Help please idiot lights all out

[mikestang89]

Headlights dimming and getting brighter while driving?

I am having a problem with the headlights dimming and getting brighter while driving. Belts are all tight, connections are clean, drivers side alternator looks new. Im at a loss, help please.

 

[Warthog]

Check your voltage on the battery and Gen1. One or both may be bad.

 

[mikestang89]

Thank you sir, will be testing in the morning. Gen1 is drivers side correct?

 

[Warthog]

Correct. It handles the 12v portion of the truck and feeds the front battery.

The TMs have a great troubleshooting section for the charging system.

You have download the free manuals haven't you?

 

[mikestang89]

Yes I have its just a lot of reading and the previous owner recommended I ask the fine people of this forum.

 

[Warthog]

I'm going to say your GEN1 needs a rebuild. You should be able to tell after checking the voltage output

 

[mikestang89]

Is it cheaper to rebuild than to replace? The gen1 can be bought at an auto store correct?

 

[M1008driver]

You can use a Duralast/Alternator DL7157 on the DS only because it does not need to have a isolated ground or a Wilson Electrical, Part Number: WIL 90014277 that does have a ground, but is expensive. PS must have the isolated ground.

You can buy a rebuild kit from CUCV Electric and you can buy an alternator off EBAY. I used rareelectrical and my original is being rebuilt for a spare sometime soon from the kit I mentioned which has better parts for the rebuild.

All this information is available many times over with a forum search.

EDIT- Does you Gen lights come on when you turn the key? They have to work for the alt to charge right.

GEN 1 and GEN 2 Lights. On all models except the M1010 Ambulance, generator lights come on when ignition key is in the “ON” position, but before engine is started. After engine starts, lights should go out and remain out. If either or both lights remain on after engine starts, press accelerator and let engine return to idle. If lights remain on or come on during operation of truck, IMMEDIATELY SHUT DOWN ENGINE and notify your supervisor. M1010 Ambulance has no generator warning lights.

I guess your supervisor will be your wife...honey I need some more money.

 

[mikestang89]

My gen2 light comes on when key in on positition, no gen1 light though.

 

[cpf240]

My gen2 light comes on when key in on positition, no gen1 light though.

Both Gen lights should come on in the "run" position, and then go out once they start working, which usually requires a tap on the accelerator.

I'd start following the trouble-shooting guide in the TMs. You do have a good multimeter, don't you? It could be as simple as a blown bulb in the Gen1 indicator.

 

[319]

I am having a problem with the headlights dimming and getting brighter while driving. Belts are all tight, connections are clean, drivers side alternator looks new. Im at a loss, help please.

Have you checked and cleaned the terminals at the headlamps themselves?

 

[mikestang89]

Ok well checked the gen1 bulb, it was good, put it back in. Now with the key on gen1 lights up but gen2 and oil dont haha.

 

[mikestang89]

Have you checked and cleaned the terminals at the headlamps themselves?

Yes I have, the radio also cuts off once in a while too.

Edit: after a short drive now none of the lights come on with key in run

 

[mikestang89]

Well found another strange problem, the gen1 and 2 lights and the oil light are not coming on with the key in the on position however when the truck is running and I put it in 4 hi the 4wd light comes on and the gen1 light comes on?? Im at a loss.

 

[Skinny]

Regardless of what problem is causing this, I would pull the cluster and clean all connections including the twist bulb bases and anything else that has electricity running through it. I had so many issues with charging and bulbs functioning. Takes a while but you need to run some sandpaper across all connections.

 

[mikestang89]

Regardless of what problem is causing this, I would pull the cluster and clean all connections including the twist bulb bases and anything else that has electricity running through it. I had so many issues with charging and bulbs functioning. Takes a while but you need to run some sandpaper across all connections.

Was in the process of this untill the monsoons came,haha

 

[mikestang89]

***** EDIT ******

Combined threads as they are related.

*********************************


A after scouring the tm's I am still at a loss. I am not very electrically inclined, but usually I can work my way through. This new to me CUCV is driving me nuts, with the key in the on position none of the lights come on however, when the truck is running the if I put it in 4wd the light comes on along with gen1. When truck is running the volt meter is in the green. Someone pls help.


Thanks
mike

 

[Matt65]

Several of my bulbs (>1/2) were blown and had to be replaced. There is a thread by the name of instrument cluster decoded iirc that was very helpful.


http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?t=46054

 

[salt6]

First thing I'd do is pull the cluster, check the bulbs and clean the contacts.

 

[bkwudzhom]

What he said^