Sand in the tank, headlights, or electrical issues, the saga continues for the 4th time? (10/9/18)

Aren't people having problems with some interior LED replacements causing weird problems? It seems like the system is overly sensitive. Automotive electronics are usually pretty robust against interference so I wonder if there's a weak link, an overall increase in sensitivity, or aftermarket products are getting worse when it comes to EMI/RFI?

As a data point on the sensitivity of the electrical system, the folks that installed my shell blew the brake fuse and that brought in the check-engine light.

 

http://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=2FAB8020-D56B-84E2-19502BE560DCF8A4

 

i would request a demonstration of it acting normal, then directly hose off those connections to replicate. Sounds to me like the found another issue but using this as a reason.

If this is true, Toyota now has a sensitive system which rivals the CANBUS shit system in Dodge and Mercedes. AKA good luck with modding.

 

Pretty much this. After the first BS, they need to show you whats going on, not just pull the "this what we think is happening, give us money"

 

This is a quote from that article you referenced,
What I'm getting from this thread is the Suzuki ECU has little or no sheilding from reactance.

In a nutshell, reactance is an EMF "backwash" from a source of capacitance. HIDs need high voltage to fire and sustain. A capacitor charges and discharges to start HID bulbs. This sends an equal and opposite charge back to the source of initial potential (voltage). This is the sole reason point ignition systems employed a condenser (capacitor).

Perhaps the Suzi rectifiers/ECUs weren't properly shielded whilst KHIs were?


Interesting, I hope the Toyota engineers replicate it in front of you, good luck!

 

I absolutely 100% believe this can happen. Anyone who has worked on any cars/bikes knows that adding any aftermarket electrical work may/can cause havoc on the Canbus system. Couple that with salt water, and you may have a recipe for disaster.

Looks like the sand in the tank was a red herring, and while they performed that work, the HID kit got to dry up, and now that you got it wet again, the electronics are going haywire.

 

Wow. I sure hope this is the issue and that you can get back to enjoying your truck!

 

Long story short - I had something similar happen to me.

I had a 2012 F-150 and put in a set of 2013 F-150 HID headlights. For whatever reason the truck did not like the lights. It wired up to the stock system, including the ballast with no issues. After a couple of days the truck would be dead, draining the battery. The lights would blink on and off like it was possessed and wreak havoc on the ECU. When the lights would blink on and off the truck would not start even though the battery had juice. I noticed it would occur especially when it was raining out, in WA State was almost everyday. I replaced the ballast multiple times but it would only last for a few days. Checked and re-checked the lights, wiring etc. for leaks or exposed wires.

Bottom-line, something was screwy and I couldn't get to the bottom of it. I put the old lights back in and everything was fine.

From the sound of your issues it is possible you're experiencing something similar. I hope it works out.

 

It would also explain why they couldn't find the cause for the limp mode originally. Canbus while pretty robust at telling you whats wrong and where, it doesn't get to specific like adding a ballast between your stock headlight connectors and the HID lights.

 

$14k later, and it's aftermarket headlights.

Not sure what emotion I should choose to feel.

 

So if this is true when do you get your 14k back? Id have to see it reproduced!

 

That's the insurance companies 14k. I'd assume they would, but if the dealer had due cause for the repairs (and they did) I would think with court costs that wouldn't be worth pursuing.

 

I would be relieved! Electrical gremlins are the worse and it sounds the source of the problem has been found.

IMO, the issue should have been found the first time around.

 

So they are just now discovering that there were HID's installed?

 

This is only an issue when wet. And what's funny, is the lights never quite working properly. They function normal, so you'd think if they were shorting out they'd be showing some signs...

In going to reduce everything to stock and video me pressure washing the truck (hood popped)

Well see what happens

 

TLDR, Cliff notes please

 

In short, you're lazy.

 

You hit the nail in the head the first time around.. Instead of the dealer doing real troubleshooting, they just started 'replacing'

 

I'm willing to bet it will happen with stock lights too.


Only part on the lights that can really be affected by water is the relay box on the HID harness. Had my set turn themselves on one time when water got in the relay.