Archived Help no lights or guages

[TBartlett1]

Just picked up my new 1999 W2500 and was told it had an issue with the electrical system that caused the lights and guages to go on and off and surge dim then very bright. I was told to stop and shut down the engine and disconnect the battery disconnect switch then reconnect the switch and restart and sometimes it settled the system down. The truck has a P7100 pump (because it cooked two stock pumps) and does not stall but when restarted it does not charge for a minute or two then finally the volt meter comes up to normal. I made it home with lights surging most of the way and lost all lights when I pulled in the driveway. the vehicle has had extensive mods, new engine, twin turbos, suncoast transmission, Kore suspension, remote fuel tank and and every guage availiable and remote starter so it could be any electrical connection. Can anyone point me in the right direction. I bought my first new CTD in 1990 (I have 3 1st gens) and this one makes 4 but I'm not familar with the newer vehicles electrical systems and have no manuals yet.

DOWN AND OUT!!

 

[Missouri Mule]

Wonder if you have loose ground or broken ground wire.

 

[McLaughlin]

I'd suspect a bad connection somewhere early in the power distribution system. Suggest checking the main battery supply and ground cables first. Then I'd suggest putting a voltmeter on the main voltage supply from the batteries and then checking the voltage at the fuse block for each fuse. From there you may be able to determine which circuits have stable voltage and which don't an be able to narrow down where to look.



I'm also wondering if the alternator is working correctly.

 

[TBartlett1]

found the problem! The vehicle had a Viper security/remote starter installed and was somehow attempting to alarm/start the vehicle while running. Only damage were burned out headlights (so far).

Thanks for the help!