Electrical Gremlins! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Big69C20 Toy · 11-17-2002, 04:21 PM

Ok well these li'l buggers are starting to piss me off.

The headlights on my truck seem to be acting up. Most of the time they work fine, high and low beams (although sometimes the high indicator in dash dont come on). But lately i lose one set of headlights... the low beams dont come on. all the other lights are working and i have brigths but when i want lows it doesnt work...
Any thoughts on there on what to check?

#2 the windshield washer pump comes on each time i want the wipers to move... kinda gets annoying and useless in the rain. Any ideas there? thanks fellas

**BIG ORANGE** · 11-17-2002, 04:29 PM

As far as your light,check your highbeam swich. And on the washer issue I would say something in the pump or switch.
Sorry hope these helps.

cableguy0 · 11-17-2002, 06:23 PM

replace ur wiper switch that should take care of ur problem. as for the headlight make sure u have good connections at the headlights. these trucks are notorious for having bad headlight plugs. u can get replacement pigtails for a few bucks a pirce at just about any auto parts store.

*Gee_Emm* · 11-17-2002, 07:06 PM

The first rule in diagnosing electrical problems is check your ground.

LeRoy · 11-17-2002, 10:16 PM

I'll second the headlight dimmer switch as being the problem. They sit down on the floor and tend to get wet and corroded.

Gordo · 11-17-2002, 10:28 PM

I third the dimmer switch and dimmer switch connector. If the washer pump is always pumping when you turn on wipers, my guess is the plastic pawl that controls the pump cycle is snapped off, you'll need a new pump assembly.

Big69C20 Toy · 11-17-2002, 10:32 PM

i replaced the pump just recently from GMC paul..

i'll check into the headlight switch and see what happens

Gordo · 11-17-2002, 10:42 PM

If memory serves me right, I believe there is a procedure to install the new pump to the wiper motor, something about lining up holes with a pin before install, then you remove pin after install otherwise it breaks the plastic pawl when you first engage the pump, I could be wrong but maybe somebody else here can shed some light on it.

Hooter · 11-18-2002, 12:36 AM

Sounds like the high beam switch to me. They are only 12 bucks. The wiper thing is just your switch sticking.

Lippyp · 11-18-2002, 05:54 AM

Definitely check the dimmer switch, I have been having all sorts of weird dashboard electrical problems until my low beams packed up on the way to my annual roadworthiness test. New floor switch cured all the problems, connections had corroded and finally snapped off.

Ackattack · 11-18-2002, 12:10 PM

just re-wire the whole truck... that's the solution. I did mine a year and a half ago and took care of many little "gremlins" Though created 1 or 2.

I was thinking it may be your headlight switch.

70c10 · 11-18-2002, 12:53 PM

Big69,
Check the ground on top of passenger side core support. Take that bolt out and sand the metal.

Big69C20 Toy · 11-19-2002, 02:12 AM

Well i found the headlight issue. the one terminal was bad so i jerry rigged it and now it's cool.
i havent messed with the pump yet but i'll check that soon

New issue: Stereo keeps cutting off. it'll come on then after a li'l bit (like if i switch channels a few times) it'll shut off and not turn on again... i try to turn it on and it wont, seems that the voltage is dropping off (from over 12 to about 6V) on the + terminal and the remote terminal when i turn on and it's acting up. I'm pretty good at stereo stuff but this is trippin me out. I checked ground=good, remote wires are tight and in, no wires on the amp are touching or anything.. fuses all good. connections at battery are good.

Thanks much folks!
Greg

11-17-2002, 04:21 PM	#1
Big69C20 Toy Livin' it up. Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Richland, MI Posts: 2,212	Electrical Gremlins! Ok well these li'l buggers are starting to piss me off. The headlights on my truck seem to be acting up. Most of the time they work fine, high and low beams (although sometimes the high indicator in dash dont come on). But lately i lose one set of headlights... the low beams dont come on. all the other lights are working and i have brigths but when i want lows it doesnt work... Any thoughts on there on what to check? #2 the windshield washer pump comes on each time i want the wipers to move... kinda gets annoying and useless in the rain. Any ideas there? thanks fellas __________________ -Greg; Sold the 69 C20. It's off to a better home with more love! Now onto the 86 CUCV M1009; K5 blazer with 6.2L diesel, corp 10 bolt axles, Detroit locker in the rear, trutrac front, 3.73 gears, 35" tires.

11-17-2002, 06:23 PM	#3
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	replace ur wiper switch that should take care of ur problem. as for the headlight make sure u have good connections at the headlights. these trucks are notorious for having bad headlight plugs. u can get replacement pigtails for a few bucks a pirce at just about any auto parts store. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

11-17-2002, 10:16 PM	#5
LeRoy Registered truck nut Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mt. Vernon, Washington, USA Posts: 1,584	I'll second the headlight dimmer switch as being the problem. They sit down on the floor and tend to get wet and corroded. __________________ MOUNT VERNON, WASH. STATE Need a part? Just PM me

11-17-2002, 10:28 PM	#6
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	I third the dimmer switch and dimmer switch connector. If the washer pump is always pumping when you turn on wipers, my guess is the plastic pawl that controls the pump cycle is snapped off, you'll need a new pump assembly. __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.

11-17-2002, 10:32 PM	#7
Big69C20 Toy Livin' it up. Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Richland, MI Posts: 2,212	i replaced the pump just recently from GMC paul.. i'll check into the headlight switch and see what happens __________________ -Greg; Sold the 69 C20. It's off to a better home with more love! Now onto the 86 CUCV M1009; K5 blazer with 6.2L diesel, corp 10 bolt axles, Detroit locker in the rear, trutrac front, 3.73 gears, 35" tires.

11-17-2002, 04:29 PM	#2
BIG ORANGE Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Lancaster S.C. Posts: 4,752	As far as your light,check your highbeam swich. And on the washer issue I would say something in the pump or switch. Sorry hope these helps. __________________ Things happen for a reason!

11-17-2002, 07:06 PM	#4
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,002	The first rule in diagnosing electrical problems is check your ground.

11-17-2002, 10:42 PM	#8
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	If memory serves me right, I believe there is a procedure to install the new pump to the wiper motor, something about lining up holes with a pin before install, then you remove pin after install otherwise it breaks the plastic pawl when you first engage the pump, I could be wrong but maybe somebody else here can shed some light on it. __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.

11-18-2002, 12:36 AM	#9
Hooter My other Love Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Castlegar B.C. Canada Posts: 4,085	Sounds like the high beam switch to me. They are only 12 bucks. The wiper thing is just your switch sticking. __________________ Castlegar B.C.The great white North (Canada Eh!) Hooter_5@hotmail.com First generation Monte Carlo club pictures of my life

11-18-2002, 05:54 AM	#10
Lippyp English Chevy Owner Join Date: May 2002 Location: Shropshire, UK/ Lot, France Posts: 1,848	Definitely check the dimmer switch, I have been having all sorts of weird dashboard electrical problems until my low beams packed up on the way to my annual roadworthiness test. New floor switch cured all the problems, connections had corroded and finally snapped off. __________________ Phil '67 C10 long fleet. 350/TH350, 4 bbl Carter, K&N, Dual exhaust, loads of stuff coming soon 2001 S10 Blazer Daily Driver, bone stock 4 door 4x4 with manual transmission

11-18-2002, 12:10 PM	#11
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	just re-wire the whole truck... that's the solution. I did mine a year and a half ago and took care of many little "gremlins" Though created 1 or 2. I was thinking it may be your headlight switch. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

11-18-2002, 12:53 PM	#12
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Big69, Check the ground on top of passenger side core support. Take that bolt out and sand the metal. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

11-19-2002, 02:12 AM	#13
Big69C20 Toy Livin' it up. Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Richland, MI Posts: 2,212	Well i found the headlight issue. the one terminal was bad so i jerry rigged it and now it's cool. i havent messed with the pump yet but i'll check that soon New issue: Stereo keeps cutting off. it'll come on then after a li'l bit (like if i switch channels a few times) it'll shut off and not turn on again... i try to turn it on and it wont, seems that the voltage is dropping off (from over 12 to about 6V) on the + terminal and the remote terminal when i turn on and it's acting up. I'm pretty good at stereo stuff but this is trippin me out. I checked ground=good, remote wires are tight and in, no wires on the amp are touching or anything.. fuses all good. connections at battery are good. Thanks much folks! Greg __________________ -Greg; Sold the 69 C20. It's off to a better home with more love! Now onto the 86 CUCV M1009; K5 blazer with 6.2L diesel, corp 10 bolt axles, Detroit locker in the rear, trutrac front, 3.73 gears, 35" tires.



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