I've noticed that when it's really cold outside (usually 0'F or lower) and I'm just starting my truck (1982 F250HD 300 manual) my guages, turn signal, and heater fan don't work, Usually a little while after the truck heats up they come back on, or if I drive it for a little bit.

I've also seen it where the gauges worked but the turn signals and fan did not untill I drove it a while and then they come on right out of the blue. No rhyme or reason except the cold weather.

I've also seen it where everything is working at startup (fan comes on when key is turned on, etc) and then let's say it stalls just after starting (a choke problem, etc.) and when I start it back up they're not working until the above parameters are again met.

Is there a coolant temperature dealy that is tied into something electrical or could this just be a ground problem?
I'm suspicious that it only happens when extremely cold outside. Maybe contraction between parts due to the cold to the point that a ground or contact stops working? Somehow something tied into the igntion switch?

Any thoughts from you cold weather guys would be much appreciated.

 

does moisture-humidity seem to come into play when this happens? maybe a ground issue?

 

Naw, It's bone dry out when it's that cold up here (Alaska).

Maybe a ground problem. I was wondering if there is anything that goes through the ignition switch that could do this.

 

you could try wiggling the key it might help? my 95 e250 has a problem when ya start it cold -sometimes the cluster will not show anything and the trans slams into gears as it changes -till I wiggle the key and the it works fine?might be worth a try?

 

It is a common problem, after you start your truck turn your key back a hair and everything will work fine ,the tumbler sticks as does the ignition switch when the old grease in them turn to gum a shot of silicone will help.

 

kinda crazy ain't it? one little small fraction of a turn back and everything works fine?

 

Yes, this is a very common problem. After awhile you get in the habit of wiggling the key without even thinking about it, and you find yourself doing the same routine with your other vehicles too.

 

Mine does the same thing but I only noticed the heater fan not working after start up, Went to shut it off and as I moved the key switch back toward OFF the fan started working again. Just in the cold weather 0-20 deg range. Also I dont think the ALT is online which means no power to "heat up" the electric choke. I had to prop the choke plate open due to flooding on the second start until I learn just to move the key back alittle after starting.

I have not tried to spray any silicone as I am not sure were to spray it, do you have to remove the key switch first?

Can you wash out the old gummy grease with some Contact Cleaner?

Jim