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Various (mostly electrical) problems with G3500 keeping me from passing inspection

Tiny
VINTSHAVE
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 GMC
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 189,000 MILES
Hi,

I'm having the following electrical (I think) problems that may prevent me from passing the PA state inspection. I'd appreciate your help.

-The gear display on the steering column doesn't illuminate, making it impossible to see in the dark
When I shift into reverse.
-Sometimes, when I shift into reverse, I get the backup lights and the beeping and sometimes I don't. But if I jiggle the shift lever a bit it comes back on. What do I need to do to ensure that it always stays on?
-The hazard switch is inconsistent in behavior. Generally, I have to push it in really hard to get a consistent flash and then it SOMETIMES stays in and sometimes it doesn't. Is there anything I can try short of taking apart the steering column to restore proper function.

Oh, here's one that's not electrical. I have a rusted out battery tray. What would be the easiest and cheapest safe way to do a replacement?

Thanks. You guys are awesome
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Friday, November 14th, 2014 AT 2:03 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
There will be a blown globe (back light ) in the gear display this will be the most obvious thing to look at, check all selector links, worn bushes may be the cause and check for a faulty transmission range switch.
The hazard switch will have to be replaced it is worn out internally.
Clean all rust from battery tray, paint with rust converter and then pain with anti rust paint, cut a new base for battery tray from light grade panel steel and paint rivet this over the old tray base.
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Friday, November 14th, 2014 AT 2:45 PM
Tiny
VINTSHAVE
  • MEMBER
  • 62 POSTS
Thank you for your answer! I understand how to deal with the battery tray now. Just some follow up on the rest. You said:

"There will be a blown globe (back light ) in the gear display this will be the most obvious thing to look at"

How do you get at this light? Are there any special tools required for this truck?

"check all selector links, worn bushes may be the cause and check for a faulty transmission range switch."

As a (handy) layman, I'm not familiar with the terminology. Where are these things located? And is the "transmission range switch" the same thing as the neutral safety switch that is attached to most auto transmissions? And if so, is it in the same place on this truck?

Thanks again!
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Friday, November 14th, 2014 AT 3:48 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
I will need a model to look into this further.
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Friday, November 14th, 2014 AT 6:37 PM
Tiny
VINTSHAVE
  • MEMBER
  • 62 POSTS
1993 gmc g3500 vandura v8 5.7. I also noticed that the steering column sleeve operated by the shift lever has some play in it. When the car is in reverse, it stays in reverse but the light and beeper are only activated when the sleeve is turned a bit counterclockwise. I'm hoping it's just something you can tell me that can be tightened. Don't know about the light.
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Friday, November 14th, 2014 AT 6:58 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
OK, on your model the reverse light switch is located at the base of the steering column, Mitchell 1 has no pics to post, you should be able to see how it operates and if there is any adjustment, otherwise you may need a new switch
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Friday, November 14th, 2014 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
VINTSHAVE
  • MEMBER
  • 62 POSTS
Progress report: replaced hazard switch - way more work than it should be. Basically had to dissect the steering column to do it. Now have hazards and turn signals. Steering wheel isn't straight, so I guess I'll have to pull and reseat it. Not a big deal. The big deal now is that my instrumental panel doesn't illuminate at all. The idiot lights work, and if I turn on the brights I get the blue light, but nothing on the instrument panel or PRNDL. Not sure what I did or which wires to check.
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Saturday, November 15th, 2014 AT 6:27 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Make sure that you have not blown a dash fuse, and check for any loom plug that you may have disturbed when working around the steering column.
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Sunday, November 16th, 2014 AT 5:06 AM

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