2013 Peterbilt 389, Is this a ground cause of it is I’ve tried to find them all and their all tight any grounds behind the dash I did look there but didn’t see anything high up.
the guy came in with no headlights just markers and clearences. With the key off the lights were staying on also, And while I’m diagnosing I turn flashers on and everything flashes. But headlights still don’t come on. further diagnosing again now the flashers aren’t working and lost dash switch power cuz with the key off I get no light power from switches on. Then I turn the key the lights come on, I turn switches off lights stay on, I turn key off lights go out, and I know on this truck lights still come on with not needing to turn the key. As any other usual truck would. And also that the plugin to the headlight assembly’s. I have power to all pins from 7-10V. Idk which one is ground but I’m sure atleast 2 or 3 should be!! I come back for morning shift now just having headlight switch on key off the markers all flashing and headlights too
. When flasher isn’t on. Also making the trailer clearance lights relay activate with flash along, I turn key on everything stops flashing
Alright one electric problem ISX 565
Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Perchie15, Jan 10, 2026.
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Last edited: Jan 10, 2026
Reason for edit: New issues -
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Grounding is more than being tight, there could be rust/corrosion in between the connecter and frame/metal contacts. I would remove the ground connections and sand/grind a new contact area if it is not fresh clean metal.
Also I would check the switch itself, does it have 12 volts coming in? (if not backtrack from there) Are 12 volts going out? Do the relay next.
Are you proficient using a volt meter? (7-10 volts at all pins sounds like it may be voltmeter operator error, have you tested directly to the battery ensuring your meter reads 12.* volts correctly and ensuring the batteries are good) 7-10 volts is too low, but the headlights should still be dimly lit. Like when you forget to turn off your vehicle lights at night and come out in the morning. I believe those don't have standard bulbs, but a whole headlight assembly, you could remove both headlights and make a jumper to directly wire them to the battery, ensuring that they work.
Good luck! -
My test light was showing the voltage readings but it still shouldn’t have power to all the connectors. But while I was reading stuff online the headlights mysteriously started working and that’s when I went to check the headlight harness at the bumper and only 3 connectors have power of 12v.
Thing is I only see one ground and I cleaned it up! I have the chassis schematic now and doesn’t make whole lotta sense to me haha! When the driver pulled in the headlights were flickering, and little bit after they didn’t come on at all. I swapped the switch connector to the other switches and it didn’t change anything. -
To reduce ‘chasing your tail’ totally disconnect the trailer, concentrate on the truck.
BoxCarKidd Thanks this. -
All the lights run through the Chassis Node which is on the inside of the left frame rail next to/across from the fuel tank.
Attached Files:
BoxCarKidd Thanks this. -
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Unfortunately my chassis node plug is round and based on letters. -
no trailer involved.
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Open his file on the Chassis control module. He can possibly even get you a wiring diagram and trouble shooting info if you ask.
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i found out after I went under the truck I seen what you met! Is there any sort of trouble shooting to go by? Seeing the plugs disappointed how the washer pump isn’t on that diagram lol. Cuz it kept sending power there slightly. But fuel gauge was reading E Before TIA
it’s annoying how everything works now and it’s not flicking or anything on me yet. Trying so. -
Washer pump probably operates under a cab control module. I put my head in the sand along time ago but had to pull out.
I have had a lot of help from some folks on this forum. Be direct and honest as there is a lot of help and knowledge here.
Sounds to me like your chassis control module is toast but I hope it is not. That thing is about a thousand bucks. I do not know how to test those things.
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