2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Headlights dim at highway speeds, now engine dies.

[NKing1]

I've noticed lately that my headlights dim (like the intake manifold heater was cycling) while I drive at freeway speeds. They dim or flicker continuously under 18,000 RPM. When you increase engine speed, it stops. Finally, after returning home one night, I started the truck and the engine began to surge at idle, then everything electrical seemed to flicker (headlights, dashlights, and accessories) like it was shorting out and the engine died. It would turn over after that, but not start. a couple minutes later it started like normal. Does this ring any bells? Or should I call an exorcist?

 

[McLaughlin]

Check your battery connections real close for corrosion. I recently had fuel cutoff solenoid and headlight problems (but I run off a summit harness) which were intermittent. I cleaned the terminal connections and the problems have not recurred.

 

[CSnyder]

They dim or flicker continuously under 18,000 RPM.



At that kinda RPM I dont think you should even need headlights!





LOL sorry I couldnt help myself!



Sounds like a corroded connection like the previous post states.

 

[DennyDay]

May also be the relays on the intake manifold heater hangin up - - - just had my 02 die that way took both batteries and the alternator with it. ended up replacing heater relays and heater element - - - hooked up oil pressure to turn of when engine was running - - - see other sites for info on this



Denny

 

[redram]

I've noticed lately that my headlights dim (like the intake manifold heater was cycling) while I drive at freeway speeds. They dim or flicker continuously under 18,000 RPM. When you increase engine speed, it stops. Finally, after returning home one night, I started the truck and the engine began to surge at idle, then everything electrical seemed to flicker (headlights, dashlights, and accessories) like it was shorting out and the engine died. It would turn over after that, but not start. a couple minutes later it started like normal. Does this ring any bells? Or should I call an exorcist?

Check your alternator for an intermittent short - it may be getting ready to go because of a worn brush / contact.



Had mine rebuilt. (watch the 18,000 RPM F1 engine speeds! )

 

[fhoward]

i recently had both problems, replaced parts with no change. tdr forum fellas helped me to find that the headlight flicker was one (ther are two on each relay) of the 90 degree push on connectors on the grid heater relays located on the drivers side wheel shroud. simply squeezed the front connector on the rear relay with pliers to tighten its grip and pushed it back on. no more flicker. the fuel solenoid /relay problem was neither-it was the blue wire on the driver's side battery pos post (which powers the solenoid). it had corroded off and a 5 cent connector and a post cleaning corrected that problem. hope this helps a little.

 

[McLaughlin]

Just a thought but are all your lights and powered accessories showing any signs of loosing power? If so, you may have a bad connection somewhere in the main power feed. If the voltage is dropping low enough and/or for long enough, the fuel cut off solenoid plunger could be dropping enough to cut off the fuel supply which could explain both the flickering lights and the engine dying.



I'm not sure how much voltage is required to hold the fuel cutoff in the operate position after the truck starts but suspect there is some minimum voltage required.

 

[Thomas]

... If the voltage is dropping low enough and/or for long enough, the fuel cut off solenoid plunger could be dropping enough to cut off the fuel supply which could explain both the flickering lights and the engine dying.


I'm not sure how much voltage is required to hold the fuel cutoff in the operate position after the truck starts but suspect there is some minimum voltage required.

Without knowing the year of the truck how do you know if the OP has a fuel shutoff solenoid?

 

[McLaughlin]

Don't really. Made an assumption which could be totally incorrect; however, in another post the OP mentions he has a 98.