Wiring problems

[farrview]

Blew the fuse for the ignition system on my truck. I am able to start truck now by running a fused jumper wire straight to the relay from the battery. If I use the ignition switch it blows the fuse again. ($5 fuses!)
But since have found all kinds of problems. None of the heat controls work, no back up lights, power windows don't work and more.
Tested the wiring for the ignition system from the fuse to the relay and it does not show any grounding.
Replaced the ignition switch and there was no improvement. Suspect it's a wiring issue but the only way to test the wire harness is by removing or replacing it.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Topzide]

Sound like time to invest in a manual. Without it, you'll be guessing what wire goes where. With wiring diagram, you'll be able to know the color and stripe of wire and to what connection. Pin to pin is what you need to know. Takes a bit of looking over to figure it all out. I find, that with wiring diagram and a notebook, make notes of what I'm chasing.
I'll have to look at my Haynes manual for my 2001 1500, to see what the wiring covers for the diesels.

 

[JLight]

Blew the fuse for the ignition system on my truck. I am able to start truck now by running a fused jumper wire straight to the relay from the battery. If I use the ignition switch it blows the fuse again. ($5 fuses!)
But since have found all kinds of problems. None of the heat controls work, no back up lights, power windows don't work and more.
Tested the wiring for the ignition system from the fuse to the relay and it does not show any grounding.
Replaced the ignition switch and there was no improvement. Suspect it's a wiring issue but the only way to test the wire harness is by removing or replacing it.
Any help would be appreciated.

I just had 2 days of tracing a ground hot wire. It was the marker light harness where it hooks to the truck. Looked ok until I pulled the wire loom walla all the hot wires were melted together. I happen to have another wire harness off my old dually box

 

[Topzide]

Electrical issue will cause you to pull every last bit of hair you have out! I'm looking at picking up this, https://www.harborfreight.com/pp319ftc-circuit-tester-58566.html
Looks like it could help with all type of problems. Like the extended length to get to the "hard" to reach places! Sure beats the cobbled together jumper wires that always jump off when you've just squeezed yourself under the truck to fix that light you added to make your truck "stand out"! Saving my pennies.
Edit: just saw this: https://www.harborfreight.com/shortopen-circuit-tester-70601.html
There goes the budget!

 

[Matt42]

Electrical issue will cause you to pull every last bit of hair you have out! I'm looking at picking up this, https://www.harborfreight.com/pp319ftc-circuit-tester-58566.html
Looks like it could help with all type of problems. Like the extended length to get to the "hard" to reach places! Sure beats the cobbled together jumper wires that always jump off when you've just squeezed yourself under the truck to fix that light you added to make your truck "stand out"! Saving my pennies.
Edit: just saw this: https://www.harborfreight.com/shortopen-circuit-tester-70601.html
There goes the budget!

Those wire tracing tools look really useful. Someday, if HF runs another 20% coupon, I might buy one.

Topzide, your advice to buy the factory service manual (Geno's has them, I think) is spot on. I bought my first one straight from Chrysler and literally wore it out. The expanded wiring diagrams have saved me more hours than I can count fixing the very few problems and then adding on accessories.

 

[Topzide]

@Matt42, The factory manual was the first thing I pulled the trigger on after bringing the truck home! The digital manuals that are offered now take a bit to get used too! Have helped in many ways in both repair and wire tracing. Being able to know the color/trace of the wire is a huge help along of connector pin out. Problem is I don't think HF runs a 20% off for items over $50 anymore. I got their CC and it offers HF cash on purchases plus 6mos same as cash. With the fleet ageing, the Power Probe might be a worth while investment!