2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Electrical bug....running lights etc.

[Diesel Gopher]

Okay, a couple of weeks ago, I thought I saw the reverse lights coming on and off at random while the truck was parked, not running, key off. It was daylight and I shrugged it off as possible reflection/ sunlight etc.



Tonight, I come home and the truck is parked in the driveway, not running no key in it. The rear running lamps are on, but no other lights are on. If I step on the brake, the brake lights come on. If I turn on the other running lights or headlights, they come on. But if I try to turn on the hazards, the flicker once then glow at about half power.



My initial thinking is ground somewhere(s), but I am looking for any help or tips from anyone who may have had a similar experience. Thanks in advance,





Matt



P. S. I tried the search function, and for the word "lights" it returned no results, me-thinks there is something amiss with the search.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Look inside the receptacle for the trailer lights/brake plug. could be corrosion there as there is a hot wire in there at all times. bg

 

[Matt42]

Wowzers. I'm going to assume that it's your 1994. I agree that it could be a gucked up trailer connector, assuming that it has one. If it is a 7 pin RV connector, the center pin carries the backup lights load. There could be salt or wet gunk inside causing a sneak circuit. I think that the 1994s with the factory towing package came with a set of relays under the hood that handled the trailer circuits. It is possible--very possible--that one or more of the relay plug connectors is corroded and causing a sneak circuit. If there is no towing package and no trailer receptacle, the story will be different. If a trailer receptacle was added on aftermarket, the connections are likely unsealed crimp connectors, and probably corroded badly. That will even happen here, where rust is almost physically impossible.

Do the turn signals behave? The flasher tends to come loose and cause oddness. It's in the dashboard next to the driver door. Let us all know what you find.

 

[Diesel Gopher]

Ok thanks for the help gents, here is the update



It is on the 02, not he 94. (the 94 has plenty of it's own electrical gremlins)



Checked the turn signals, left one worked fine, right one gave the same result as the hazards did in my original post.



Next was check the trailer hitch plug, holy ugly inside (see pic below). Burnt my thumb and index finger trying to unplug this thing. Once it was off, no light problems at all. I have no idea what got in there, but I do plow snow and the rear end gets caked with snow/ ice when working.



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For now the loose wire is double wrapped, zip-tied, and duct taped to keep it nice and dry through our expected 8" snow tomorrow. Thanks for the help, this is why I love this board. Take care,



Matt