Update on Dead truck [Archive] - Power Wash Network "The Power Wash Contractors Forum"

Jon

01-21-01, 01:14 AM

DEAD Dodge Ram

Was warming up my truck this morning and noticed SMOKE, no not fire but still something burnt up under the hood.

Took 3 turns of the key for engine to engage but now I think I burnt up much more then that, do not know how many minutes it was smoking since I was bring computer from house to truck.

Turned off key and motor keep running, unhooked battery and motor kept running, panicked, then remembered I have two batteries, unhooked second one and motor stops.

Now if I touch pos and neg on either battery it not only sparks but chips away at the post, I assume there is a short in the circuit but not being all the that mechanical/electrical not sure what it is.

Yes it smells like electric burn, stinks is better word.

Just how good are those FORD'S guys?

I have over 5 grand of extra's added, not factory or dealer.

SERIOUSLY do any of you know enough to possibly offer some serious help. This smoke was coming up from the drivers side under where the brake reservior is, I can see some blacken wires, not sure what they are for and not sure it is smoke or just diesel smoot.

I need this truck up and running, have work to do next week.

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Jon Fleischer
Oasis Pressure Cleaning
(909) 792-2247
Fax (909) 792-5633

[This message has been edited by Jon (edited January 24, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Jon (edited January 24, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Jon (edited January 24, 2001).]

Ken @ Pro-Coat

01-21-01, 02:16 AM

Jon,

Sounds like the wiring harness has a short between two or more wires inside the rubber/plastic sheathing protecting the whole mess that runs up to your steering column which in turn branches to instrument panel and lights, signals, etc. and also goes to the ignition key. You need a good auto electric person to trace out the short and repair/replace what shorted and burned. Or if you ever hot wired cars for a living in your youth, by pass the key system and run to battery/solenoid and starter to run engine on a temporary basis. Do you have any "backyard mechanics, as a neighbor or friend? They should be able to bail you out of this problem.
Good Luck!!

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bling bling

01-21-01, 04:35 AM

had something similar to this happen to my car,come outside one day and the car was trying to start on its on,no key ,it was sittin there trying to crank got inside and smelled electrical smoke,i knew right away it was my primary ignition switch located just under(inside) my steering column.i dont know if this your problem .

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Scott Stone

01-21-01, 06:49 AM

Ford's are great!!!http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/laughing.gif Is it still under warranty? If not I would also recommend a good auto electric guy. Find out who the local PD uses. That is not something that goes to the lowest bidder. They will know who the best guy is. It works for transmission work and front end work, too.

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Any statement that I make about equipment, processes or your hair color is my own personal opinion. I usually base it on personal experience. If you disagree with me you are free to reply on both the BBS and by e-mail. If I am totally off base please explain why on the BBS so that we may all know why;)
Bus. Phone 480-834-3434
Cell Phone 602-509-9741

Glenn

01-21-01, 08:22 AM

Sound like the starter to me.......Since it may have shorted, it probably damaged other things as well.

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"Hmmm, If everyone has a photographic memory... mine must be out of film."

Jon

01-21-01, 08:31 AM

Thanks guys, I am sure your right about it being wiring burning and the smell is something bad, and it won't go away either.

Scott the warranty expired at 75,000 and I have 80,000 now. Not hard to find out who the local PD uses, one is Redlands auto electric and other is the dealer.

Remy and I have had some serious talks today about fixing it and dumping it. So much so she asked if I would get another long bed and I said NO, short bed is fine unless she wants another RV.

Now whether it is gas or diesel is another question, I love the diesel trucks, but do I want to pay all that much more for another one?

First things first, find out what exactly it is and the cost to fix it, then go from there. Biggest problem is dealer will not pay more then low book and I would loose the $5,000 + extra's I put in it.

Would love to get flat bed added but that would creat storage problems for me, cannot park it on street where I live and won't fit in garage.

Glenn, no kidding it damaged more, all the smoke and that smell of burnt wires/plastic etc. I am surprised it did not catch fire! (hmm, maybe I should have helped on that, then it would have been covered by insurancehttp://www.powerwash.net/ubb/smile.gif

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Jon Fleischer
Oasis Pressure Cleaning
(909) 792-2247
Fax (909) 792-5633

[This message has been edited by Jon (edited January 20, 2001).]

PUREPOWER

01-21-01, 08:55 AM

Never happened to my Chevy'shttp://www.powerwash.net/ubb/beer.gif

FORD found on road deadhttp://www.powerwash.net/ubb/dead.gif
FORD fix or repair daily
FORD f----d on race day
FORD f----d-up overweight retarded driver

anymore anyone?

(don't mean to offend, just havin' funhttp://www.powerwash.net/ubb/hapfac01.gif)

Jon, seriously, have a pro look at it, I tried to find an electical problem in my Blazer one time, ripped half of the dash up, replaced all of the fuses and flashers, had extra screws when I put it back together, ended up being a corroded trailer hitch.
Not as serious as yours, but a mechanic might make you rest easier. By the way, don't buy a Ford.

Jordan

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Jon

01-21-01, 10:41 AM

You can all rest as I would not even attempt to trace the problem. Hey I change oil and filter, fuel filter, grease and wash it but when it comes to the heavy stuff I do go to the experts.

Don't buy Ford, don't buy Chev, don't buy Dodge.

What is left???????????????/

Wonder if those Volvo trucks are found in this Country?

crawling back in my hole and going to sleep, perhaps I will feel better in the morning with only one day to go before it gets towed into the shop.

Ok, bids start at $18,000, who bids first? going once, going twice, going , Ah you Sir with your finger up, your bid how much, $18,500, very well, post Ron as bidding 18,500, going once, going twice, another hand up, your bid Scott, oh he is showing the longest finger on his hand, that Sir is NOT a bid sorry.

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Jon Fleischer
Oasis Pressure Cleaning
(909) 792-2247
Fax (909) 792-5633

Larry L.

01-21-01, 01:38 PM

Dead Dodge Ram,,,,,,,,http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/laughing.gif
What about a ford,,,,,,,,,http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/laughing.gif
Rocks don't burn......try a bowie tie next time ya feel better when ya lay down at night http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/hapfac01.gif.

Think they are 2 or 3 wiring harness that plug into the firewall.Find the one burnt and unplug,they are not that hard to replace,most all connects from it will unplug.More then likely its in your extra's dat you proud of,I would take it to the one dat did that wiring for some of the extra's,they may find the short faster.

How look at ya http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/eek.gif,,trying to get one of use to bid on dat sucker http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/rolleyes.gif,,,some of us ant dat dum man http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/icon39.gif.Some of us are smart enuff to wear bowie ties cuz we don't like carrying a shovel to cover dat stuff up with.The best way to fix a dodge is with a http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/smash.gif

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When answering Post If It Sounds As tho I'm Holding A Match To Ya "Fear Not" Its Only Lit On One End.I'm No Doctor The Pill I Subscride Is For Me Only.They May Make You Jump Up and Down Or Crawl All Over The Ground.Will Try To Help Sail Your Ship Even Tho Rocket Fuel Is The Tip.
When In Doubt,,,Think It Out.....triplel@bscn.com

Layman's P/W

01-21-01, 03:17 PM

Jon,

It sounds like one of two things....the ignition switch is bad or the starter solenoid has stuck, both of these things would keep sending juice to the starter when it wasn't suppose to causing the wires to over heat and smell,you are lucky, it could have caught fire.

Good luck....Daren

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Mike Hughes

01-22-01, 03:20 AM

Originally posted by PUREPOWER:
I tried to find an electical problem in my Blazer one time, ripped half of the dash up, replaced all of the fuses and flashers, had extra screws when I put it back together, ended up being a corroded trailer hitch.
Not as serious as yours, but a mechanic might make you rest easier.
Jordan

Jordan..........too bad I wasn't there......I could have told you right away what was wrong with your truck.......it's a chevy! Just kiddin.

Jon......Don't buy a chevy. http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/laughing.gif

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Mike Hughes
Everclear
Souderton, PA

Scott Stone

01-22-01, 04:14 AM

Jon,
You know how I hate when that finger goes off.http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/laughing.gif

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Any statement that I make about equipment, processes or your hair color is my own personal opinion. I usually base it on personal experience. If you disagree with me you are free to reply on both the BBS and by e-mail. If I am totally off base please explain why on the BBS so that we may all know why;)
Bus. Phone 480-834-3434
Cell Phone 602-509-9741

Larry L.

01-22-01, 04:36 AM

http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/laughing.gif Jon don't listen to'em and get yorn finger down and get some scents about man.How you going to explain to those accounts of yorn telling them ya what ya doing,heck man they tell already ya don't what ya doing before ya even open ya mouth.Look at it this way,do ya think alittle brush fire is going hurt a rock,look what it did to the ram,yel scared it to death.If ya going to trade and get a ford keep yorn eye open on the way there you'll find one setting on the side of the road somewhere just pick ya out one.http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/hapfac01.gif http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/tongue.gif 

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When answering Post If It Sounds As tho I'm Holding A Match To Ya "Fear Not" Its Only Lit On One End.I'm No Doctor The Pill I Subscride Is For Me Only.They May Make You Jump Up and Down Or Crawl All Over The Ground.Will Try To Help Sail Your Ship Even Tho Rocket Fuel Is The Tip.
When In Doubt,,,Think It Out.....triplel@bscn.com

Ethan

01-22-01, 10:07 PM

Chevy - Like A Rock!!!

We run diesels and have over 300,000 on our 94' and or 97' just hit 200,000 hauling soap from here to yonder. Last year we bought a flat bed diesel and It's been great so far.

The only truck I would say that compares to our Chevy's was a 1985 Nissan LWB. It had the same engine in it as the 300 Z's have and when we sold it back in 1997 it had over 450,000 miles on it and we NEVER rebuilt the engine. That was the original do - it - all truck.

It would haul 4 55's at 75 mph down the interstate and never miss a lick!

Last time I saw the truck the same guy who bought it from us was still driving it around and he said it hasn't given him any problems - Yet...

My opinion - Fix your Dodge. they are great trucks too...

Ethan

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Ethan
Mobile Systems Inc.

Jon

01-25-01, 01:08 AM

The fuel seloniod was main cause of problem, ruined starter and some of the wiring. Insurance adjuster said since there was NO real fire it is not covered, I disagreed and appealed his decission.

His supervisor took at look and said he could smell the cause of it as a fire and my quick action truly did prevent it from catching fire.

End results, they are going to cover repairs minus my deductable.

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Jon Fleischer
Oasis Pressure Cleaning
(909) 792-2247
Fax (909) 792-5633

Jim&Shirley

01-25-01, 04:57 AM

WE didnt post because I'm like you didnt have answer, only because it wasnt a ford,
but were glad you appealed, and ins is going to pay,
we all have to stand-up for what we know is Right and somtimes we WIN.!!! GLAD EVERTHING WORKED OUT FOR YOU.

JIM & SHIRLEY

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Mark

01-25-01, 06:52 AM

Glad the insurance company is covering your loss.

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Call or e-mail me if I can be of assistance!

Mark McIntyre: AKA: Pressure Washer Zone Man.
PressureWasherZone.com (http://www.pressurewasherzone.com) EasyCleanSystems.com (http://www.easycleansystems.com.com)
Mark@easycleansystems.com

916 638-0828

Mike Hughes

01-25-01, 08:15 AM

Cool, Jon.........that's a relief! How long till it's back on the road?

Mike

Larry L.

01-25-01, 08:27 AM

Hmmmmmm HMMMmmm I think I seen where somebody was trying to do some cussing not sure but I think I seen something http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/laughing.gif.Where did it go,I've http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/look.gif but don't see it,I http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/look.gif again HMMMMmmm really that bad http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/eek.gif thats why my ears burn at times I was wondering how come http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/icon39.gif.HMMMMMmmmm anyway or am I http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/look.gif in wrong spot http://www.powerwash.net/ubb/tongue.gif.

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When answering Post If It Sounds As tho I'm Holding A Match To Ya "Fear Not" Its Only Lit On One End.I'm No Doctor The Pill I Subscride Is For Me Only.They May Make You Jump Up and Down Or Crawl All Over The Ground.Will Try To Help Sail Your Ship Even Tho Rocket Fuel Is The Tip.
When In Doubt,,,Think It Out.....triplel@bscn.com

Ken @ Pro-Coat

01-25-01, 01:11 PM

Jon,

Glad to hear that it can be repaired, and the Ins. Co. is going to cover it.

Leads to another question in my mind: The Ins. Co. makes you feel like they did you a hugh favor, covering the damage. In reality, that's one of the reasons for having insurance, to cover a loss. Could never really figure out why we buy ins.,call with a claim, once in a "Blue Moon", wait and hope that the adjuster gives us a positive answer, then have to pay a portion to have it returned to working condition? Then worry about having another claim too soon, as they might cancel you. Sounds like partial ins. coverage? But, they all do it and get the fat premiums. If you ever took the time to list all the ins. coverage you've ever had/have; and total up all the premiums, MOST of us would be shocked at what we pay for is called "peace of mind", and never really get anything in return for it, materially.

Oh, well! Such is life, here on this planet!!!

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Scott Stone

01-25-01, 06:46 PM

Ken,
I for one already know that it is beyond depressing. Especially since all of the insurances I pay for equal most peoples house payments. I used to figure insurance at 1% of my monthly gross. I think it is 3.5% now and that does not include the family health insurance. I guess that is why my agent loves me sooo much.

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Any statement that I make about equipment, processes or your hair color is my own personal opinion. I usually base it on personal experience. If you disagree with me you are free to reply on both the BBS and by e-mail. If I am totally off base please explain why on the BBS so that we may all know why;)
Bus. Phone 480-834-3434
Cell Phone 602-509-9741

Jon

01-25-01, 08:06 PM

Ken, Scott and all others,

Not sure about all states but in California you legally do not have to have insurance, you can post a bond instead.

Cost is I believe $25,000 cash. I am sure there is more to it then just that but a way to avoid those yearly insurance bills.

What bugs me is here insurance is set by the state someway or another, while I was waiting for my appeal to go though I called Farmers and an independent agent and both quoted me far less for the exact coverage I have now. I called the AAA (auto club) to see if they would match or lower my rates, reply sorry we don't match rates.

Although I have been with them since 1983 I am tempted to make a change for the savings, $450 less with Farmers and $570 with the independent.

Sure that is what Scott pays monthly but that adds up fast over the years.

I am just happy my truck will be back tomorrow and I can be get back to working and building the business up more.

Thanks for all who replied, Oh Jim, my truck is a Dodge not Ford, I was asking how good they are because if any more problems develope I am going to trade it in. I will anyway in a couple years. Wife wants new car first so who do you think will winhttp://www.powerwash.net/ubb/smile.gif

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Jon Fleischer
Oasis Pressure Cleaning
(909) 792-2247
Fax (909) 792-5633

Hit the Deck

01-25-01, 08:16 PM

Great news Jon. It sucks not having a truck for awhile. Your wife will win. Pay now or pay later.
Later, Cliff

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Jim&Shirley

01-26-01, 05:30 AM

JON
She will I'm sure, I think you said you have been Married 25 yrs Right congraudations.
Now on What I would Buy it would have to be only A FORD !!! I have owned a 1973 ford ranger,1980 and still have my 1985 and just traded in 1995 ford ranger in on our first 2000 F-350 AND WHEN THAT ONE GOT DESTROYED,We bought another one, think about this how many ford trucks do you see on the road compared to the others? AND WHY BECAUSE THEY ARE GOOD TUFF TRUCKS.
there not like chevy- tough as a rock you dont have to sink alot of $$$$$ IN THEM TO MAKE THEM RUN.[LOL]
THIS IS OUR EXPERANCE GOOD-LUCK.

JIM & SHIRLEY

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