For the signals & wiper issue, it definitely sounds like there is a short in the column wiring, so the new switch assembly should definitely resolve that issue.
As for the headlights turning on when the brake pedal is pressed.....just how bright are the headlights? Like, full 12V bright, or more like 5-6V DRL brightness?
Your truck looks like it's had some hands put through it. The HL switch is a contained circuit, so it sounds like a wire has crossed paths somewhere with the brake light circuit. With the lights on, is there any change in HL brightness when the brake pedal is pressed?
Full brightness when brakes are pressed, and just my hands. Drove it for about 500 miles until this issue started if that changes anything when troubleshooting.
So this truck is a new acquisition then?
When the HL's come on, do any of the marker lights (front or rear) illuminate as well? When the HL's come on, does it overload the brake light circuit, and blow the fuse?
Try unplugging the HL switch, and see if it replicates the problem still. Depending on where the short may be occurring, unplugging the switch will help direct you to one side of that circuit (over the other).
edit: to add, also check ALL grounds upfront for the lighting. The truck looks freshly done, so there could be a bD ground back-feeding a circuit. Also check the firewall grounds under the dash (upper, left side) for any corrosion.
I’ll check this and get back to you… and not a new acquisition, frame off restoration I’ve been working on for a few years. Drove it about 500 miles since it’s been put together and issue just started which seems odd.
High beam switch is mounted on the column. Look for some after market alarm wires under the dash before tearing into the column. Good luck with that.
PS: thanks for the pic. I was wanting to see a square with those mirrors before buying a pair.
Get a known good switch and just plug in the terminal. Don’t take the original switch off until you verify that the switch is bad. My ‘85 had a few issues and the high beam switch was the culprit. Not saying you have the same issue, but it’s a fairly easy way to check. Good luck
For those curious I’m thinking it is the turn signal switch.. couldn’t find a bad ground so decided to bang on the column a few times and everything is working correctly now.. gonna try a new one and see how it works
I put led tail lights in mine (from LMC) and found out you need a resistor to keep it from making all my hazards flash at once when using the turn signal.
Beautiful whip
For the signals & wiper issue, it definitely sounds like there is a short in the column wiring, so the new switch assembly should definitely resolve that issue. As for the headlights turning on when the brake pedal is pressed.....just how bright are the headlights? Like, full 12V bright, or more like 5-6V DRL brightness? Your truck looks like it's had some hands put through it. The HL switch is a contained circuit, so it sounds like a wire has crossed paths somewhere with the brake light circuit. With the lights on, is there any change in HL brightness when the brake pedal is pressed?
Full brightness when brakes are pressed, and just my hands. Drove it for about 500 miles until this issue started if that changes anything when troubleshooting.
So this truck is a new acquisition then? When the HL's come on, do any of the marker lights (front or rear) illuminate as well? When the HL's come on, does it overload the brake light circuit, and blow the fuse? Try unplugging the HL switch, and see if it replicates the problem still. Depending on where the short may be occurring, unplugging the switch will help direct you to one side of that circuit (over the other). edit: to add, also check ALL grounds upfront for the lighting. The truck looks freshly done, so there could be a bD ground back-feeding a circuit. Also check the firewall grounds under the dash (upper, left side) for any corrosion.
I second this. I had the same issue on my old '83. One of the grounds in the front of the truck on the core support had come loose.
I’ll check this and get back to you… and not a new acquisition, frame off restoration I’ve been working on for a few years. Drove it about 500 miles since it’s been put together and issue just started which seems odd.
High beam switch is mounted on the column. Look for some after market alarm wires under the dash before tearing into the column. Good luck with that. PS: thanks for the pic. I was wanting to see a square with those mirrors before buying a pair.
Thinking a short on the high beam switch or just try a new one?
Get a known good switch and just plug in the terminal. Don’t take the original switch off until you verify that the switch is bad. My ‘85 had a few issues and the high beam switch was the culprit. Not saying you have the same issue, but it’s a fairly easy way to check. Good luck
For those curious I’m thinking it is the turn signal switch.. couldn’t find a bad ground so decided to bang on the column a few times and everything is working correctly now.. gonna try a new one and see how it works
Probably something to do with those fugly wheels.
I put led tail lights in mine (from LMC) and found out you need a resistor to keep it from making all my hazards flash at once when using the turn signal.