i have many eletrical problems with my truck and i suspect they are all related. here is a list:

1) cruise would shut off when i put turn signal on
2) after a few months cruise doesn't work at all
3) turn signal beats rapidly, but slows down as i come to a stop, then speeds back up when i accelerate from a stop and turn the corner
4) turn signal does not work at all on truck when i hook up a trailer
5) red battery light comes on once in a while when i let up on gas pedal
6) service 4wd comes on periodically (2 hi not lit up, or all lights on at once)


wonder if i have a bad ground somewhere. it would be hard to find. please help if you can. it is driving me nuts

 

You might need a NEW plate where the rear lights connect to next to your spare tire.
find a better ground. Been there done that. This is aside from checking fuses and bulbs.


Get the Battery Tested, if its bad then Get an Optima battery and while your in there have them test the Alternator.

 

Sometimes the whole turn signal/cruise/hazard/wiper switch goes bad and can cause troubles. Take the steering column cover off and see if anything looks burnt. You can get them on ebay for ~$75-100, search 'silverado turn signal switch'.

 

By any chance did you swap to led bulbs?

 

Just to be sure pull the bottom cover off on the steering column. Look at the wiring going into the multi function / turn signal switch. I have seen dozens that are melted causing all kinds of problems. From what you describe I do think you have a bad ground. Start at the battery cables. Make sure they are clean and tight at both ends. Check the ground strap on the back of the head to the body. This is where I would start.

 

i will check the wires in the steering column.

not sure what you mean by ground strap on the back of the head to the body. you mean the wire the goes from the negative terminal of my battery all the way to chasis?

thanks everyone for your help. these eletrical problems i can only take so long until they drive me nuts.

 

you mean for the turn signals or in the instrument cluster?

 

There is a ground strap on the back of the right cylinder head. It should go to the firewall somewhere.