Electrical Trouble

So since I've had my taco (since march )the following have stopped working/been replaced: headlight went out, tail light went out, gauge went out twice, AC panel light went out, and license plate bulbs went out. I honestly don't know where to even start troubleshooting this problem. Anybody have any suggestions?

 

Headlights dim slightly on heavy bass/loud volumes b/c of new stereo system...will be doing the big three upgrade soon. But these problems arised far before my stereo install so can't be associated with that. And what grounds would I be checking? Never done any electrical work besides my stereo recently...I'm currently searching for info though.

 

First off you need to pull your fuse on the stereo till you find the problem. Stereo should be the last thing on your mind when the problems like this popped up.

Grounds on the truck are passenger side kick panel, some in the drivers side kick panel. One ground on your chassis short wire from ground to frame. Other one is on the back of the engine cylinder head to chassis. Any rust around those can be problem. One i believe in the dash cant remember where.

If your blowing light bulbs like crazy you need to take a volt meter, pull the battery (disconnect) and do some ohms law across the truck to find your problem (grounds) . Check your fittings of your bulbs not rusted out or anything from making a good contact also.

 

What do you mean do some ohms law across the truck? Like I said, not as knowledgeable as I'd like to be when it comes to this...hence why I'm asking for help. Thank you btw I appreciate it.

 

More info that might help...the ac panel light would randomly come on, then turn back off...before finally completely going out. My instrument gauge bulb did the same thing, on and off throughout the day then nothing.

 

He is assuming you know what a VOM is ( a Volt-Ohm Meter ).
This is a hand-held device used to measure electric potential (voltage)
and static electrical resistance (in Ohms).

You can use it to determine if your alternator is putting out too
much voltage ( should be no more that 15) and subsequently frying your electrical components.

It can also be used to measure the resistance between your 'ground' connections and the frame (actual ground). Should be zero ohms.

If you don't have a VOM, or know how to use one, then you need to go to a friend or relative who does.

Hope this helps.

 

OK yeah I've read up on that before and I have a multi meter too, thanks!

Additionally, I've been thinking all damn night about this and I started thinking of other possible causes. Then I remember I just washed my truck a day before the gauge went out a couple days ago...kind of leads me into thinking something is getting wet? Is my hypothesis off base?