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electrical?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by newbie41996, Aug 29, 2013.

  1. Aug 29, 2013 #1
    newbie41996

    newbie41996 Bobtail Member

    32
    11
    Aug 29, 2013
    dallas tx
    0
    Hey guys this is my first time to Ever register to a site like this and post. Im having an issue with my turn Signal I'll try to be very specific so I can get the best help.

    -my dashboard left turn Signal light will randomly turn dim and stay on no matter of I'm using it or not.

    -When its an issue, it does this when the headlights are on, but sometimes when I turn on my markers only it may stop or it may not. I can actually just flip my markers on and off and watch the dim dashboard signal stop and go randomly.

    -When the dim left Signal dash light is on and im using my left turn signal, my outer left turn signals will not flash, or it will flash so dim that you can hardly notice. This applys to front, side, and rear lights.

    -my tractor rear turn signals act funny, if im using one turn signal, the other will also flash very dim.

    I checked my connections in the rear of my tractor, im wondering if maybe i need a new switch?
     
    newbie41996, Aug 29, 2013
    newbie41996, Aug 29, 2013
    #1
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  3. Aug 29, 2013 #2
    fuzzeymateo

    fuzzeymateo Heavy Load Member

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    May 20, 2013
    AZ
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    I'm no electrical genius by any means but I've seen this several times before. When it does it unplug the pigtail to the trailer and I bet it will stop? Usually when I have seen this there is a short in the trailer that is running back to the tractor. You may be able to fix it by reversing the pig tail or checking the connections on the 7-way plug. Just some ideas.
     
    fuzzeymateo, Aug 29, 2013
    fuzzeymateo, Aug 29, 2013
    #2
  4. Aug 29, 2013 #3
    newbie41996

    newbie41996 Bobtail Member

    32
    11
    Aug 29, 2013
    dallas tx
    0
    It was doing it while I was disconnected actually, but it does it connected as well. I'll try reversing though I didn't think of that. Also this may be unrelated because I've had this problem well before this new one im going to describe, but today I noticed that my RIGHT trailer rear turn signals are acting up. If I do a Left turn then the left bulb on the right side flashes dull, if I do a right turn then both right bulbs are off completely plus the side rear turn. If no one sees an update then your advice didn't help, but either way Thank you for the suggestion
     
    newbie41996, Aug 29, 2013
    newbie41996, Aug 29, 2013
    #3
  5. Aug 29, 2013 #4
    heavyhaulerss

    heavyhaulerss Road Train Member

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    Dec 23, 2009
    AL/TN BORDER
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    sounds like a rusty ground not making a good connection. I had this problem somewhat like yours. more than once. the first time it was a wire at the back of the alternator that was not tight. wiggled the wires & one came right out of the crimped end. other time it was a ground, once in the trailer, another on the turn signal on truck, another time on the pig tail connection that is bolted to cab. moister, rust, just the bouncing can cause things to come loose & not make good contact.
     
    heavyhaulerss, Aug 29, 2013
    heavyhaulerss, Aug 29, 2013
    #4
    Hammer166 Thanks this.
  7. Aug 29, 2013 #5
    wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    CHASIN THE DEVIL'S HERD
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    The other signal coming on real dim is a classic sign of bad ground, probably at the tail lights should be three wires, to each tail light white is usually ground
     
    wore out, Aug 29, 2013
    wore out, Aug 29, 2013
    #5
    Hammer166 Thanks this.
  8. Aug 29, 2013 #6
    newbie41996

    newbie41996 Bobtail Member

    32
    11
    Aug 29, 2013
    dallas tx
    0
    So the general consensus is that both problems are caused by grounding issues, the first being in the tractor second in the trailer? I'm surprised that so many people are stepping up to help me out. I'm kind of anti social so i don't ever talk to more experienced drivers for help our advice, I'm glad at least gave this a shot. Thanks guys I appreciate it
     
    newbie41996, Aug 29, 2013
    newbie41996, Aug 29, 2013
    #6
  9. Aug 29, 2013 #7
    Hammer166

    Hammer166 Crusty Information Officer

    7,575
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    ~8600+' and loving it!
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    These guys nailed it. Bad Ground. It could be in the light itself if you're running led's, or the bulb of an incandescent, but normally it's a corroded ground.

    And yes it can be a pain to find if it's intermittent. Good luck!
     
    Hammer166, Aug 29, 2013
    Hammer166, Aug 29, 2013
    #7
  10. Aug 29, 2013 #8
    nasriza

    nasriza Road Train Member

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    Feb 1, 2013
    Chicago, IL
    0
    Try to unplug the signal bulbs sometimes the connectors short out between marker and signal so check the terminals or unplug the signal and markers one by one and see hich one makes a difference
     
    nasriza, Aug 29, 2013
    nasriza, Aug 29, 2013
    #8
  11. Aug 30, 2013 #9
    sylver

    sylver Bobtail Member

    3
    0
    Aug 18, 2013
    0
    If u haven't fixed it yet, I just want to tell u: if the problem is present while trailer is disconnected (pigtail) than it is in the tractor itself. I had that problem in my trailer and I found the hot wire rubbing bare metal on trailer body!!!... good lock!!!
     
    sylver, Aug 30, 2013
    sylver, Aug 30, 2013
    #9
  12. Aug 30, 2013 #10
    Damage

    Damage Light Load Member

    67
    17
    Jan 13, 2012
    Newark, Nj
    0
    One more thing to check. Take the trailer cord out of the socket on the tractor and make sure none of the pins are partially bridged with corrosion or wires(I have seen some drivers jump the marker pins causing other problems.) It can cause feedback in the tractor even when the trailer isnt connected. Took me a while to find that one. Good luck
     
    Damage, Aug 30, 2013
    Damage, Aug 30, 2013
    #10
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