Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Lights "flicker" slightly. Bad ground?

[PWeber]

I bought this 1996. Test drove it during the day of course. Now have noticed while driving at night the lights flicker slightly along with the voltmeter flickering. I also notice the dask lamps flicker at the same time. Could this be a bad groud issue?

 

[BFC]

Probably just your grid heater cycling on and off. Doest it do it all the time just wheb the engine is cold?



Glenn

 

[WDaniels]

PWebber,

If you are over 20 mph your heaters will quit cycling. Your problem could be a couple of things. I notice by your sig that you have a 3500. Has the safety recall 819 been completed on your rig? If not have it done, this can cause that. This is a condition that has your headlight connections behind the headlight switch melting the plastic around the spade connectors. They fix it by putting in a new switch with a relay in line. One of the other things that can cause this is one or both relays for your grid heaters(there are two) are trying to cycle the grid heaters when they are not suppose to. This will be accompanied by a very noticeable drop in your voltage meter while the lights dim and will affect everything electrical as it is robbing power. If you do a search for "headlights flickering" this will bring up a ton of information also.

WD

 

[PWeber]

It happens only when moving from the bouncing/ movement of the truck.

 

[Howard Durand]

PWeber,

That sounds like a loose connection. Could be either a positive connection or a ground.

Connect a voltmeter across one of the circuits that is flickering so you can see what is happening and start wiggling wires.

Start at each of the battery connections and work your way through.

Be sure to check all battery terminals for corrosion and clean them up good if needed.



If you have a service manual, there is a page in the electrical section that locates all of the ground points.

Good luck.

 

[fest3er]

Originally posted by PWeber
It happens only when moving from the bouncing/ movement of the truck.

Yup. Almost guaranteed to be a failing heater relay. You want to replace them before one sticks on and drains your batteries (and possibly melts stuff on your engine; it happened to me!)

If you want something better than the OEM relays, check http://murent.us/dodge-heater-relay/
and fetch the PDF. PM me if you have questions about the modification.

Also, my PDF can be fetched via the TDR FAQ, via
https://www.turbodieselregister.com/faq/index.php?act=Answer&cid=20&id=20
(Yeah, I actually took the time to post a response for the FAQ!)

Fest3er