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Dash lights voltage regulator?

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Old Oct 17, 2012 | 12:48 PM
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reynolty
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Dash lights voltage regulator?

I recently installed optima batteries, a new VSM, and new headlight switch in my 2002 f250 7.3 liter diesel.

When the parking lights or headlights are on, my dash lights, (every one of them) don't work. The tail lights work just fine. The most interesting part is that the dash lights "flicker" on once every 3 seconds. It is like clockwork, exactly 3 seconds. There is also a corresponding "flicker" of the tail lights when this happens.

Is it possible that my alternator is working overtime to recharge the optima batteries and the dash light circuit has a build in trip for volts that are too high?

Any help on how to diagnose this or any suggestions would be greatly welcomed at all, this one has me completely stumped on where to begin..

Thanks
 
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Old Oct 17, 2012 | 05:00 PM
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Can you turn on your dome light with the dashboard switch?
 
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Old Oct 17, 2012 | 09:28 PM
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yes, when the dimmer switch is all the way up the dome light comes on. There is also a "flicker" or momentary dimming of the dome light that occurs every time the dash lights flicker on
 
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Old Oct 17, 2012 | 09:38 PM
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Why did you replace the headlight switch and the Security Module?
 
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Old Oct 17, 2012 | 10:20 PM
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My door ajar light was always on, so after hours upon hours of troubleshooting, I discovered it was the VSM and not the switches in the doors. For the headlight switch, the dimmer function was broke, it would not read anything but full bright, with dome light on.
 
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Old Oct 18, 2012 | 05:56 AM
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Originally Posted by reynolty
My door ajar light was always on, so after hours upon hours of troubleshooting, I discovered it was the VSM and not the switches in the doors. For the headlight switch, the dimmer function was broke, it would not read anything but full bright, with dome light on.
I would start by looking at the new light switch and the surrounding wiring. It sounds like maybe a ground wire was broken or disconnected when the switch was installed.
 
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