ford 1520 glow plug timer - fix worked for me.

[99k1500]

With my newly acquired 1520, I have been doing LOTS of reading. I understand that the glow plug lamp often does not light up because of the timer relay. I also understand that the timer often still works, but does not light the lamp.

With my lamp not lighting and nothing to loose, as I am not interested in spending 70+ dollars on a light. I took the relay off of the firewall. Took the back cover off, as it pops off with a small screwdriver. I used several q-tips and rubbing alcohol to wipe the thing down. Most of it is covered in a a light epoxy type covering to keep out water. Anyways after simply cleaning the part up and putting it back in its case. I re-installed and..... I now have a glow plug light!!!

I am sure many have done the same, but in this instance it worked for me.

 

[JC-jetro]

cool:thumbsup:. You basically reduced circuit impedance giving an easier way to current to flow and be able to activate the glow light. it is great to be able to solve a problem following the very basic concepts.

JC,

 

[Marveltone]

Don't you just love free fixes? :thumbsup:

Joe

 

[djradz]

Great fix. You have to sometimes be a little careful with Q-tips as the fuzz can sometimes get stuck between the contacts and not be noticeable. In your case, as it's now working, looks like its good. "Electrical Contact Cleaner", usually in a spray can, works well for this too and some leave a little corrosion inhibitor residue in place.

 

[99k1500]

Ok, It only worked for 1 day, But since there are no moving parts in the timer, no relay or anything of the nature. I am not worried about leaving q-tip fuz, or reducing impedance. I must have moved one of the many electrical components. Or removed some corrosion that was sorting between two components.

I believe this time simply lights a light on the dash and not an actual coil of wire used on older models. That is why I don't think it is an impedance issue.

Time for more research on this issue. I know most guys just ignore it as the glow plugs operate normally and the part is way to expensive to fix for that light. If I could only find the actual part that is bad.

 

[JC-jetro]

Ok, It only worked for 1 day, But since there are no moving parts in the timer, no relay or anything of the nature. I am not worried about leaving q-tip fuz, or reducing impedance. I must have moved one of the many electrical components. Or removed some corrosion that was sorting between two components.

I believe this time simply lights a light on the dash and not an actual coil of wire used on older models. That is why I don't think it is an impedance issue.

Time for more research on this issue. I know most guys just ignore it as the glow plugs operate normally and the part is way to expensive to fix for that light. If I could only find the actual part that is bad.

why don't you take the voltage between the ground and the the positive in the glow plug itself. Turn the switch on and start observing. That might shed some light.

JC,

 

[jimmysisson]

Back in my car mechanic days we fixed many a problem, electrical and otherwise, by remove/disassemble/clean/put back in. Simpler parts, though.
Jim

 

[convincor1520]

Digging up an old thread..
Been thinking about this glow plug light issue since I had the same problem, which really is no big deal but I like things to work as they should.
I also open with up, sprayed it with contact cleaner and it worked... once. Looked at the board under microscope and most of the solder joints look like cold joints.
Went to NH and looked up the timer again, and still list for $105. I don't need the light that bad..
Copied the part number and did a google search and found an ebay listing that crosses it over to a Kubota #15694-65990 and can be had new for $12.99 free shipping.
I Bought one, and before installing opened it up and it's a modern version of the old.
Works perfect.