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1996 Pete 379 Panel Lights Keep Going Out

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by GreedyJungle, Jan 11, 2022.

  1. Jan 11, 2022 #1
    GreedyJungle

    GreedyJungle Bobtail Member

    3
    0
    Jan 11, 2022
    Colorado Springs
    0
    Last night I ran for about 12 hours and in the first hour blew the fuse for my turn signals and hazards. Towards the end of my run my panel lights suddenly shut off. At first I thought it was the potentiometer but, after fixing the blown fuse I noticed I popped the breaker for my panel lights. I pushed it in and they returned only to go out again a few minutes later. Every time I push it in it pops out again shortly after. Any suggestions on where to start looking for the source of the problem? I’m no electrician and can hardly call myself a mechanic so I have no clue where to start looking at and popping that breaker even means honestly.
     
    GreedyJungle, Jan 11, 2022
    GreedyJungle, Jan 11, 2022
    #1
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  3. Jan 11, 2022 #2
    ibcalm19

    ibcalm19 Road Train Member

    1,463
    2,435
    Nov 30, 2015
    Pennsylvania
    0
    It it a new breaker or has it been in there for a while. If you don't have a new one grab one from a different circuit & see if it trips make sure same amperage. The breaker "pop" means to much current for the circuit like a safety relief valve pops with to much pressure so you don't cause major damage to the system. Sometimes the breakers are worn out and need to be replaced hopefully that your case a simple fix.
     
    ibcalm19, Jan 11, 2022
    ibcalm19, Jan 11, 2022
    #2
  4. Jan 12, 2022 #3
    Mr Bob

    Mr Bob Light Load Member

    262
    81
    Mar 17, 2015
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    sounds like a short. i would turn the lights on and start wiggling some wires in the dash to see if it pops.
     
    Mr Bob, Jan 12, 2022
    Mr Bob, Jan 12, 2022
    #3
  5. Jan 12, 2022 #4
    GreedyJungle

    GreedyJungle Bobtail Member

    3
    0
    Jan 11, 2022
    Colorado Springs
    0
    Shoot I did just that last night and nothing. They’ll stay on when parked and moving slow but as soon as I start rolling the breaker pops. Think it could be something I need to swap out in the fuse box or could it be more wire related?
     
    GreedyJungle, Jan 12, 2022
    GreedyJungle, Jan 12, 2022
    #4
  7. Jan 12, 2022 #5
    Mr Bob

    Mr Bob Light Load Member

    262
    81
    Mar 17, 2015
    0
    im still thinking its a wire. i would look in the dash panels too. gotta be real careful opening those to see if theres something to see before disrupting things in there. get a good flashlight.
     
    Mr Bob, Jan 12, 2022
    Mr Bob, Jan 12, 2022
    #5
  8. Jan 12, 2022 #6
    SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

    5,281
    16,471
    Dec 20, 2019
    Marion Texas
    0
    There may be a gauge light socket wire chaffing through its insulation on something behind the panel and only shorts out with road bumps.
     
    SmallPackage, Jan 12, 2022
    SmallPackage, Jan 12, 2022
    #6
  9. Jan 12, 2022 #7
    GreedyJungle

    GreedyJungle Bobtail Member

    3
    0
    Jan 11, 2022
    Colorado Springs
    0
    Something is for sure messed up with the wiring now. Headlights go out or flicker, trailer lights come on and then shut off in motion, panel lights still messed up. The pigtail has nothing to do with it all either it’s related. I have no idea what’s going on.
     
    GreedyJungle, Jan 12, 2022
    GreedyJungle, Jan 12, 2022
    #7
  10. Jan 13, 2022 #8
    Mr Bob

    Mr Bob Light Load Member

    262
    81
    Mar 17, 2015
    0
    im thinking main fuse box. need to check wiring going to it and from it. chaffed or green wiring. mud build up at connectors. dirty grounds. anything that may be screwed on to the backside of the fusebox. pics would help. any wires that are getting warm or hot is a problem.
     
    Mr Bob, Jan 13, 2022
    Mr Bob, Jan 13, 2022
    #8
  11. Jan 15, 2022 #9
    RocketScott

    RocketScott Medium Load Member

    579
    946
    Apr 10, 2013
    Kentucky
    0
    It's got to be something inside the cab if all those are related. That narrows it down quite a bit

    I agree with Bob. Check the backside of the fuse box
     
    RocketScott, Jan 15, 2022
    RocketScott, Jan 15, 2022
    #9
    379 cat Thanks this.
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