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Gremlins in the electrical

Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by WSOR4492, Nov 2, 2013.

  1. Nov 2, 2013 #1
    WSOR4492

    WSOR4492 Bobtail Member

    33
    14
    Feb 5, 2011
    Madison, WI
    0
    Hoping there's an easy solution that doesn't require a degree in flow chart analysis to solve the problem. Company truck that I drive has developed some kind of an electrical issue that is more annoying then stop you dead in your tracks can't move. The truck is a 2010 Cascadia with over 330K miles and is currently at the dealership since the company's own shop (one shop small fleet company) is dealing with a couple of other trucks with electrical gremlins (and losing the battle to find them) and mine has the worse symptoms.

    Here's the symptoms...After starting the engine and having seat belt firmly engaged the indicator light on the dash will not go out even while driving. Add to this, when releasing the tractor brakes, there is a dinging sound that is normally reserved for indicating that headlights are still on when opening the driver's door for about 5-10 seconds. And lastly the ever so annoying low air alarm when the key is turned off and removed from the ignition even though there is over 100 pounds of air in the system. The last problem is very intermittent and is resolved by either turning the key to ACC or ON, or shutting off the whole electrical system at the master switch essentially cutting off all battery supply. No fridge, no lights, no cell phone charger, etc. Oh, and no bunk heater with the temps dipping down into the 30's.

    So, has anyone else experienced these issues before? What was the culprit? One other thing. It has been rainy and very damp the past couple of days and I'm thinking that moisture has crept in somewhere and a good long day in a heated shop to dry things out may cure it for now. But then what do you do when it's cool, rainy and damp again?

    Thanks for any insights you may have so that we can get mine and the other trucks exorcised of the gremlins.
     
    WSOR4492, Nov 2, 2013
    WSOR4492, Nov 2, 2013
    #1
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  3. Nov 2, 2013 #2
    CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

    19,726
    18,733
    Apr 18, 2010
    Tennessee
    0
    Modern vehicles including trucks have BCMs (body control modules). Just like the ECM controls the engine the BCMs control chimes, warning lights, security, vehicle accessories, etc. One BCM can control many functions. They are usually under the dash in the shape of a little box. When they go bad and they do they will give you Gremlin symptoms. It's either that or a poor ground or connection.

    They take special diagnostic equipment to test them. The dealer will find it before a company shop guesses at it.
     
    CondoCruiser, Nov 2, 2013
    CondoCruiser, Nov 2, 2013
    #2
  4. Nov 2, 2013 #3
    QUALITYTRUCK

    QUALITYTRUCK Road Train Member

    1,801
    1,762
    Jun 14, 2009
    romulus,mi
    0
    sounds like wet SAM module from upper passenger windshield leak.freightliner has service bulletin or maybe recall for problem.check it out.good luck.
     
    QUALITYTRUCK, Nov 2, 2013
    QUALITYTRUCK, Nov 2, 2013
    #3
  5. Nov 5, 2013 #4
    magoo68

    magoo68 Road Train Member

    3,393
    5,385
    Jun 11, 2011
    st malo mb canada
    0
    qaulitytruck is correct better get it checked for water damage before it burns down i would use battery disconnect while sleeping
     
    magoo68, Nov 5, 2013
    magoo68, Nov 5, 2013
    #4
    QUALITYTRUCK Thanks this.
  7. Nov 5, 2013 #5
    GrapeApe

    GrapeApe Road Train Member

    2,215
    2,211
    Jan 7, 2013
    0
    The campaign for the SAM water intrusion is 09V024000. It is only for 2007-2009's though, they were "supposed" to have it fixed for 2010 model years. It's still a possibility, so you should check it.

    The campaign was pretty hackish. Seal up any leaks (which never were really fixed for long), then add some drip shields to divert the water away from the Cabin SAM and drill a drain hole in the Chassis SAM. Below is a link to the dealer instructions.

    http://truckmechanictips.com/tmt_files/public/1293657242_19_FT2805_rcmn-09v024-2432.pdf
     
    GrapeApe, Nov 5, 2013
    GrapeApe, Nov 5, 2013
    #5
    mhyn and QUALITYTRUCK Thank this.
  8. Nov 5, 2013 #6
    Chip S

    Chip S Light Load Member

    200
    104
    May 27, 2013
    Texas
    0
    Sounds like the sam cab could be the issue. If the shop has servicelink, have them hook up and monitor the low pressure switch imput. If the imput is ok, you could have either wire 18 (low air pressure imput) shorting to ground, or shorting out inside the sam cab. They can also monitor the LVD that is built into the sam cab. That could be at fault, cutting off all your accessories. A common problem I have seen with the seatbelt issue, is that most trucks arnt even equipped with an actual seat belt switch. The ICU (gauge cluster) has to have the paramaters reset using the keypad on the ICU. For whatever reason, these ICU's are seeing ground at some point and making the ICU think that the truck is equipped with the switch, when its not. Try having them reset the ICU. Hope I clearly answered those questions.. Sounds like you may have a couple different issues
     
    Chip S, Nov 5, 2013
    Chip S, Nov 5, 2013
    #6
    QUALITYTRUCK Thanks this.
  9. Nov 5, 2013 #7
    Chip S

    Chip S Light Load Member

    200
    104
    May 27, 2013
    Texas
    0
    If your company shop doesnt have servicelink, you may want to talk them into taking it to the dealer. If the sam cab is at fault, the new one will have to be programmed to the VIN. If it isnt the sam cab, it can be troubleshot a lot easier with servicelink
     
    Chip S, Nov 5, 2013
    Chip S, Nov 5, 2013
    #7
  10. Nov 8, 2013 #8
    WSOR4492

    WSOR4492 Bobtail Member

    33
    14
    Feb 5, 2011
    Madison, WI
    0
    Thanks guys for the suggestions. Sorry for not posting sooner the results. The truck was taken to the dealership and the ICU needed to be reconfigured back to original specs. Guess it "lost its mind" somehow. Everything is working fine now, including the freeze alarm which I got turned off today. Don't need know its freezing cold outside. I can see the snow on the ground to know it's cold out. Thanks again everyone.
     
    WSOR4492, Nov 8, 2013
    WSOR4492, Nov 8, 2013
    #8
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