Dash is wigging out

ctjheiner

New member
May 22, 2011
29
0
0
Idaho
Hey everybody, I've got some problems with my dash, wondering if this has happened to anybody else out there. My dash doesn't come in when I turn the key on. Lights do but I can't operate my windows or radio or anything when I turn the key on, everything kicks on a few seconds (ranges from 5 to 30 seconds) after I start the truck up. If I get in, shut the door, turn the key on then off, the radio kicks on and I can operate the windows. Any ideas? Thanks a bunch
 

TheBac

Why do I keep doing this?
Staff member
Apr 19, 2008
15,610
1,866
113
Mid Michigan
Old or discharged batteries
Poor connections at batteries
Poor ground connections on frame under drivers door
Possible poor connections at fuses
Ignition switch failing (rare)


The modules in the truck need to see a minimum amount of voltage (5v?) at startup in order to "wake up". Yours arent.
 

ctjheiner

New member
May 22, 2011
29
0
0
Idaho
Batteries are excellent, connections look good. So I'll start chasing down the other three items and see if I can narrow it down. Thanks for the help, I appreciate it
 

NC-smokinlmm

<<<Future tuna killer
May 29, 2011
5,198
362
83
At Da Beach
Check the under hood fuse panel. They can get little critters living under them to stay warm and they can warp under extreme temps and cause wierd issues like your expirencing. Pull it apart carefully and check it out and clean the connections as best you can...
 

ctjheiner

New member
May 22, 2011
29
0
0
Idaho
Hey guys, thanks for your help so far. I have checked the connections on the batteries, in the fuse box, and chased some wires around to see how everything looks. Everything looks fine, the truck acts fine other than the dash won't kick on till after the truck starts. Now, the dash actually kicked out a couple of times yesterday as I was driving the truck around once in town and once out on the highway. Any other possible issues I should be looking at? Has this happened to anyone else? Thanks for your help.
 

ctjheiner

New member
May 22, 2011
29
0
0
Idaho
Its the whole dash, the radio doesn't kick on, the heater a/c display doesn't come on. The interior lights work when the headlights are on, but no activity. I drove it for a second today, dash never comes on when you turn the key on but usually kicks on as I am backing out of the driveway, this time it didn't come on until I was way down the highway, I finally smacked the dash and it came on. Not sure if hitting the dash woke it up or if it was coincidence. :confused:
 

ctjheiner

New member
May 22, 2011
29
0
0
Idaho
Ok, so I took apart the ground under the drivers door, looked ok, but I wire brushed the frame where it attaches, the connectors, bolt, washers, etc. Put it back together and no change, is there another ground I am not finding? This is pretty frustrating, the truck runs fine, just irritating.:mad:
 

NC-smokinlmm

<<<Future tuna killer
May 29, 2011
5,198
362
83
At Da Beach
I think there is one on the drivers side of the motor to the body, but I can't remember for sure. It might be on the passengers side, just check them all...
 

ctjheiner

New member
May 22, 2011
29
0
0
Idaho
OK, so my dash just quit, only would come on for a second when I smacked it. So I found a guy here locally that would rebuild it for me, replaced all the stepper motors, re soldered all that needed done, replaced the voltage regulators, all that. And he guarantees it for life. So I paid a bit more than the guy on eBay, but its guaranteed and I had it back in 2 hours. But, I still have the problem of nothing coming on when I turn the key on, only when I start it. But it includes the dash, windows, radio, heater, etc. Dash lights like glow plugs and check engine come on, just nothing else? Still chasing grounds, but so far everything checks out. Any ideas?
 

ctjheiner

New member
May 22, 2011
29
0
0
Idaho
I kinda discarded that thought in the beginning but I am glad you brought it up again, I think that will be my next move. Thanks NC for all your input and help, it's a lot easier to sort through this with another mind plugging away.

Off subject, but did you get your new truck yet? I am curious of how the feedback is. I really love the look of them. :thumb:
 

NC-smokinlmm

<<<Future tuna killer
May 29, 2011
5,198
362
83
At Da Beach
I kinda discarded that thought in the beginning but I am glad you brought it up again, I think that will be my next move. Thanks NC for all your input and help, it's a lot easier to sort through this with another mind plugging away.

Off subject, but did you get your new truck yet? I am curious of how the feedback is. I really love the look of them. :thumb:

No problem brother. I'm always down to help another guy out, not sure how much help I was... lol...

I sure hope it ends up being the ignition switch...

My truck is still in transit. I tracked it today and it is in Texas still...:(

Im ready to get my hands on her for sure...:woott: