Freight Dog
New member
- 50
- 1
- 0
- Location
- Forest Lake, MN
Hi All,
I recently had an expensive 15 minute ride in my M35A3.
The first sign of trouble was when the left head light flashed and blew out. I just thought it was the bulb failing so I drove on.
After a few minutes, I looked at my volt meter and saw that it was pegged to the right side (Green). It was an over-voltage! My Alternator was having a nervous break-down.
IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU, SHUT YOUR TRUCK DOWN IMMEDIATELY!!!
I didn't want to get stranded out in the country so I drove on for about ten minutes. I didn't think to turn off as many electrical demand items as I could
Obviously the truck should have been shut down then and there.
Since I kept on going for a few minutes, here is what happened.
1.) The water temperature indicator pegged out, blew the face out toward the passenger seat and caught fire.
2.) All the lights that where on, blew out...markers, head lights, tail lights, etc.
3.) The CTIS controller took a voltage spike and was out of business.
4.) Fuel quantity, Tachometer, Transmission Temp... all inop.
5.) The exciting part was when the rear battery exploded!
At that point things had become a bit too sporting for me and I shut the master switch off, coasted down a lonely road. Forward visibility is limited when you are leaning over to blow the fire out in the water temp gauge.
Yes, I am the poster child for:
" If you're going to be dumb, You've got to be tough!"
With my truck stranded out in the country, it sat for a few days.
I finally refinanced my house and bought a couple of new, "Optima Red Tops" to replace my destroyed batteries.
The first thing I did was did was disconnect the alternator output wires, start the Cat diesel with the new batteries and limp home on batteries only.
At least that saved a towing fee!
Now, with my olive drab disaster sitting in the driveway, I had time to consider the scavenger hunt for parts and repair phase.
Erik of "ERIK'S", was VERY kind and helpful. He had the light bulbs, gauges, alternator and belt that I needed. He even sent me a very useful, "Electrical Schematic". I didn't have that one in my TM, CD. He also went out in his shop and took pictures of the new style alternator so that when I replaced my old one with the new version I wouldn't wire it wrong.
I'm sure you all know the 50/50 Rule.
"If you have two choices on where to put a wire, it's 90% likely you will choose the wrong one!"
There are two things I hate in the world! It's electricity and snakes.
We don't have many bad snakes here in Minnesota but I sure got, "Bit" by this A3 electrical system!
My Central Tire Inflation System worked really well before the voltage spike. It's, "controller" was not very happy about it. I contacted the company, CM Automotive,Inc., regarding the purchase of a new one. They said they would sell me one but the price was $1800.00. I said I would have to pass on that. My wife was not very pleased about the $440. alternator! Can you imagine her delight if I told her I needed another couple of thousand bucks.
I contacted the inventor of the CTIS System and owner of CM Automotive.
I explained my situation and he told me to send the unit back to the company. They ran it through a thorough diagnostic check and replaced two Motorola Chips, internally. I just got it back a few days ago. NO CHARGE!!!
I read a lot of negatives, on Steel Soldiers, with reference to the CTIS system on the A3's. If they are not working, it is only because the operator's lack a proper understanding of the system. It is an excellent system!
Go to the source. Contact CM Automotive if you are having some difficulties.
I was treated with great kindness, courtesy and unusual generosity.
I have replaced most of the inop components and wanted to relate the story so that you might avoid the same potential problems.
I would like to know where the Circuit Breakers are located in the M35A3.
I would really appreciate it if someone could respond to this thread and tell me where to look for them.
Thanks, Freight Dog
I recently had an expensive 15 minute ride in my M35A3.
The first sign of trouble was when the left head light flashed and blew out. I just thought it was the bulb failing so I drove on.
After a few minutes, I looked at my volt meter and saw that it was pegged to the right side (Green). It was an over-voltage! My Alternator was having a nervous break-down.
IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU, SHUT YOUR TRUCK DOWN IMMEDIATELY!!!
I didn't want to get stranded out in the country so I drove on for about ten minutes. I didn't think to turn off as many electrical demand items as I could
Obviously the truck should have been shut down then and there.
Since I kept on going for a few minutes, here is what happened.
1.) The water temperature indicator pegged out, blew the face out toward the passenger seat and caught fire.
2.) All the lights that where on, blew out...markers, head lights, tail lights, etc.
3.) The CTIS controller took a voltage spike and was out of business.
4.) Fuel quantity, Tachometer, Transmission Temp... all inop.
5.) The exciting part was when the rear battery exploded!
At that point things had become a bit too sporting for me and I shut the master switch off, coasted down a lonely road. Forward visibility is limited when you are leaning over to blow the fire out in the water temp gauge.
Yes, I am the poster child for:
" If you're going to be dumb, You've got to be tough!"
With my truck stranded out in the country, it sat for a few days.
I finally refinanced my house and bought a couple of new, "Optima Red Tops" to replace my destroyed batteries.
The first thing I did was did was disconnect the alternator output wires, start the Cat diesel with the new batteries and limp home on batteries only.
At least that saved a towing fee!
Now, with my olive drab disaster sitting in the driveway, I had time to consider the scavenger hunt for parts and repair phase.
Erik of "ERIK'S", was VERY kind and helpful. He had the light bulbs, gauges, alternator and belt that I needed. He even sent me a very useful, "Electrical Schematic". I didn't have that one in my TM, CD. He also went out in his shop and took pictures of the new style alternator so that when I replaced my old one with the new version I wouldn't wire it wrong.
I'm sure you all know the 50/50 Rule.
"If you have two choices on where to put a wire, it's 90% likely you will choose the wrong one!"
There are two things I hate in the world! It's electricity and snakes.
We don't have many bad snakes here in Minnesota but I sure got, "Bit" by this A3 electrical system!
My Central Tire Inflation System worked really well before the voltage spike. It's, "controller" was not very happy about it. I contacted the company, CM Automotive,Inc., regarding the purchase of a new one. They said they would sell me one but the price was $1800.00. I said I would have to pass on that. My wife was not very pleased about the $440. alternator! Can you imagine her delight if I told her I needed another couple of thousand bucks.
I contacted the inventor of the CTIS System and owner of CM Automotive.
I explained my situation and he told me to send the unit back to the company. They ran it through a thorough diagnostic check and replaced two Motorola Chips, internally. I just got it back a few days ago. NO CHARGE!!!
I read a lot of negatives, on Steel Soldiers, with reference to the CTIS system on the A3's. If they are not working, it is only because the operator's lack a proper understanding of the system. It is an excellent system!
Go to the source. Contact CM Automotive if you are having some difficulties.
I was treated with great kindness, courtesy and unusual generosity.
I have replaced most of the inop components and wanted to relate the story so that you might avoid the same potential problems.
I would like to know where the Circuit Breakers are located in the M35A3.
I would really appreciate it if someone could respond to this thread and tell me where to look for them.
Thanks, Freight Dog
