Static Shock makes instrument panel light up?

[GBergen]

I have cloth seats in the 2500HD and that may be only part of the reason that I get shocked every time I get out of the truck. .

Here's the real dilemma:

I've had this happen 3 times now, when I'm getting out and then in, like what usually happens when I hitching up the 5th wheel trailer, I've seen all of the indicators on the dash board light up and then go out and then come back to normal (at least the same lights that were on before the anomaly come back on) At the same time all the gauges jump up and then settle. The door dinger goes off for another cycle. Very Curious.

The dealer tells me that he's never heard of it and that there isn't a direct electrical connection from the keys to anything electronic as the keys are the only component that I think I'm interacting with as they brush my leg when I get in. As I recall, thislight show occured before I touched the shifter lever (48re transmission).

I've installed a NAPA static strap on the cab so it touches the ground. I've not seen the dashboard light show since installing the strap but still get zapped every time I get out of the truck.

Anyone else experiencing this? I'm concerned about damage to the computer, especially as I approach the end of my warranty period for everything that's not driveline.

Thanks for your time.

 

[GBergen]

Update (Very Late):
Bought seat covers from Genos. Static issue disappeared.
Must be something with the cloth seats and dry Idaho weather.

 

[CDonaldson]

Static electricity has always been a problem in dry climates. Before vehicles became so 'electronic' all that happened WAS the shock you got when you touched the vehicle - you become the 'discharge' for the static.



When they introduced electronic ignition/electronic distributors back in the 70's, the static buildup could become so intense that you actually could damage the electronic components in the distributor. The early components made then were not of the quality they are today and since then, they have designed circuits that discharge the static to ground, of which YOU make that ground when the discharge is not complete when you get out of the vehicle.



When you are getting a static discharge getting into the truck, that is a different story, and it really should not be taking place - it suggests you need to clean and re-bond your grounds. Static straps go a long way in helping the process, it takes more than just one grounding the cab, you also need to do the bed. It will reduce the static that is caused by your seat materials, but not completely.



When I do my monthly cleaning, I also hit my seats with fabric static guard. It does help the static problems caused by the cloth seats also. I have front seat covers, they havehelped as well, but during high periods of dryness, some static still remains.







CD

 

[DBentley]

Dealer is lying.

I have had this static thing happen and swing all gauges up and down on my 06 many times.