Stupid me

[JimmyThompson]

I came across some Grote LED side marker clearance lights and wired them up off of my rear signal connectors via a "Y" splitter, three lights per side. One of the side markers didn't work (driver's side) so I found a Grote incandescent side marker and wired it in place of the LED. I figured it was as easy as that... Yet, when I flipped the drive lights on to check my work I heard some faint "snap, crackle, and popping" and smelled something resembling an electrical fire! I immediately turned OFF the lever and looked under the hood and into the battery compartment, thankfully nothing was burning. Upon closer inspection I realized the newly installed Grote incandescent light is a 12v model not a 24v! I unhooked the light and flipped the lever ON and when I indicated a left turn... Nothing worked as it did prior to me installing the 12v light. Did I fry my signal-box under the hood?!!? Thank you in advance for your input.

 

[Jeepsinker]

Take it off and sniff it. Also sniff the turn signal control on the steering column. That may answer your question.

 

[JimmyThompson]

I do recall smelling some smoke under the dash and under the hood. The running lights still work is that helps any.

My neighbors are looking at and likely wondering "My God, now he's SNIFFING that ugly thing"!

 

[JimmyThompson]

Anyone else have any input that might diagnose my problem?

 

[Jeepsinker]

There are no fuses or fusible links, so that pretty well leaves you with a component failure, which will have to be either the flasher, 3 lever switch, or signal control switch. All three are cheap and easy fixes. If it were me, I would start with the flasher. Every deuce owner should have spare parts like these on hand.

 

[JimmyThompson]

Great point! I guess I hate buying parts I've already replaced... That was replaced about 6 months ago. It is what it is.

 

[Jeepsinker]

Well, let us know what it turns out to be. I'm kind of curious myself as I wouldn't have thought having a 12 volt light in the circuit would damage anything but the light itself. I figured it would just pop the bulb. Next time run two 12 volt side markers in series instead of just one.

 

[JimmyThompson]

Ok so I replaced the flasher module and flipped the 3-lever switch to drive and then indicated a left turn via the signal lever... No display on the lights, the signal indicator light on the signal lever, and I heard a wierd *doink* of a noise coming from the 3-lever switch! I reckon it's time to buy one of them too! Any ideas???

 

[Jeepsinker]

What you heard was the circuit breaker in the switch trip. Next item should be the signal switch. If it still trips the breaker in the 3 lever then you have a short to ground in the left turn circuit.

 

[JimmyThompson]

Can I disassemble and replace/fix the turn signal? Not sure how there's a short in the wiring... It worked fine until I hooked up the 12v light.

 

[Jeepsinker]

It probably isn't a short but you can't rule it out. Just swap the directional control and report back.

 

[JimmyThompson]

Copy that... I'll order it today.

 

[peashooter]

I just hooked up some of the grote LED side clearance/Marker lights also and have a couple that arent working (3 out of 7). They will come on for about 5 seconds then turn off for several minutes before coming on again briefly..... both on the truck and when hooked up to a 24v bench test power supply. These would be the grote 82102, 82112 type is that what you had also? I cant find any info on them any longer on the grote site... looks like they quit making them and even having reference to them.

 

[JimmyThompson]

Those are the type of lights that I'm using too (minus the 12v incandescent one) except I was using the amber ones. I just put a "Y splitter" on each rear wire and ran them forward (three per side front, middle, and rear). I'm not sure why you're getting power but not flashing. I reckon some will say you should replace your signal module under the hood?!!?

I called Grote and explained my issue. They were no help whatsoever and referred me to SAIC, one of their distributors. SAIC was nice but didn't provide any further assistance either.

 

[JimmyThompson]

Wanna sell me a working one?!!?

 

[peashooter]

Wanna sell me a working one?!!?

not sure yet. I have mine hooked up to be on with the lights, so they don't flash. I replaced the 7 incandescent ones with the new led ones and now I have the problems

 

[JimmyThompson]

Man you sure have a good looking truck PeaShooter!!! Lord have mercy!

 

[JimmyThompson]

I've got a M105a2 with a CBC too... I made a roof rack for it too!

 

[peashooter]

Wanna sell me a working one?!!?

just sent you a pm with someone who has 1 available. Also do you have any pictures of your 105/CBC/roof rack set up? I'd like to see it!

 

[JimmyThompson]

Photobucket is taking forever today... Feel free to text me (912)996-1887 and I'll send you some photos! I also mounted a bike rack and spare tire on the trailer!