Question on the "glow ring" around the ignition lock

[BushWakr - RIP]

I was told that all that was needed to activate the 'glow ring' on our ignition switch was to basically "plug it in".

If you ordered an LE model it came set up to work, but since my truck is not an LE model it doesn't work.



Can I make a plug in connection and get it to work?

Were would the plugs be located and how many wire/colors are they..... anyone know about this one????





pastor bob

 

[dan brooks]

Bob - I have an "LE" and my glow ring doesn't work, so I don't know if that has anything to do with it.



Last time I had the shroud off the column I tried to pull the bulb but it wouldn't cooperate, so instead of taking a chance at FUBAR'ing something I just use the Braille method.

 

[Greenleaf]

I had the opportunity to git to know my truck better while installing the OD shifter. I took a gander at this ring and it's light. Unplugged it to prevent battery drain while doing the change over and PMing my innards.



There is a flat plug which connects to this. It has four wires. I'm thinking it must do more than power the light. I mean,four wires?



Don't know where the other end of this harness terminates 'cause frankly Matilda, theres a bunch-o-them in thar! I suppose I could be bribed to remove covering and take a look-see. Me also thinks the FSM will have a wire schematic.



Me also thinks if'n I gots to tear my truck apart for the Pastor I should be gitt'n some bonus HP :-{}



Scott

 

[JLEONARD]

My glow ring works, but I still hereby nominate Greenleaf to tear his apart and find out why.



Any seconds?

E C Jay

 

[Philip]

Scott the other two wires are most likely for the key in switch buzzer.



My glow ring works.

 

[1stgen4evr]

I am with Jay

Mine works and I hate working on anything. Besides, I have to put bearings in the rear end of the 420k mile 93. Opened it up and looked and there is just too much side play. Got my spare time booked for a bit. After playing in that nasty goop, I don't want to even get in the truck for fear of spreading it around.



Bushwacker, if you can find a source to see the info on AllData, it is very complete as to wires and where they plug, etc. Friend of mine has that for the automotive shop he runs. Extremely helpful but no substitute for TDR.



Would that be honorarry (sp) horse power for that info from Greenleaf.



How much trouble was that OD switch anyway Greenleaf. I am going to have to do that to the 92.



1stgen4evr

James

 

[Greenleaf]

The OD lever



Well, I follows the Sams-the-Man directions. Then had to do some tweaking to them. Like; nobody told me how to git to the wires in thar behind the dash!!!!! :{



That was a bit-ov-a-job Sams-bud wrote it takes 1/2 hour:--) Took me five hours and three..... no four Mt. Dews. I got it right the first time Sam!!



Really though, You need Sams directions and maybe a PM from me for some tips. I'd be happy to shoot you one if you ask nice like. It's You'll like it.



-S

 

[CDegner]

HEy, My son loves it cause it turns on an orange light (le's 2 1/2 and orange is his favorite color). If I'm driving in town and it is not on, someone gets VERY upset. :{



Carl

 

[tugboatphil]

My light never worked PB, didn't know it was there.



I second that Scott take his steering column apart again!! Also, could you please take your dashboard out and tell us what color the inside of the firewall is painted??



James, there was a First Gen letter in the 36 or 37 issue of the TDR magazine that had the OD lever install as it's subject. It's a great addition, especially if you're too lazy to reach for the button on the dash, like I am.

 

[GGott]

Hi Bob, The glow ring on mine doesn't work either. I've dug into the steering column twice-wiring diagrams in hand, no fix yet. Going to moniter this thread and hopefully get an idea where to look. Nothing's so endearing as bad engineering

 

[1stgen4evr]

Nothing's so endearing as bad engineering

I think the goal has been cost savings for too many years. Engineering needs to be function driven first of all with cost being hot on the heels of function. After all, if the thing cost too much, no one can afford it. Function and cost must yield to construction procedure within the parameters of available technology. If all these things flow well, the product is a desirable, competetively priced, item that delivers value and long service to the owner.



While the first gen is not a perfect example of those ideals, it is a close working model. Or maybe a work in progress that we at TDR are completing.



1stgen4evr

James



Tugboat, my firewall is the same as the outside of the cab. Blue on the blue truck, red on the red trucks and black on the black truck.

 

[EZGZ]

My thought is why do they have to changing stuff all the time. That costs money. If you got a good thing leave it alone or refine and simplify it don't make it cheaper.



Problem is we live in a disposable society and folks don't keep things long. I know guys that actually get ridd of a perfectly good truck cause the warranty ran out... ... What was wrong with your old truck I would say? Nothing, we are going on vacation and I was afraid something might break. It's out of warranty you know.



Then when they get the new one they have to keep taking it back to get it fixed. Ounce all the bugs are out they trade it in.



Sorry about the rant, just drives me crazy trying to understand.



OH, bye the bye. The ring on my 91 LE still lights when you open the door and after a while times out.

 

[Johnnordine]

My 92 W250 is not an LE model and when I bought it used in 1993 the glow ring did not work either, I replaced the relay for it I am fairly sure it was by the headlight buzzer relay under the dash. The part number as of 8-19-1993 was 2889565 and at that time it cost 12. 50 Good luck to everybody.

 

[Greenleaf]

"MY" firewall? It's silver metallic, why do you ask?



-S

 

[Greenleaf]

"Huh"

... ... ... . was this some kind of "inside joke", or possibly a rhetorical question 'er sumth'n?



Guys?

Phil?



I gotta go clean some of them Indiana bugs from the front of my rig.



-S

 

[1stgen4evr]

color

Got to be an 'inside' joke.



James

 

[Johnnordine]

Here is a picture of the relay, it is located to the left of the clutch pedal arm about 4 - 6 inches above the fuse panel on the wiring harness feeding the fuse panel.

 

[dan brooks]

Okay, I had one of those in the glove box when I bought the truck. Just tracked it down and found the plug, but the glow ring still doesn't work...



When does the glow ring come on? When the door is opened, key put in the ignition???



I could care less if it works, but it really has me curious now.

 

[AlK]

Bob,

Maybe a new set of cheaters would be better to help you find where the key goes.

---

Al

 

[Paychk]

The key should glow as soon as the drivers door is opened, does your overhead or map light come on then?