headlight switch, marker lights, and me...

[RumbleFish]

its been a bad couple of days for me in the vehicle aspect of life, with my "new" ctd and my neon giving me fits, and snow on the way so my srt is hibernating.

first, let me start off with this: I HATE ELECTRONICS!!!! now with that out of the way, here is what is going on. when i got the truck (92 D350 for those that werent there) during SOP from Daniel, he gave me a new headlight switch and said it needed put in before i left, which i did. fast forward to yesterday, when the parking lights started acting up. the only way they would come on is if the switch was between the normal positions. so i put another headlight switch in today, and it left me with headlights only, no markers at all. the entire taillight circuit has been relayed to take some load off the switch. I dig around with the manual, and ended up calling DP to see if he had any ideas. he tells me to poke around the relay with a test light to see if it is getting power, which it was. i get out of the truck, and the parking lights are on, then go off a minute later. i tried changing relays (there is a 5 post relay on it, and i had a spare one with a 4 post) but it didnt work. i can jump the wire from the switch with the wire from the battery and they work. at first they woiuld stay on after the jumper wire was removed, but now it only works when the jumper wire is on all the time. i can feel the relay click when it does this.

DP said the guy he got the truck from had the wiring all hacked up under the dash with numerous toggle switches for the lights and other stuff. electronics are ot my strong point, especially when you go much past power, ground, and a switch. relays and all thet jazz confuse me even further. i am open to suggestions, as this is the only thing i have to drive right now. the headlights work, but im gonna need the rest of the lights working quick. where do i start?

[Philip]

Jeff rather than try and walk you threw this long distance. What are you doing this weekend???

I won't know till tomorrow if I am working on Saturday.

[RumbleFish]

saturday i dont work, i dunno about sunday yet. i dunno what the wife has planned tho, but im sure i can get out of it whatever it is.

[Philip]

I'll give you a call as soon as I know if I have to work this weekend.

[RumbleFish]

i checked my schedule at work, im off sunday as well. im ready whenever you're available.

[PToombs]

Well, you're in good hands now. Make sure you bring some Dew. This sounds like a 12 pack job.

[RumbleFish]

i planned on a case, iced down in the cooler. im sure he can get alot further than i can. as of now i have a fuse and a toggle switch rigged up so i have something to drive.

goddamn you electronics, we will prevail!

[PToombs]

That's not even electronics, it's just electrics! Man, you need help!

A case iced down? I may have to come help!


Oh wait, it's a 10 hour drive.

[RumbleFish]

if you're gonna make the trip, ill bring a case or three of adult beverages. i might need a bigger cooler though!

[Philip]

i might need a bigger cooler though!

That what pickup beds are made for. You need two trucks. One for ice and one for the beer.

Don't laugh to much I have been to one party that is what we used for the cooler.

Jeff I lost your phone number agin.

I am working Saturday not sure on Sundy yet. If you want to head over this way early Sat morning. We could get a few hours on it before I have to get ready for work.

[dpuckett]

Well? WHat was the problem? It's been a week or more.

DP

[Philip]

Our work times keep conflicting. I haven't got to work on it yet. Last weekend I found outon Saturday I was working Sunday also.

[RumbleFish]

ya, stupid jobs keep getting in the way of whats really important here: trucks! if im off, Philip is working, and he is off when im at work.

my boss is headed to cancun in a week and a half or so, if its not done by then, i might sneak off and do it while "on the job"

[RumbleFish]

made the trip to peru today. philip had it diagnosed in less than 10 minutes, which gave us plenty of time for bs'ing. the pigtail for the headlight switch got a lil toasty at one point, and is making a poor connection on the marker light circuit. i kept thinking the switch must be bad (for a 3rd time!) because dp relayed the marker lights. with a relay in place, it made me think the pigtail would be problem free.

a new pigtail from dodge is $70something, the pigtail and switch kit is $81 w/tax (my price, list was almost $100). but they carry it in stock! my money tree is nothing but a stump at the moment, so im gonna see if i can order an aftermartket (i know, i know!) through work and get away cheaper. with the lights on relays, hopefully i shouldnt cook this pigtail. thanks again philip!

[PToombs]

I have the switch and harness out of the '86 donor. Let me know if you want parts Jeff.