Geez... I haven't posted here in a while, mostly because I wouldn't have any time to work on my truck even if I knew what I was doing

Anyway, here's a few more for you guys:

1. Speakers. From all appearances, from the owner's manual to the little light on the head unit, I have a stereo system in my truck. I have a single speaker under the dash. My question: Was that ever two speakers, or a double speaker type thing? I only ever hear half of my music (the right-side half, to be exact), and I'd really like to switch out my speaker(s?) so I can actually hear my favorite music. Would anyone recommend a good/easy replacement?

2. Brake lights. Sometimes, one is out, although it switches back and forth between which one it is. And, stranger yet, once I turn on the opposite turn signal, the failed light comes back on, but then when I turn the signal off, it goes out again. All the bulbs light up, just at weird times... where should I start looking for the root of the problem?

3. Cleaning. I've noticed the inside of my truck has been getting pretty bad, what would you all recommend to clean it? It has stock everything inside, and the floor is the rubber mat sound-proofing package.

 

Factory Stereos only had the speakers in the doors.

If it has a Factory speaker in the dash, it either had a factory CB Radio as well, or the truck came with a mono radio originally.

Turn signal switch is worn out. Replace it with a new one and that problem will go away. The Brake lights go through the turn signal switch.

Ford sells some great cleaner for carpet and vinyl. They also sell protectant, and wax as well.

 

Well, my turn signal switch definitely did snap a while ago, so that explains the lights. Also, one more question: Is it a good/safe idea to WD40 my negative battery connection to get it off? It's a mess and might even be rusted on, so no matter what I do (either change the battery or switch out the cables entirely), I'd need to disconnect it somehow to avoid shock.

 

It`s always a good idea to disconnect the battery when working on the electrics, it can save problems with blown fuses and burnt wires but 12v will not give you a shock. As for WD40 yes do use it. In fact if you remove and clean both battery terminals it is a good idea to spray both battery posts and wire terminals with it before refitting and also the whole top of the battery.

 

12V won't give you a shock? Want to bet on that?

Have ever been working near the battery on a hot summer day and touched your sweaty arm across both battery terminals at the same time?

I have, and was very surprised at the results..

 

I've done that same exact thing this past summer kinda gives you one of those nervous ticks for a couple hours but it won't kill you, fun ain't it stosh?

 

1/4 of an amp will kill you,how many amps do those battery's store.lots. they can stop your heart.

 

Black Paint on the battery cable ends is less messy, and does a fair job at sealing and stopping corrosion.

And they actually make stuff that you can use for the cable ends over the counter.

Personally I would not use WD-40 "a flamable liquid" on my battery.

And there are things under the hood that can generate a lot more than 12 volts.
The Coil for one.

Also it's not the volts as much as the amps that can hurt or kill. (see above)

Always disconnect the battery when working on a circut, unless absolutely nessecery to leave it connected.

 

If you are changing the battery anyway, I would just cut the cable off the battery, and replace them with new ones.

If you want try and save the battery, WD-40 in this case may work. But use it sparingly, don't spray it all over your battery and leave it wet. Be very careful with the can. Dont arc it on the battery. One spark and poof could be the result!

 

when i clean my terminals i use dielectric grease on the terminals and when i clean the grounds i use the grease between the bare metal connector and screw/bolt.i use deox,working in the electrical trade for many years we used this stuff in caustic environments with no corrosion.