2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission what the??? smoking under the dash...

[JStangeland]

I was driving my new work truck - a 98 12V - along on the freeway just earlier and all of a sudden there was smoke coming out from underneath the dash- specifically from under the instrument cluster area. now the radio is dead and the interior illumination lights are dead. yesterday and the day before I was hearing a clicking noise that I supposed was a a relay opening and closing super fast as though something was being noisily wound. as well and probably related was the fact that whenever I would turn off the truck I would lose constant power to the radio as I would lose my clock and preset stations. and before that for a week or so whenever I would turn off the ignition and take out the key the radio wouldnt turn off. I have an alarm installed and I thought at first it might have something to do with that, but everything seems fine with it although I do get an extra chirp when I arm it. lots of wires and relays under there - not sure what to look for, and I'm not seeing any evidence of melted wires or toasted components. does what I'm describing point to anything for anyone? thanks in advance for any light that can shine on this problem!

 

[Cosmo]

First thing I'd be suspect of is the headlight switch melting down. Other than that, who knows. . start digging until you find melted stuff.

 

[JStangeland]

headlights are working- really everything is working except for the radio and cab illumination- everything that works when the key is on the accessory. oh and one other thing is that the key in ignition chime goes off even with the doors closed...

 

[JDKammin]

There was an updated wiring harness for my 94 truck. It has to do with the ignition wiring from the key switch down to the bottom of the steering wheel. I was thinking there was a relay added to keep a wire from the key switch from carrying so much load.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

For my 98 QC 12v dually the smoke was the light switch getting ready to fry. Since I had it happen on another truck I knew what was going on. I ended up putting in relays that run the headlights and relays at the back of the truck for the flatbed running lights and for trailer lights. The headlight relay kit was from summit and I got some good advice from Jleg for the rear relay setup.

 

[Bunyan]

could this possibly be a clock spring that has gone bad?