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baker2acre
01-31-2010, 15:35
Ok, short of the long....

Why don't my signals, headlights, wipers or horn work?? I have marker lights and taillights (haven't checked reverse lights)?? No clicking or anything when signals given at stalk or light switch is turned on? I've been fiddling below the dash replacing the ignition switch... is something unplugged... breaker/fuse... bird running with scissors?? I've checked fuses in side panel and under the hood. Read somewhere that wiper is protected by a fuse?? Where to look 1st or even 2nd?

Read 'book' below if you need more info (or need something better than metamucil).

I've been mucking around with my '96 C3500 trying to diagnos recent stalling issues (Left wife in busy intersection. Mad motorists, no big deal :o ... Mad WIFE.. look out!! :eek: ). I have a spare FSD I've swapped in and out, replaced batteries, cleaned connections, listened for shut off valve clicking, balh, blah, blah... no luck yet.

Then one day while trying to get it started the starter sounded like it was in "slow-mo" and when I released the key it wouldn't stop?? ...saw a post about the ignition switch could explain stalling and figured this could be the culprit with the starter too if the switch is sticking ...so I thought 'what the heck' and $160 later, I'm $160 poorer :rolleyes:. I disconnected the old switch at the terminal junction and plugged the new one in just leaving it hang so I could "test" my theory (not realising the black script at the bottom of my reciept states NO RETURNS!!). Turned the switch to ON and everything cycled as normal. GloPlug light goes out and I hit the starter... only to here Charlie Browns school teacher again (Wah, waah, waaaah!) !?! After many attempts at my very best 'Gordan Ramsey' I discovered the power lead to the starter had broken at the connection to the solenoid and was only delivering 1/2 the juice. 40mins of trying to figure out how to make my hand smaller so I could re-connect the cable, I was back in business. Hit the switch again and VROOM!!! Joy!! :p ... and then I discovered the no lights, wiper, signals or horn issue??... How's that for a kick to the face? :confused: Oh yeah... still stalls?
(Camel's Back + Straw = Broken :mad: )

JohnC
01-31-2010, 19:21
The circuits for all the things that don't work passes through the steering column...

rustyk
01-31-2010, 19:52
Check the instrument cluster connector

baker2acre
01-31-2010, 19:58
Thanks John...

so the question is with all the circuits running through the column... is there a junction similar to the ignition cable/bundles that I could have knocked loose... or is there a fuse or breaker in line somewhere that could be blown that's not in the fuse block??

Just curious what could knock out all 4 of these at the same time without affecting the running lights?? :confused:

baker2acre
01-31-2010, 19:59
Thanks RustyK... Is that in the same area as the ignition pigtail?

rustyk
02-01-2010, 19:48
It's on the top back of the instrument cluster. I suggested this because Mine came loose on the road, and I lost all the cluster instruments, as well as turn signals and flasher. Fortunately, I have a motorhome, with a removable cover over the dash; 2 minutes and a bit of duct tape, and I was underway again.

However, this is a long shot, as something in the steering column is more likely the culprit.

JohnC
02-01-2010, 20:20
Just curious what could knock out all 4 of these at the same time without affecting the running lights?? :confused:

Running lights aren't in the column...