Electrical problem

[SC74BRONC]

Just went through a full engine rebuild with new (replaced the 20 year old version) MSD ignition. Have driven it about 65 miles and in the last 20 electrical issues started to happen in this order: right turn signal dash light went out, fuel and temp backlighting in cluster went out, brake lights went out, and left turn signal dash light went out.

As of now the radio works, truck runs great, headlights (high and low), tail lights, turn signals and running lights all work, and fuses look good.

What could cause this to happen? Seems very strange to me.

More info: replaced speedo cable too and didn’t grease it so it spun and caused the gauge to go wild and buzz for a couple minutes before I stopped, disconnected, greased and reconnected. It works fine now. This is on a 74 ranger. Thank for any suggestions. I’m just going to run through what I can with a test light tonight.


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[DirtDonk]

I would not expect a new cable to need lubrication right off the bat. Maybe they do now? Or maybe they always did and I just did not know it!

First things first with the electrical. Reach around behind the dash (or twist up under there yourself if you're still young!) and make sure that the bulbs have not simply fallen out of their sockets.
That would be my first move.

After that, we might have to think about it awhile. But back to the top for now.

paul

 

[SC74BRONC]

Bulbs are where they should be and all bulbs are good. New discoveries:

- with the ignition switch off, one brake light works. When I turn the blinker on, the opposite brake light will work. With the ignition switch on, brake lights do not work at all.

 

[DirtDonk]

Well now it’s starting to sound like a ground issue! That’s because anytime you get weird and wonky wiring Wascally Wabbit‘s, it’s usually a ground.

 

[DirtDonk]

Is this the original factory wiring harness? Or has it been replaced with something?
One thing that at least some of these wires have in common is the turn signal switch. Brake lights, turn signals, turn indicators, I’ll run through the turn signal switch.
Just one more thing to keep your eye on.

 

[SC74BRONC]

It wasn't a ghost. It was in fact a bad ground connection. More specifically, the battery-to-body connection. Once I replaced this one things started coming back to life. Electricity is strange to me. Thanks for the help.