switch is clicking and heating up because you have a short that is tripping the internal circuit breaker, as I mentioned the first time. You need to trace the wiring coming from the switch and check for frayed insulation. jnkyrd1 has a good idea on where to start. If any power signals downstream of the switch ground out behind the dash, it will cause the problem you're seeing.
Two different switches didn't solve the problem; a third one won't. You need to find the root of the problem as I described above. Sometimes it's not as simple as just bolting on a new part.
Two different switches didn't solve the problem; a third one won't. You need to find the root of the problem as I described above. Sometimes it's not as simple as just bolting on a new part.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: bristol,pa
If I remember correctly, the circut breaker in the headlamp switch is for the headlamps only. There should be a fuse or breaker in the fuse box for park& dash lights. If new sw, is hot, maybe the terminals are not clean & tight on new headlamp sw. Clicking behind dash sounds like its shorting out on something.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: Oshkosh, Ne
well i will try cleaning up the terminals and make sure the headlight switch is getting a good connect and see what results i get from that. thanks for all of your help guys i really appreciate it.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: Oshkosh, Ne
Found the problem. it is the the little bundle of wires that come out of the fire wall behind the master cylinder and then run down the frame to the rear. they are all old cracked and a few are broken. I used a test light and the process of elimination to find it. it took me about an hour or so but i tracked it down, now just have to wait till my next days off the re run those wires and get everything up and going. thanks for all of your help everyone.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
WAIT A MINUTE! Before you do all that listen to me for a minute.
I had the exact same problem on my 75. Turns out it was a bad ground but it wasnt in the dash at all, even though I heard clicking from there just like you are. The bad ground was actually in one of the tailights. It was a bulb that was just not making good contact and the end was really worn or burnt if you will.
Im not saying that is your problem, but I would take about 5 minutes and check that the bulbs are in all the way and are getting grounded properly. If they are not then you will have the lights flickering off and on also with the clicking noise just like you have.
I had the exact same problem on my 75. Turns out it was a bad ground but it wasnt in the dash at all, even though I heard clicking from there just like you are. The bad ground was actually in one of the tailights. It was a bulb that was just not making good contact and the end was really worn or burnt if you will.
Im not saying that is your problem, but I would take about 5 minutes and check that the bulbs are in all the way and are getting grounded properly. If they are not then you will have the lights flickering off and on also with the clicking noise just like you have.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
Well, sounds like you found the problem. I posted before I saw you had fixed it. Hopefully everything is fixed now. If not then see my above post.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: Oshkosh, Ne
well i have found it and fixed it so to speak. i have just rigged in a switch of my own for the marker lights on the flatbed, as i will be replacing the flatbed with a box in the near future. the pick-up is eventually going to be my wifes and i will get myself another one. so i figured when i pull the bed off that would be the best time to replace the wires. for now they work, there are just 3 switches to turn on to make all my lights come on. its not bad just cant forget any of them. thanks for all your help everyone.
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zombiesawyer
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