Sparks under dash

[Motomon]

Hi guys, I was driving, got sparks under The – and then the whole truck died. I now have no power. Obviously a fuse blew somewhere, but I'd like to find out which wires it could be. Do you think it's the ignition wires? I'm sitting on the side of the freeway so I haven't been able to really troubleshoot.

[w30bob]

Moto,

When a fuse blows there shouldn't be sparks.....and the fuses reset.....so they don't need to be replaced. If you saw sparks it should be obvious where they were coming from. Probably the insulation on one of the wires went south and made contact with the truck. Look around under the dash by the ignition switch and the gauge cluster for signs of charring (blackness). You can also run your fingers over the wires to feel for broken insulation. For the truck to die I would think it would have to be wiring to the ignition switch, but that's also feeds the gauges.

regards,
bob

[Motomon]

OK thanks. I figured it's a grounding out wire. I'll retape everything and fix it. The gauges went dead, too. Where is the fuse block?

[W_A_Watson_II]

Motomon,

Taping deteriorated wires is a quick short term fix to get home. It sounds like you should strongly consider a re-wire, I'd have for you to loose the truck to an electrical fire.

[Motomon]

Thanks. True, it's a quick fix but I gotta do something since I keep the truck on the street. 72hr parking is generally enforced in these here parts

[W_A_Watson_II]

72hr parking is generally enforced in these here parts

Ouch, you live in one of the other Commy states. Good luck.

[w30bob]

Hi Moto,

There is no fuse block in these trucks, just three circuit breakers located under the dash by the gauges on the bracket that runs from the firewall to the dash and has the handle for the cowl vent. The breakers are mounted on the side of the bracket facing the steering column. One of the 3 wires from the ignition switch runs directly to a breaker, so you can follow that wire ........it should have a number 11 tag on the wire.

regards,
bob

[Motomon]

Ok, I found frayed wires. Taped it all up and I have power. Headlights don't turn on and truck won't start. I have two random female plugs. One comes from ignition but I don't see where it would go.

[Motomon]

Here's what I'm looking at. It's kind of a rats nest. I need to follow more wires. The PO wired up a bunch of speaker wires...perhaps this thing has a 12V alternator that I didn't pay attention to.

[Motomon]

Lastly - the truck turns over just fine (albeit batteries are getting weaker). Seems I have fuel (electric pump runs), but probably no spark.

[T. Highway]

Hi Garrett,

That is quite the rats nest of wires. I would definitely disconnect the batteries and do a detailed check of the wiring. It would be a shame to have the truck burn up while its sitting in the parking lot or on the street. Here are two wiring diagrams that CUZ posted a while back.
WO turn signals

B1


Bert

[ZGjethro]

I am seeing a lot more exposed copper than I'd be comfortable with

[Motomon]

Yea, looks like I have a nice weekend of wiring. According to the 'with turn signals' diagram, I think my problem is the #11 wire going to the breaker for the headlights. The lights do not turn on with the battery terminal switched to on. So I'll get the volt/ohm meter out tonight. I always have a fire extinguisher in all trucks for emergencies.

[Motomon]

Got it fixed! It was the #11 wire. I think the truck even runs better now.

[majorhitt]

Being that I work with electrical items every day,I see way too much exposed copper in your pics. I would pick up some heat shrink tubing to correct the issues you have there. Yes, disconnect your battery( or batteries ) to prevent arcing and shorting.