Howitzer
New member
LOVE the Bronco, Helo-Mech
Wiring Harness Shorting Issue.
- Thread starter Howitzer
- Start date
LOVE the Bronco, Helo-Mech
RAD4Runner
Senior Member
Happy New Year, Dudes!
Gotta run out but first couple of things:
When you turn dimmer-combo to tail light on, does tail light relay click?
Do the voltage checks noted on schem below and report back. We'll go from there. Remember that dimmer-combo switch supplies ground, not +12V to the circuit; hence the term "switched-ground".
Are you're absolutely sure those are the only problems? Headlights OK? If so we can focus on that section of your schematic. 86-88 22RE schematics are the same (not sure about wire colors, though).
Meaning that now you have an open circuit, not a short. Quite possible that a bare wire was shorting to ground and blew fuses. However, it was on it's last couple of strands that the last time current ran through it, those last few strands melted- leaving you with an open circuit.
...So let's troubleshoot it methodically. OK to make an educated guess but verify before concluding that it is indeed the problem.
Then let's try to restore to stock wiring, unlike the P.O who hacked it.
Good! The multi-meter, is second only to our senses as diagnostic tool for classic trucks. Tried using it?
Gotta run out but first couple of things:
What switch? How do you know it's perfect? Did you measure voltage into it and out of it?
When you turn dimmer-combo to tail light on, does tail light relay click?
Do the voltage checks noted on schem below and report back. We'll go from there. Remember that dimmer-combo switch supplies ground, not +12V to the circuit; hence the term "switched-ground".
RAD4Runner
Senior Member
Last edited:
Howitzer
New member
Guys, Helo-mech, RAD4runner, thank you all so much for your help and support!! You guys truly kick ass.
My headlights function alright, when i operate the switch on the steering column, the first click (switching on the gauge lights/marker/tail light circuit) does nothing, but, turning it to the second position (turning on headlights) turns on the headlights, which function as normal, high and low beams, but the gauge/marker/tail circuit still does not operate. When I said I tested the switch and it looked okay, what I did was take apart the pigtail, and ran a continuity test on the leads in the pigtail on the 3 different positions on the switch (no lights, guage/marker, and gauge/marker/headlights)
I will run the tests on the wiring diagram example you have provided (HUGE smile here!!! thank you!!), and report back as soon as I can. However, it is about -38 Celsius outside right now (about the same in Fahrenheit) , as an arctic cold front has blown in, but should be up to 0C (32 Fahrenheit) in a day or two, so I will have at 'er then and report back!
Thank you all again, you're truly the biggest resource I have
Engel
My headlights function alright, when i operate the switch on the steering column, the first click (switching on the gauge lights/marker/tail light circuit) does nothing, but, turning it to the second position (turning on headlights) turns on the headlights, which function as normal, high and low beams, but the gauge/marker/tail circuit still does not operate. When I said I tested the switch and it looked okay, what I did was take apart the pigtail, and ran a continuity test on the leads in the pigtail on the 3 different positions on the switch (no lights, guage/marker, and gauge/marker/headlights)
I will run the tests on the wiring diagram example you have provided (HUGE smile here!!! thank you!!), and report back as soon as I can. However, it is about -38 Celsius outside right now (about the same in Fahrenheit) , as an arctic cold front has blown in, but should be up to 0C (32 Fahrenheit) in a day or two, so I will have at 'er then and report back!
Thank you all again, you're truly the biggest resource I have
Engel
KidVermicious
New member
I don't like wrenching when it's below freezing either. It's 34F in my driveway right now and I'm trying to get this harness routed on my new motor and I'm scared shitless I'm going to break one of these wires.
Howitzer
New member
What motor? And I hear you! Slow and steady takes the cake, though! Besides firefighting I also work in the audio/video industry rouging in new houses with audio/cat5/rg6, and at -10C, if you take a cat5 and "whip" it against the ground, the jacket will completely shatter. I believe stranded wire in harnesses would be stronger than that, though.
helo-mech
Member
Screw breaking the wire, I'd be afraid I'd break a freaking finger.
RAD4Runner
Senior Member
KidV,
Yeah. The same afternoon I picked up my truck from engine rebuild, it was stalling and ran rough (like one cylinder missing). Took it back to shop, and mechs quickly found a broken wire in harness to injector. Understandable, considering the age and exposure to heat in engine compartment.
helo-mech, Re breaking fingers. YUP. LOL!
KidVermicious
New member
Buncha southern state weenies up in here. It's gotta get down to 0F before fingers start breaking.
Howitzer
New member
It's gotta get down to -50 before fingers start breaking. You'd be astonished at what the human body can endure! Can't wait for this arctic cold front to clear so I can get back out and start to wrench this mother. Meanwhile just sitting here, contemplating between a 7m swap or rebuilding an sbc 327 I have in the garage and swapping that in. Damned winter.
RAD4Runner
Senior Member
BRRR!
Now I understand why Vibram had soles for winter mountaineering boots called "Calgary" sole - LOL!
Best of luck!
