Dead as a...

offroadie · 05-13-2008, 04:35 AM

Hey guys, I've been doing some refurbishing on my 1988 pickup that I've had a little over a week now. So far - it looks to be in great shape.

I just got done doing VC gaskets and rear cam plugs last night, hooked everything back up, and dropped in a new battery (Interstate, 1000 cca), and the truck is dead - no dome light, warning buzzers, headlights - nothing! I've gone over the connections, checked to see if the battery has a charge (BTW, when you do that - don't use a 22mm box wrench to contact the poles or be holding a small flashlight in your mouth...ouch). It arc'd fine, lots of power - but none of it is getting into the truck!

I'm still green on these things - so I was wondering if there's some reset switch? I checked the fuses (right behind the battery, black box), and they look alright, are there any other things that I should be looking for?

Thanks for the leg up!

1stgen4gunner · 05-13-2008, 05:48 AM

The only reset switch I can think would would be connecting and dissconnecting the battery, but you have probably tried that, I would also replace all the fuses just to be sure, also make sure none of your wires are bad and make sure its grounded, thats really all I can think of, I have an 88 4runner and it has exactly the opposite problem something sucking the energy from the battery when the truck is off.

Team420 · 05-13-2008, 05:48 AM

Battery cables??

offroadie · 05-13-2008, 05:51 AM

yeah - I've re-connected it twice now. I suppose I could get all new fuses, but usually with those the "weak" ones are the ones that fail/burst. The thing that's confusing me is that the whole truck has no power, not just one system.

hmm...I'll keep trying wires...and hopefully get rid of this metallic aftertaste...

camo31"10.50" · 05-13-2008, 05:53 AM

check the cables..my '80 did the same thing...check for burnt fuses under the dash too...thats where my ignition fuse is..so i'd heck there too...make sure you're not all corroded up anywhere...check the hot wire at the starter...your ground...if still nothing...get a tester and see where you have power..and where you dont..good luck

offroadie · 05-13-2008, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Team420

Battery cables??

yeah, they look great - even the terminals that connect to the posts are clean. The kid that had the truck before me had a bunch of wires coming off the old battery to power his stereo - I've disconnected all of them (he took the stereo with him).

Does anyone know what on earth a "Uneo" box is? It's bolted in front of the passenger side firewall (one screw and velcro) and has a corresponding little box that it's wired to on the firewall in the engine compartment. Also - there's a lottle round port on the instrument panel on the center console (right above where the radio was. I'm going to try and take a picture, but I have no clue what on earth this thing is...

offroadie · 05-13-2008, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camo31"10.50"

check the cables..my '80 did the same thing...check for burnt fuses under the dash too...thats where my ignition fuse is..so i'd heck there too...make sure you're not all corroded up anywhere...check the hot wire at the starter...your ground...if still nothing...get a tester and see where you have power..and where you dont..good luck

Solid approach - I like that. I'm not sure where my ignition fuse is - if they changed that with my generation.

gte718p · 05-14-2008, 09:10 AM

Follow the wire. Get a multimeter if you don't have one. There are cheap. Hook one side to the ground of the battery and use the other side to follow the wire. Check for voltage at every connection. Switch sides of the battery and follow the ground wire. Its unlikely but the wires do deteriate in the plastic.

offroadie · 05-14-2008, 05:47 PM

aye mate, I've picked up a multimeter, got some 2 gauge cable, and I'm goin in tonight!

checked all the fuses, they're straight, as are the relays...as best I can tell...

Results to follow.

offroadie · 05-14-2008, 08:45 PM

alright, so after two (pos and neg) new cables, that were actually 4 gauge, and an Interstate battery, there's still no...anything. Not even so much as a "hey - keys in the ignition" warning buzzer.

(sigh)

So, I've pulled the alternator to be tested tomorrow, and am getting ALL new fuses. I'm going to be away over the weekend - but should be able to get back at it next week.

Really want to get this thing going - it's really frustrating when you buy something that was running great and only needed a little oil seal, only to have the repair spiral into "malfunction dominoes."

Again - I appreciate the advice, I'm at the point that I'll consider anything to get this thing running again!

bigt · 05-14-2008, 08:50 PM

starter??? follow the cables from the battery to the ground ont he truck...too

dbcx · 05-17-2008, 03:41 PM

The previous guy could of had something rigged with all the extra wires you pulled out .I would check back on that,and test the cables they coud of corroded or came apart inside.
1. did it run after you snatched all his wires out or did you swap the battery and snatch wires at the same time?
2. Grounding strap needs to be in good shape.(From Block to Body)

offroadie · 05-22-2008, 07:31 PM

Eureka! I think...

So, I get back under the hood after the weekend, and find this oddball box that says "UNGO". Hmm. After some heavy Googling - I figure out that it's a security system, that has come loose with all the wiring that the kid had done for the stereo. I drove the thing across four states to get it home after I bought it, after ripping wires out from the boom box left and right. So - that thing does run, I guess this little add-on just kicked in and killed the whole thing.

I'm in the process of removing the whole thing, and so far I'm up to two circuit boxes, one temp sensor, and a tiny switch.

Anyone ever removed a security system?

rowdy235 · 05-22-2008, 09:09 PM

no but I put one in. Most of them use a relay to kill the starter. I've never seen one that kills all the circuits, though I'm sure the higher-end ones do. I'd attempt to locate a wiring diagram if possible, and if not label everything and proceed with extreme caution

offroadie · 05-23-2008, 08:19 PM

removed the entire security system. Still nothing. Starter relay isn't testing with the multi-meter...maybe that?

you guys rock - thanks for hanging in here with me, I'm starting to get tired of this thing - nothing seems to work.

Cheers!

CJM · 05-23-2008, 08:32 PM

You check the 80 amp fuse for the battery, sure its not bad. That will easily cause your situation.

89dlx · 05-24-2008, 04:19 AM

When I got my truck it also had a ton of wires (alarm, stereo, trailer wiring). I cut every single thing out that wasn't factory. He had alot of wires in that truck.

89dlx · 05-24-2008, 04:22 AM

Check the fusible link that CJM mentioned. You may have blown a fuse while disconnecting the PO's handi-work. My battery was out of the truck at the time I removed everything.

offroadie · 05-24-2008, 05:26 AM

I already replaced the 80A. I got a reconditioned battery from Interstate - maybe it's a dud?

offroadie · 05-25-2008, 01:45 PM

alright - I really appreciate all the time everyone took to entertain my problem, but I think that it may have gotten the best of me. I've been spending time fooling with this thing - and not getting any results. I think I may just have to take it to my mechanic after the holiday.

Hope everyone has a bomber Memorial Day, thanks again!

Cheers!

Noltz · 05-26-2008, 08:42 PM

You mentioned you replaced the 80A fuse, but did you check the fusible link?? It looks like a piece of wire, and it's inline from your battery to your fusebox/igntion switch. That'd cause every problem you're talking about. Just moving it around could cause it to break...

Take a look (red arrow);

<

05-13-2008, 04:35 AM	#1 (permalink)
offroadie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: North FLorida, practiaclly Georgia. Posts: 44	Dead as a... Hey guys, I've been doing some refurbishing on my 1988 pickup that I've had a little over a week now. So far - it looks to be in great shape. I just got done doing VC gaskets and rear cam plugs last night, hooked everything back up, and dropped in a new battery (Interstate, 1000 cca), and the truck is dead - no dome light, warning buzzers, headlights - nothing! I've gone over the connections, checked to see if the battery has a charge (BTW, when you do that - don't use a 22mm box wrench to contact the poles or be holding a small flashlight in your mouth...ouch). It arc'd fine, lots of power - but none of it is getting into the truck! I'm still green on these things - so I was wondering if there's some reset switch? I checked the fuses (right behind the battery, black box), and they look alright, are there any other things that I should be looking for? Thanks for the leg up! __________________ Try to keep the rubber side down... '88 SR5 Xtra Cab, 3VZ-E/5-spd, Marlin Crawler shifter kit, ASIN hubs, Pro Comp 31x10.50 A/T's, LEER topper, 156,xxx miles, Radio? CD player? Bah! Daily Driver: '90 Honda Civic Hatchback a.k.a. "Goldie" - 98k orig miles! 36mpg

05-13-2008, 05:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
1stgen4gunner Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 284	The only reset switch I can think would would be connecting and dissconnecting the battery, but you have probably tried that, I would also replace all the fuses just to be sure, also make sure none of your wires are bad and make sure its grounded, thats really all I can think of, I have an 88 4runner and it has exactly the opposite problem something sucking the energy from the battery when the truck is off. __________________ -Dave NOBOMBA '08 "It is possible to store the mind with a million facts and still be entirely uneducated." A Man Without His Yota- PM me if you have anything for sale 2003 KTM SX125, V-Force Reeds, FMF Pipe an Silencer, Pro Taper Bars, Factory Connection Suspension, It is a Factory Bike Right out of the Box Thook- Sure....I'll be your brother. Thook is my brother, and all because of a methane driven, turbo charged outhouse.

05-13-2008, 05:51 AM	#4 (permalink)
offroadie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: North FLorida, practiaclly Georgia. Posts: 44	yeah - I've re-connected it twice now. I suppose I could get all new fuses, but usually with those the "weak" ones are the ones that fail/burst. The thing that's confusing me is that the whole truck has no power, not just one system. hmm...I'll keep trying wires...and hopefully get rid of this metallic aftertaste... __________________ Try to keep the rubber side down... '88 SR5 Xtra Cab, 3VZ-E/5-spd, Marlin Crawler shifter kit, ASIN hubs, Pro Comp 31x10.50 A/T's, LEER topper, 156,xxx miles, Radio? CD player? Bah! Daily Driver: '90 Honda Civic Hatchback a.k.a. "Goldie" - 98k orig miles! 36mpg

05-13-2008, 05:53 AM	#5 (permalink)
camo31"10.50" Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Vian, OK Posts: 662	check the cables..my '80 did the same thing...check for burnt fuses under the dash too...thats where my ignition fuse is..so i'd heck there too...make sure you're not all corroded up anywhere...check the hot wire at the starter...your ground...if still nothing...get a tester and see where you have power..and where you dont..good luck __________________ 1986 Toyota 4x4 extra cab pickup stock 22R 5spd with 35,000 miles on a complete rebuild pushin 200PSI in every cylinder...31x10.50 swamper TSL's (muddin shoes) Kelly Safari SUV (street shoes) 1980 Toyota 4x4 20R/L43 combo not in the best of shape...but gets me wherever the '86 wont.. :)...still not sure if i want to part with it just yet..(FOR SALE!)

05-14-2008, 05:47 PM	#9 (permalink)
offroadie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: North FLorida, practiaclly Georgia. Posts: 44	aye mate, I've picked up a multimeter, got some 2 gauge cable, and I'm goin in tonight! checked all the fuses, they're straight, as are the relays...as best I can tell... Results to follow. __________________ Try to keep the rubber side down... '88 SR5 Xtra Cab, 3VZ-E/5-spd, Marlin Crawler shifter kit, ASIN hubs, Pro Comp 31x10.50 A/T's, LEER topper, 156,xxx miles, Radio? CD player? Bah! Daily Driver: '90 Honda Civic Hatchback a.k.a. "Goldie" - 98k orig miles! 36mpg

05-14-2008, 09:10 AM	#8 (permalink)
gte718p Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 204	Follow the wire. Get a multimeter if you don't have one. There are cheap. Hook one side to the ground of the battery and use the other side to follow the wire. Check for voltage at every connection. Switch sides of the battery and follow the ground wire. Its unlikely but the wires do deteriate in the plastic.

05-14-2008, 08:45 PM	#10 (permalink)
offroadie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: North FLorida, practiaclly Georgia. Posts: 44	alright, so after two (pos and neg) new cables, that were actually 4 gauge, and an Interstate battery, there's still no...anything. Not even so much as a "hey - keys in the ignition" warning buzzer. (sigh) So, I've pulled the alternator to be tested tomorrow, and am getting ALL new fuses. I'm going to be away over the weekend - but should be able to get back at it next week. *Really* want to get this thing going - it's really frustrating when you buy something that was running great and only needed a little oil seal, only to have the repair spiral into "malfunction dominoes." Again - I appreciate the advice, I'm at the point that I'll consider anything to get this thing running again! __________________ Try to keep the rubber side down... '88 SR5 Xtra Cab, 3VZ-E/5-spd, Marlin Crawler shifter kit, ASIN hubs, Pro Comp 31x10.50 A/T's, LEER topper, 156,xxx miles, Radio? CD player? Bah! Daily Driver: '90 Honda Civic Hatchback a.k.a. "Goldie" - 98k orig miles! 36mpg

05-14-2008, 08:50 PM	#11 (permalink)
bigt Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: chippawa niagara falls ontario Posts: 1,985	starter??? follow the cables from the battery to the ground ont he truck...too __________________ 1991 HILUX SURF SSR-X 2-lte turbo diesel with upgraded head tons of cool options you dont get in north America RIGHT HAND DRIVE,auto,push button 4wd,turbo timer,31.1-.50.15 bfgs,factory fender flares,window flares. CAR DOLLY sirius TUNED TO HOWARD 100 trail ifs rig goldie fate unknown blue 93 srf 4runner NEW TRAIL RIG IN POGRESS ifs welded rear few mods for now rebuilding fj 60 series front axle for future s.a.s

05-17-2008, 03:41 PM	#12 (permalink)
dbcx Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Hazzard County, Georgia Posts: 355	The previous guy could of had something rigged with all the extra wires you pulled out .I would check back on that,and test the cables they coud of corroded or came apart inside. 1. did it run after you snatched all his wires out or did you swap the battery and snatch wires at the same time? 2. Grounding strap needs to be in good shape.(From Block to Body) __________________ 1997 4runner. stock for now just got it 1999 z71, intake ,285bfgs,with ford keys,hypertech 1974 baja bug 2110cc dual weber 40s,rancho tranny www.lubedealer.com/dbcox ZO#1568374 Click for free catalog:https://www.amsoil.com/AmsoilLogin/L...x?type=catalog Last edited by dbcx : 05-17-2008 at 03:45 PM.

05-22-2008, 07:31 PM	#13 (permalink)
offroadie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: North FLorida, practiaclly Georgia. Posts: 44	Eureka! I think... So, I get back under the hood after the weekend, and find this oddball box that says "UNGO". Hmm. After some heavy Googling - I figure out that it's a security system, that has come loose with all the wiring that the kid had done for the stereo. I drove the thing across four states to get it home after I bought it, after ripping wires out from the boom box left and right. So - that thing does run, I guess this little add-on just kicked in and killed the whole thing. I'm in the process of removing the whole thing, and so far I'm up to two circuit boxes, one temp sensor, and a tiny switch. Anyone ever removed a security system? __________________ Try to keep the rubber side down... '88 SR5 Xtra Cab, 3VZ-E/5-spd, Marlin Crawler shifter kit, ASIN hubs, Pro Comp 31x10.50 A/T's, LEER topper, 156,xxx miles, Radio? CD player? Bah! Daily Driver: '90 Honda Civic Hatchback a.k.a. "Goldie" - 98k orig miles! 36mpg

05-22-2008, 09:09 PM	#14 (permalink)
rowdy235 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sweet Home, OR Posts: 1,375	no but I put one in. Most of them use a relay to kill the starter. I've never seen one that kills all the circuits, though I'm sure the higher-end ones do. I'd attempt to locate a wiring diagram if possible, and if not label everything and proceed with extreme caution __________________ Daily Driver: 1982 Toyota Pickup Base 2WD 22R, TRD Cam,5-sp Manual, Toyota Truck Nation High Miler- 300k+ MPG: 25/32 Off-roader: 1990 Honda H3011SA Riding Lawnmower, 11hp OHV engine, Carlisle SNOW-HOG Tires MPG: 1 Day of "Wheeling" per gallon Come to the 2nd Annual Oregon Yotatech Meetup! June 26-29, 2009: Browns Camp OHV Park http://www.yotatech.com/f5/oregon-yo.../#post50902592

05-23-2008, 08:19 PM	#15 (permalink)
offroadie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: North FLorida, practiaclly Georgia. Posts: 44	removed the entire security system. Still nothing. Starter relay isn't testing with the multi-meter...maybe that? you guys rock - thanks for hanging in here with me, I'm starting to get tired of this thing - nothing seems to work. Cheers! __________________ Try to keep the rubber side down... '88 SR5 Xtra Cab, 3VZ-E/5-spd, Marlin Crawler shifter kit, ASIN hubs, Pro Comp 31x10.50 A/T's, LEER topper, 156,xxx miles, Radio? CD player? Bah! Daily Driver: '90 Honda Civic Hatchback a.k.a. "Goldie" - 98k orig miles! 36mpg

05-23-2008, 08:32 PM	#16 (permalink)
CJM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4,580	You check the 80 amp fuse for the battery, sure its not bad. That will easily cause your situation. __________________ 96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

05-24-2008, 04:19 AM	#17 (permalink)
89dlx Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Branford, CT. Posts: 898	When I got my truck it also had a ton of wires (alarm, stereo, trailer wiring). I cut every single thing out that wasn't factory. He had alot of wires in that truck.

05-24-2008, 04:22 AM	#18 (permalink)
89dlx Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Branford, CT. Posts: 898	Check the fusible link that CJM mentioned. You may have blown a fuse while disconnecting the PO's handi-work. My battery was out of the truck at the time I removed everything.

05-24-2008, 05:26 AM	#19 (permalink)
offroadie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: North FLorida, practiaclly Georgia. Posts: 44	I already replaced the 80A. I got a reconditioned battery from Interstate - maybe it's a dud? __________________ Try to keep the rubber side down... '88 SR5 Xtra Cab, 3VZ-E/5-spd, Marlin Crawler shifter kit, ASIN hubs, Pro Comp 31x10.50 A/T's, LEER topper, 156,xxx miles, Radio? CD player? Bah! Daily Driver: '90 Honda Civic Hatchback a.k.a. "Goldie" - 98k orig miles! 36mpg

05-25-2008, 01:45 PM	#20 (permalink)
offroadie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: North FLorida, practiaclly Georgia. Posts: 44	alright - I really appreciate all the time everyone took to entertain my problem, but I think that it may have gotten the best of me. I've been spending time fooling with this thing - and not getting any results. I think I may just have to take it to my mechanic after the holiday. Hope everyone has a bomber Memorial Day, thanks again! Cheers! __________________ Try to keep the rubber side down... '88 SR5 Xtra Cab, 3VZ-E/5-spd, Marlin Crawler shifter kit, ASIN hubs, Pro Comp 31x10.50 A/T's, LEER topper, 156,xxx miles, Radio? CD player? Bah! Daily Driver: '90 Honda Civic Hatchback a.k.a. "Goldie" - 98k orig miles! 36mpg

05-26-2008, 08:42 PM	#21 (permalink)
Noltz Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 351	You mentioned you replaced the 80A fuse, but did you check the fusible link?? It looks like a piece of wire, and it's inline from your battery to your fusebox/igntion switch. That'd cause every problem you're talking about. Just moving it around could cause it to break... Take a look (red arrow); <