Dash problem...Please Help!!
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 131
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From: Millersville USA
Dash problem...Please Help!!
Put in 97 F150 thread, got no help...so I am trying here...
Just the other day, I started my truck to go to work, and when I turned my headlights on, I could hear a relay chatter under the dash, and no dash lights came on. I attempted to turn on the defrosters, and they didn't work either. I noticed that if my lights are turned off, my turn signals work but when I turn my lights on, the turn signals no longer work. So basically, if it's sunny and warm...I'm good to go...but if it's dark and cold, I'm out of luck.
Upon searching for the problem, I located the chattering relay behind where you connect the diagnostic machine under the dash. There is a blue one and a black one, the blue one is the chattering one. Can someone help me with this problem...I called the dealership, and they said (I don't know what the relay is called, you will have to bring it in) As with everyone, the economy has me beat down, and a bill from the dealer would sink me. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you all!!
Just the other day, I started my truck to go to work, and when I turned my headlights on, I could hear a relay chatter under the dash, and no dash lights came on. I attempted to turn on the defrosters, and they didn't work either. I noticed that if my lights are turned off, my turn signals work but when I turn my lights on, the turn signals no longer work. So basically, if it's sunny and warm...I'm good to go...but if it's dark and cold, I'm out of luck.
Upon searching for the problem, I located the chattering relay behind where you connect the diagnostic machine under the dash. There is a blue one and a black one, the blue one is the chattering one. Can someone help me with this problem...I called the dealership, and they said (I don't know what the relay is called, you will have to bring it in) As with everyone, the economy has me beat down, and a bill from the dealer would sink me. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you all!!
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 57,014
Likes: 2,750
From: Virginia
I would check your battery connections, and also take it by one of the auto parts stores and let them check the battery and the alternator for output. The newer trucks go crazy if the voltage in the system gets a little bit low.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 131
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From: Millersville USA
Well, so much for that...did a voltage check with the engine running, and got 14.76VDC...all cables are clean and tight on the battery. God I really don't wanna get raped by a garage or dealer over this...if I had a wiring diagram of the electrical system, I would be able to figure this thing out. 
But thank you for the idea on checking the voltage!!
But thank you for the idea on checking the voltage!!
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Millersville USA
Good point!! Man I feel like a dummy...which relay is the one I have to get the truck programmed for?? Someone told me if I swap out a certain relay, the truck would need to be programmed for it...
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
I don't think the turn signal nor emerg flasher relays have anything to do with PCM programming.......When you pull them, remember which is the one that was doing the chattering..... I would only buy THAT one!
EDIT: Actually, I wouldn't even go to the dealer...I'd take it to Auto Zone or any auto parts store and see if they have one like it.
EDIT: Actually, I wouldn't even go to the dealer...I'd take it to Auto Zone or any auto parts store and see if they have one like it.
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Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 57,014
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From: Virginia
I noticed that if my lights are turned off, my turn signals work but when I turn my lights on, the turn signals no longer work.
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