Fan Motor and dash lights problem

[Indyharleyguy]

Hello I'm a new owner of a 1986 M1009 truck and new on this Forum. I'm having 2 problems and wanted to see if anyone has a suggestion for me.

1st My heater fan motor works intermittently. When it works it seems to work great. I know from having vehicles and living through that time the switch connections can be bad. I've tried moving the switch back and forth a lot and it doesn't seem to help. Any ideas on what to check first?

2nd My dash lights are very very dim. Usually the left side is the dimmest but sometimes the right side is dimer. I also have the fuel gauge that sometimes just seems to go way past full. I'm wondering if all this might be combined?
I'm assuming I need to get into the dash to check for loose wires or ground but don't know how to get into it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[joshuak]

Welcome to the site form Maryland.

If your MV ownership experience is similar to most, mine included, those two problems are the first of many.

The good news is most of them have been solved and the solution documented here and found by using the search function or looking in the CUCV Helpful threads, also the Technical Manuals for your vehicle are available for free download and have a troubleshooting section as well.

In response to your questions, sounds like parts of your electrical system could use a cleaning, the grounds if nothing else.
From the CUCV helpful threads:
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?120289-CUCV-Electrical-Ground-Locations
http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?52821-Instrument-Cluster-Cleanup

 

[48cj2a]

On the dash lights - you probably have some burned out bulbs or poor contacts so follow the threads noted above, also there covered in dust and the cluster housing has lost its luster to reflect the light...to really brighten it up, I would pull cluster and disassemble it. either paint the inside with a reflective color or in my case, I used 3m aluminum foil tape. I then replaced all my bulbs with WLED-x5 red LEDs from https://www.superbrightleds.com but you can use any color you like, I also replaced the one in heater, and the 4wd shifter console/cover.

See the cluster upgrade section on my webpage: http://48cj2a.com/cucv.htm I did a Civilian Cluster and harness upgrade because my harness was so hacked and I had a donor vehicle but the principle is the same as far as painting or lining your cluster.

 

[Indyharleyguy]

Thanks for the input. I'll see what I can figure out.