Odd electrical problem

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Showhauler03, Dec 9, 2021.

  1. Showhauler03

    Showhauler03 Bobtail Member

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    I have a 98 century with an N14. There is a faint hum or buzz under the driver side Dash with the Ignition off and the tachometer will occasionally twitch. It’s like an ignition solenoid is Not killing the power when the key is off. I also have a crank but no start situation. Any ideas? Thanks for your help!
     
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  3. Showhauler03

    Showhauler03 Bobtail Member

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    Also there are 9.9 V at the fuel shut off solenoid with the ignition key off. Brand new batteries. The noise behind the dash is more like static but it’s not an air leak there is no air pressure.
     
  4. Showhauler03

    Showhauler03 Bobtail Member

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    I think I figured it out. There’s a starter solenoid on the firewall. It had continuity between the big posts with the batteries disconnected. I think it was the original from 1998 because the posts broke off when I went to remove the nuts.
     
  5. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Good to know. I’ve had a couple go bad, key wouldn’t work, had to jump it at the solenoid. Never had that happen though.
     
  6. Showhauler03

    Showhauler03 Bobtail Member

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    Well I replaced the ignition solenoid and that didn’t fix it. I still have 9 1/2 V at the fuel shut off solenoid with the key off. The gauges still twitch and the static sound is still present behind the dash. Does anyone have any ideas?
     
  7. lilillill

    lilillill Sarcasm... it's not just for breakfast

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    Hook a jumper cable between a negative battery post and the engine block. Does the 9.5 volts disappear?

    Then try negative post to the cab.
     
    Oxbow Thanks this.
  8. Showhauler03

    Showhauler03 Bobtail Member

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    Thank you so much for your help! I tried both and nothing changed.I’m not sure if it’s related to the new batteries I just swapped in but the dash says no data link activity.
     
  9. lilillill

    lilillill Sarcasm... it's not just for breakfast

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    Did this just start after replacing your batteries? Like immediately after?

    If so, it sounds like you're missing a ground cable somewhere. Double check all the battery connections and make sure you don't have a blown fuse in the ECM connectors in the battery box.
     
    Oxbow Thanks this.
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