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Wiring HELP!

xj-grin

NAXJA Member #1096
So as many of you know, automotive wiring is my nemisis -- If anyone local (CS) with some skill would like to work for beer, I need a hand getting the stomper turn signals/brakes/reverse lights working... I have an appt with the State Patrol for a VIN/Vehicle inspection on the 26th, so I have to have it up and running reasonably well by then... :cheers:
 
What year model is it?

I may be working in the Springs from now on and might be able to help in the evenings.
 
'79 F250 -- the badge on the side is about all that remains stock on it, however, although the front wiring harness to the lights may be original... I'd love to have help from someone with your background, Tom, although of course you'll likely be speaking greek to me...
 
I'll take all comers, Joe -- let me know when you have some time, evenings are likely best for all of us...
 
I can likely do 5pm, but since we don't have cable, we have to head to a bar around 6pm to catch the broncos -- loyal 8-9 year old fans... Tuesday or Wednesday might be better, unless you think this is way easy (i.e. I'm an idiot) :doh:
 
Start doing a web search for a full wiring diagram for that vehicle. It will make things a bunch easier.
 
Its the standard 30-year-old crappy wiring, with all sorts of extras wired in, works sometimes doesn't others, crap. I had everything working but the right turn signal (front doesn't work ever, although the bulb is fine)... but know I get irregular brake lights working/not working, the reverse lights coming on with the headlights/tail lights, and today we even had a brief appearance of the right rear turn signal, although it didn't last... its a fustercluck.
 
Have you thought about just redoing the wiring and starting over? I think I can get the wiring diagrams from my friend. He has mitchel on demand for classic cars. If you want I can try and grab them.
 
Its the standard 30-year-old crappy wiring, with all sorts of extras wired in, works sometimes doesn't others, crap. I had everything working but the right turn signal (front doesn't work ever, although the bulb is fine)... but know I get irregular brake lights working/not working, the reverse lights coming on with the headlights/tail lights, and today we even had a brief appearance of the right rear turn signal, although it didn't last... its a fustercluck.

With the wierd stuff like the reverse lights comming on with the headlights, it sounds like at least part of you problem is a crappy common ground connection. That is why the schematic is so helpful.

Most likely you have a couple of problems, but most are probably related to a crappy ground.
 
Most likely you have a couple of problems, but most are probably related to a crappy ground.

X2. This was the issue with the mustang. Had all kinds of strange things going on with the lights. All came down to some crappy ground connections. If you want I would start checking and cleaning the grounds. There should be a ground at each light pretty close to it if you follow the wires. Also make sure the light buckets are getting a good ground when screwed into the body.
 
I now have wiring diagrams -- free at "fordification.com". Joe -- Ironically, I have an entire new harness for it that will be installed once I put in my HEI distributer (in a box in the shed), and a whole boatload of autometer guages that go with it. However, I don't have time to deal with all that right now, and just need to get it functional for a winter season of plowing... more to the point I need the turn/brake signals to work to pass my vehicle inspection next week, as I wouldn't give a damn about such things otherwise -- turn signals in my driveway would be a bit silly.

I don't doubt its a ground issue, but there is a serious shitton of wiring, both stock and aftermarket, in this thing and it makes my head spin. I may start trying to weed out the unnecessary stuff tomorrow before gametime, and see if I can't simplify the puzzle.
 
Send me a link on the diagrams and I will give them a look see and maybe give you some pointers on where to look first.
 
I looked over the schematics and the first thing I would check is that there is a bonding (ground) strap from the cab to the bed. The lights seem to get their ground from attaching to the body, not a wire back to the battery.

The lower right side of the schematics list the ground points. I would start with the ones on page 6.
 
Thanks Tom -- I'll do that tomorrow evening. Tonight, GO BRONCOS!
 
so I'll admit that I bring the suck to auto wiring... I added a ground to the back end, and while the lights that work (lt turn, headlights) appear brighter, I'm still without brake lights and a right turn signal (although there appears to be a faint rt signal in the rear, sometimes)... I managed to remove a bunch of unnecessary accessories, which helpt to de-clutter the wiring a very little bit, but its still greek to me. Anyone who can help me sort this out, it would be much appreciated! :cheers:
 
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