died while driving, electrical smoke from dash
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died while driving, electrical smoke from dash
Hi -
I'm new to the forum and I'm a stumped (I've poked around the existed forums to see if anyone's had this problem, but nothing seemed to come up). I've got a '92 F150 with a 4.9, 5 speed with a billion miles on it. I started it up the yesterday, started down the road and then it suddenly died. It rolled to a stop and I noticed smoke coming from the driver's side of the dash and the smell of electrical wires. Tried starting it again, it turns, but won't start. The only thing I'd noticed about it recently was that my blinkers stopped clicking - the turn signals turned on the lights, but they didn't blink. Didn't worry much about it as it's basically a back country road truck that doesn't have much need of blinkers. I pulled the dash cover, but I can't find any obvious signs of melted wires, etc. Any ideas of what I should look for and begin to diagnosis this? It would be great to get this thing solved as the truck's sitting in a buddies driveway. Thanks!!
I'm new to the forum and I'm a stumped (I've poked around the existed forums to see if anyone's had this problem, but nothing seemed to come up). I've got a '92 F150 with a 4.9, 5 speed with a billion miles on it. I started it up the yesterday, started down the road and then it suddenly died. It rolled to a stop and I noticed smoke coming from the driver's side of the dash and the smell of electrical wires. Tried starting it again, it turns, but won't start. The only thing I'd noticed about it recently was that my blinkers stopped clicking - the turn signals turned on the lights, but they didn't blink. Didn't worry much about it as it's basically a back country road truck that doesn't have much need of blinkers. I pulled the dash cover, but I can't find any obvious signs of melted wires, etc. Any ideas of what I should look for and begin to diagnosis this? It would be great to get this thing solved as the truck's sitting in a buddies driveway. Thanks!!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,823
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From: New York
It's kinda odd that you would have a "crank but no start" condition caused by anything shorting under the dash. If it was a "no crank" condition I tell you to investigate the wiring from the ignition switch. Might as well do that regardless.
Have you confirmed a "no spark" condition?
Have you confirmed a "no spark" condition?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,698
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From: Mexico, Missouri
Does the CEL come on when you turn the key to Start?
Can you pull codes?
Usually smoke or smell of burning is from the Headlight switch harness shorting out/burning or the PCM has MAJOR problems. Both are on the same side.
Can you pull codes?
Usually smoke or smell of burning is from the Headlight switch harness shorting out/burning or the PCM has MAJOR problems. Both are on the same side.
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No CEL when the key is on. I'll try swapping in a PCM - though in the past I remember having a hell of a time figuring out which PCM is right for this truck (I didn't swap it out for that reason). Anyone have the PCM part number for a 92 F150 4.9 4x4 w/5 speed?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Mexico, Missouri
I had a chance to Google that number.
F2TF-12A650-ASB
Also, mine is a 5 speed. Forgot to mention that in my last post.
Be sure to pull your PCM and open it. Look for any electrical damage.
F2TF-12A650-ASB
Also, mine is a 5 speed. Forgot to mention that in my last post.
Be sure to pull your PCM and open it. Look for any electrical damage.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
Oftentimes what people call a "short" is really loose, missing, or corroded ground points, cables, and connections. A toasted lightswitch falls into that category, and so does the turn signal symptom you describe. Those cables are approaching 30 years old. I would doubt any of the main connections and grounds have been cracked open and cleaned in all those years? If the cables are original, or even just old, they should be replaced. Low voltage, high current wiring doesn't like any resistance. Even an invisible, paper thin layer of corrosion at a connection is enough to cause major trouble.
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Oftentimes what people call a "short" is really loose, missing, or corroded ground points, cables, and connections. A toasted lightswitch falls into that category, and so does the turn signal symptom you describe. Those cables are approaching 30 years old. I would doubt any of the main connections and grounds have been cracked open and cleaned in all those years? If the cables are original, or even just old, they should be replaced. Low voltage, high current wiring doesn't like any resistance. Even an invisible, paper thin layer of corrosion at a connection is enough to cause major trouble.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
OK, but is the fried "PCU" a cause, or a symptom? Roasted light switches, dash wiring? See where I'm goin with that?
If you leave those defective parts installed, that's the bummer, because stuff will just keep roasting.
If you leave those defective parts installed, that's the bummer, because stuff will just keep roasting.
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Absolutely - don't get wrong, I'm putting in a new headlight switch and, once I can get the thing started, track down the blinker issue too. Having pulled the dash and looked at some of the dash wiring, the only thing I found the really looked obviously fried was the light switch. I checked the ground by the battery, which was fine - the ground to by the starter was a touch loose. I cleaned that and tighten it up too, just for good measure.