Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Very Strange Problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 1, 2006 | 03:45 PM
  #1  
JoeVB's Avatar
JoeVB
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
Very Strange Problem

I have a relay used to turn on my head lights when I start my truck. The relay broke and I had to replace it, I messed somethig up and now here is what happens:

When I shift into reverse (engine running or not), the left turn signal light in the instrument cluster turns on.
When I turn the key to the ON position after a few seconds the 'Rear ABS' light in the instrument cluster turns on.
If I start the truck and then press the brake pedal the left turn signal light in the instrument cluster turns on and the engine either stalls or starves for fuel.

I might have fried my fuel pump, it doesn't sound the same when I turn the key to the ON position.

I have no idea how all this happened, I was just replacing a relay with wires related to the lights, not the fuel pump or ABS.

I am lost.

__________________
Joe: Red 92 F150, 351W, AT (E4OD), A/C, 4x4, standard cab, short bed, headers, MSD Ignition, Vortech Super Charger and some more. Owned since Feb. 21, 1996.
 
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2006 | 05:36 PM
  #2  
Popa Tim's Avatar
Popa Tim
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 1
From: Central NY
It could be that you've messed up the relay so that you might be shorting one line or backfeeding another or both. Time to break out your meter and verify the wiring and voltages.

I'm assuming you're using a standard bosch "normally open" relay.

Control voltage goes to pin 86. this would be the switch 12v thats only on when the key is on.

Ground should be on pin 85

12v source goes to pin 30. This line probably comes from the battery or the solenoid so it may or may not be hot all the time.

12v output from pin 87 goes to the headlights only when the relay is 'ON'.

I hope this helps solve the problem.
Tim
 
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2006 | 01:56 PM
  #3  
JoeVB's Avatar
JoeVB
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
The relays are no longer connected so that isn't the problem. I started removing things one at a time to isolate the problem.

At this point the computer for the ABS is throwing error code #2, which means to check some things. I think once that is fixed I can then address the fuel pump to see if anything is wrong with that.

I suspect the fuel pump might not be working properly. The only thing I can hope for is something common between the two (like a fuse or relay) is fried.

I had it towed to a garage where they have some good equipment, hope they can make sense of all this.

Joe
 
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2006 | 04:07 PM
  #4  
19903024x4's Avatar
19903024x4
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Independence, MO
when i had to put a new core support in my truck i forgot to hook one of the ground wires back to the support....my ABS light came on and i had similar problems with my turn signals......once i hooked that ground back up it cured it all. Just a though
 
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2006 | 04:12 PM
  #5  
JoeVB's Avatar
JoeVB
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 19903024x4
when i had to put a new core support in my truck i forgot to hook one of the ground wires back to the support....my ABS light came on and i had similar problems with my turn signals......once i hooked that ground back up it cured it all. Just a though
I am not sure what you mean by core support but, if you were me (again ) where would you start looking? The same place or could it be a bad ground anywhere?

Joe
 
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2006 | 04:20 PM
  #6  
19903024x4's Avatar
19903024x4
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Independence, MO
The radiators cradle.......the big piece that spans from quarter panel to quarter panel......i had to basically dismantel the entire front clip to get it out. It had rusted through where it bolts to the frame so u could grab the quarterpanel and lift the front of the truck up.....major fun was had. The ground i had unhooked was on the top of the core support on the drivers side. From what i'v read it doesnt sound like u messed with that one but you might check it for fun.
 
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2006 | 04:48 PM
  #7  
JoeVB's Avatar
JoeVB
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 19903024x4
The radiators cradle.......the big piece that spans from quarter panel to quarter panel......i had to basically dismantel the entire front clip to get it out. It had rusted through where it bolts to the frame so u could grab the quarterpanel and lift the front of the truck up.....major fun was had. The ground i had unhooked was on the top of the core support on the drivers side. From what i'v read it doesnt sound like u messed with that one but you might check it for fun.
Interestingly enough, in this post https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=444893, I just got done replacing the radiator, (and in this post https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=437712) all hoses and the water pump.

I will see what the garage says and then go from there.

Thanks,

Joe
 
Reply
Old Jan 3, 2006 | 04:15 PM
  #8  
JoeVB's Avatar
JoeVB
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
I am so pissed off. I just got the truck back and it was the stupid ground connections.

I have some relays for the day time running lights, the relays are located just near the radiator on the driver's side. There is a bolt there I used to hold the relays down. That bolt is also the ground for the ABS and some other things. This I didn't know.

As soon as that bolt was replaced everything worked fine. Only cost me $100 for all the time they spent but I am pissed. I am not sure if I am pissed at me for being stupid or at FORD for the dsign.

As it looks right now this issue has been resolved.

Joe
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 4, 2006 | 07:47 PM
  #9  
JoeVB's Avatar
JoeVB
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Popa Tim
It could be that you've messed up the relay so that you might be shorting one line or backfeeding another or both. Time to break out your meter and verify the wiring and voltages.

...

12v source goes to pin 30. This line probably comes from the battery or the solenoid so it may or may not be hot all the time.

...

Tim
What solenoid is mentioned above? I would like to use that if I can.

Joe.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
alecs
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Jun 28, 2015 09:39 PM
sionkop67
1997 - 2003 F150
2
Oct 25, 2013 05:31 PM
GreenTerracePSD
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
19
Jun 26, 2013 05:07 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:00 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE