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what does a powertrain relay do

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Old Dec 19, 2008 | 08:41 PM
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what does a powertrain relay do
the powertrain relay chatters when the key is turned on and coil light stays on and the truck does not start help
 
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Old Dec 19, 2008 | 09:24 PM
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Originally Posted by 7.3mule
the powertrain relay chatters when the key is turned on and coil light stays on and the truck does not start help
This post is way too sketchy. Where is the chattering relay located? What is the coil light? Do you mean the WTS light? Are your batteries up to the task? By won't start do you mean it will turn over but not start, or it refuses to crank? Will it start if you plug it in?
 
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Old Dec 19, 2008 | 09:36 PM
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More info would be helpful. I'll throw this out there. Chattering relays are usually a sign of weak batteries or corroded / loose battery connections.
 
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Old Dec 19, 2008 | 10:24 PM
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ok let me restart, my friend was typing for me in the initial post but i digress. it all started when i was wiring my guages up(finally) and my friend was looking for the key on power source. as he was testing wires the probe must have went up against something because their was an arc, but didnt think nothing of it. i turn the key switch on, (to make sure my guages light up) and i here the chatter from the fuse box it seemed to come from the powertrain relay (302 i think) i also noticed the wts light never comes off now, and the truck will crank but no start. battery is good and connections are fine. fuel pump dosent seem to come on now either with key on, but fuse is good. figured i let you guys in on my troubles before i get back at her in the morning
 
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Old Dec 19, 2008 | 10:26 PM
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Check around the area of the arc. Where it shorted a wire may have been broken. Also double check all the fuses there have been times where a fuse has appeared good and wasn't.
 
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Old Dec 19, 2008 | 10:28 PM
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I am thinking/hoping fuse now too.
 
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Old Dec 19, 2008 | 10:39 PM
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thats a 10-4 on the fuse deal, you guys have a inkling to why my wts light dont come off now?
 
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Old Dec 19, 2008 | 10:45 PM
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No, I don't, that is why I am not sure it is a fuse. Try disconnecting the batteries for about 15 minutes and try again. See if that sucker stays on still. It is on a timer controlled by the PCM which I hope is not damaged. Maybe a reset will take care of that "glitch".
 
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Old Dec 19, 2008 | 10:51 PM
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ok i'll try that....what about the clicking in the relay box it seems that its done, tried switching around but it didnt help
 
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Old Dec 19, 2008 | 10:59 PM
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They have been known to click and be fine due to another problem. Make sure your batteries are up to snuff. It may be a bad relay, and it may be something else.
 
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Old Dec 20, 2008 | 08:13 AM
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Originally Posted by 7.3mule
thats a 10-4 on the fuse deal, you guys have a inkling to why my wts light dont come off now?
The only time I've seen my WTS light not go off was due to a short to ground. Mine was the wiring over the valve cover, but I'd say you need to check all the probed wires, find out which wire caused the spark, and check your new gauge wiring to make sure there isn't a connection grounding out.

Good luck. I hate chasing electrical issues like this.
 
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