Fuse problem
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 38
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Fuse problem
I've got a 1982 f-250 that recently starting blowing the 15A tail light fuse. Headlights, brake, and turn signals are working, but the 15A tail light fuse blows immediately when the lights are turned on. I haven't really started tracking it down yet, but I wanted to get any pointers that you guys might offer.
Besides this main issue today, there have been some strange electrical issues lately. For example, sometimes the turn signals and headlights will not work. If I turn off the truck and restart they usually come right back to working.
Another piece of information, which may have nothing to do with the electrical problem, is that the truck was sand blasted recently as part of a complete paint restoration and parts of the interior were also blasted to get to some minor rust on the floorboards. This blasting sent sand pretty much everywhere in the dash and I'm wondering if there's a chance that this is causing the strange electrical issues?
Any help greatly appreciated.
Besides this main issue today, there have been some strange electrical issues lately. For example, sometimes the turn signals and headlights will not work. If I turn off the truck and restart they usually come right back to working.
Another piece of information, which may have nothing to do with the electrical problem, is that the truck was sand blasted recently as part of a complete paint restoration and parts of the interior were also blasted to get to some minor rust on the floorboards. This blasting sent sand pretty much everywhere in the dash and I'm wondering if there's a chance that this is causing the strange electrical issues?
Any help greatly appreciated.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I agree, the one on my truck has caused any number of problems.
Headlights not working is a cause for concern, but corroded connections at the
dimmer switch can cause that (as can other things).
Turn signals not working... have you noticed other electrical accessories not
working at the same time? I'm wondering if you've got the ignition key lock
tumbler turned all the way back towards yourself (into the RUN position).
While anything is possible, I doubt the blasting is causing your problems.
dimmer switch can cause that (as can other things).
Turn signals not working... have you noticed other electrical accessories not
working at the same time? I'm wondering if you've got the ignition key lock
tumbler turned all the way back towards yourself (into the RUN position).
While anything is possible, I doubt the blasting is causing your problems.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2009
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Yes I do have a trailer plug. I'll make that my first point to check.
When the turn signals don't work other things do, at least things like interior lights and radio.
Regarding the headlights, I replaced the dimmer switch as soon as I noticed problems. The problem is still present, but very intermittent.
The guy at my local Advance Auto said that most electrical problems he has seen come back to bad grounding. I know that my truck has some issues with grounding, like the ground for the radio was bad and the headlight ground wasn't great either.
If the problem is beyond the trailer plug, do any of you have guidance (tips or ticks) to systematically work through the problem.
Thanks again.
When the turn signals don't work other things do, at least things like interior lights and radio.
Regarding the headlights, I replaced the dimmer switch as soon as I noticed problems. The problem is still present, but very intermittent.
The guy at my local Advance Auto said that most electrical problems he has seen come back to bad grounding. I know that my truck has some issues with grounding, like the ground for the radio was bad and the headlight ground wasn't great either.
If the problem is beyond the trailer plug, do any of you have guidance (tips or ticks) to systematically work through the problem.
Thanks again.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
Next I'd check the tag light and wiring around it, then follow the harness up the frame and look for something rubbing. It could be in any of the lights, or even a bulb. Get a big handful of fuses. I have had to cut the dash harness apart, find where the park lights split to everything it feeds then cut them and hook back up one at a time until you find wich one has the short. I'm not sure of everything on that curcuit, need a wiring diagram. Another common spot is the ashtray light.(If you even have one) You could do the old shadetree trick, bypass the fuse and see where the smoke comes from! (not reccomended)
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Fix (or remove) the known problems (trailer plug) first, then see if the other problems are
cured or not. I've seen some incredible hack jobs of wiring systems when people add trailer
plugs or trailer brakes, copper corrodes when exposed to the elements and that adds
resistance in the circuit & bad connections, both of which will likely eventually end up
causing electrical problems.
As okiepc1 said, check your grounds, too.
oddshot posted some good stuff on this, read this thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...t-running.html
cured or not. I've seen some incredible hack jobs of wiring systems when people add trailer
plugs or trailer brakes, copper corrodes when exposed to the elements and that adds
resistance in the circuit & bad connections, both of which will likely eventually end up
causing electrical problems.
As okiepc1 said, check your grounds, too.
oddshot posted some good stuff on this, read this thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...t-running.html
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5th Wheeling
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