another wiring problem

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Jan 20, 2005 | 07:58 AM

BradysDad

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another wiring problem

Okay I've got another wiring problem. When I let my truck sit for a couple of days the gas gauge,temp gauge,turn signals and windsheild wipers wont work. After I drive for a couple of miles everthing comes back and works until it sits again. I know that the selector switch for the dual tanks is going bad. Would that cause this? Any advice woulb be appreciated.

Jan 20, 2005 | 08:04 AM

73Custom

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From: SD

The selector switch should have nothing to do with it. Does the key seem to make it crank okay? I would first suspect a faulty ignition switch.

Marty

Jan 20, 2005 | 08:51 AM

74 F100 351m

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From: Okla.

Could be a ground not making good contact.

Jan 20, 2005 | 08:58 AM

73Custom

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From: SD

Quote:

Originally Posted by 74 F100 351m

Could be a ground not making good contact.

Good point. There is a grounding screw behind the guage cluster that grounds the guages and wiper switch and some other things. Might check that out. Also make sure the batt ground cable has a clean tight connection to the engine - as well as the grounding strap from rear of engine to firewall.

Marty

Jan 20, 2005 | 09:01 AM

kc5hwb

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I had the grounding strap from the engine to firewall break one time and it caused all my gauges to read very high. I didn't realize they were related until I took it in for work and they replaced that cable, then the gauges worked properly again. Might check that....

Jan 20, 2005 | 09:16 AM

sailorpsycho

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From: washington!

Hmm thats kind of an odd one actually. I wouldn't expect a bad ground in that situation since the wiper motor and the turnsignal bulbs are grounded via local chassis. I would look for a common link between all those systems like the ignition switch, a fuse, or a common circuit. I would do some tracing, flex the under-dash harness a bit. I am not sure of the 77 models, but I know many of the early-mid 70s fords tended to tie alot of things to one circuit, wipers and turn sigs for example. Anyhew I would rule out a ground based on your description, I would guess that most likely they all run on the same circuit and a connection somewhere has gotten lose or corroded. hope this helps some.