Welded and now it won't start.

[charlz]

THAT is fascinating!

Whoever did the detective work to identify the root cause of that problem was either really good or really lucky.

Certain things are (now) known to be 'prime generators' of static electricity... like when kids can rub a balloon on their hair and then make it 'stick' to a wall... or rubbing your feet across the carpet.... which is one reason carpet is not allowed in 'computer rooms'

 

[Redneck in training]

I work with control systems for turbines and compressors. Our standard procedure while removing cards from the system (while working with customer equipment) is to wear grounding bracelet connected to the cabinet.

We have the same equipment for testing of configuration, training etc in the office. With that equipment (labeled "In house only") all rules are broken. We touch it with bare hands, drop it on vinyl floor and misuse it the worst way. And guess what? It still works, some of them after 15, 20 years of abuse. Most modern ICs have built in protection against static discharge connected to every pin of the IC. Needles to say that the ICs can get damaged but it isn't that easy as most people think. The charge would have to be large enough to fry the protection. It could happen but it would be very unlikely.

Since cars, tractors and similar machines are considered especially harsh environment (exposure to low and high temperature, vibration, corrosive gases, moisture etc often all of the above in the same time) the used electronic components are hardened to withstand such condition.

Can welding fry the electronic components? Sure. If you use common sense very unlikely.

 

[deepNdirt]

It was the ignition switch.

:thumbsup:Glad to hear you're back up and running again, Now lets get some soil plowed, springs right around the corner.

 

[Mundy]

I am ready, I have been itching to grade the gravel drive but we still have frost in the ground.
The melted top above the frost is so soft and traps the water at the surface I won't even be able to get the tractor from the barn to the drive for several more weeks since the frost started comming out.

But it was sunny and warm today

 

[BobRip]

THAT is fascinating!

Whoever did the detective work to identify the root cause of that problem was either really good or really lucky.

You know the root problem is not the carpet. It's the electronics without adequate ESD (static) protection. You can "fix it" by removing the carpet, but there may be other sources of ESD and other parts departments with carpets. There are probably other failures of this part, but the rate is low enough that they can get away with it.

 

[Steve Bosshard]

Glad all ended well.

There are some valid points on static discharge in the different posts. Sliding across a plastic seat in dry weather with a polyester jacket can create a pretty big spark that if not protected from, could very well damage sensitive electronics. On the other hand, "properly designed" onboard computers and electronics 'should' have adequate protection both from the ingress of foreign potential (static electricity included) and also not radiate signals harmful to other equipment - 2 way radios, etc.

Disconnecting the battery positive terminal may not be a bad idea on newer equipment while doing welding. Maybe even the manufacturer may have some recommended procedures for servicing. I don't know that I would wear a wrist strap while changing a computer, because there should already be protection in place (but the strap won't hurt and maybe better to err on the side of caution).

Equipment sure has become more complex in the last few years with guidance systems and remote video and on and on.

steve

PS - In real life I maintain a large 911 communications system - over 5000 radios in service. Desk tops use conductive coverings. Floors use conductive carpeting and anti static sprays. Anytime I actually have to remove a circuit card to change a memory chip or the like I wear a wrist strap connected to chassis ground to dissipate any static.

 

[tommu56]

Keep in mind, computers do not only fry, after someone welds on the vehicle.

I can attest to that 2006 dodge ram ctd no trailer turn signal lights cut wire shorted them out.
Ok look for fuse none.
Some sorta brilliant engineer decided to put electronic fusing in the body computer that has to be reset by dealer (REALLY STUPID in my opinion) Ill advise cost of the repair it is in the shop today.
I'll be adding fuses right after I find wiring diagram.

tom

 

[ray66v]

I can attest to that 2006 dodge ram ctd no trailer turn signal lights cut wire shorted them out.
Ok look for fuse none.
Some sorta brilliant engineer decided to put electronic fusing in the body computer that has to be reset by dealer (REALLY STUPID in my opinion) Ill advise cost of the repair it is in the shop today.
I'll be adding fuses right after I find wiring diagram.

tom

I an not a big fan of any vehicle manufacturer, in general, after having had lots of experience seeing how they all are designed, constructed, and constantly having to deal with replacing things that were never engineered to be repaired.

I do dislike some manufacturers more than others. I could in fact, write a book about the short comings of Chrysler products. Instead, I'll just say the Chrysler corporation has well earned, the highest, "very special" rating from me. :confused2:

 

[Eagleview]

I'll be adding fuses right after I find wiring diagram. tom

Be careful of this , if it is Can Bus wiring , putting a fuse in the line can change the resistance and cause all sorts of issues . One wire may do several functions . The ECU sends a signal down the wire and waits for a reply before it will send any more power . If it senses the wrong resistance , no more power will be supplied .

 

[tommu56]

Be careful of this , if it is Can Bus wiring , putting a fuse in the line can change the resistance and cause all sorts of issues . One wire may do several functions . The ECU sends a signal down the wire and waits for a reply before it will send any more power . If it senses the wrong resistance , no more power will be supplied .

I am an electrician pre canbus but if its like profibus it is a pain to t/s

I went to pick the truck up today they said connector was dirty plugged in my tester still didn't work plugged it in to my blazer and it worked back to the truck still bad took out meter got <1volt
Back In to service mgr he said it worked in shop I said prove it they brought out a set of truck lights on a hunk of metal and a 3rd light for the battery
park light, battery, back up lights work no turn or stop lights????

They said they would look at it in the morning.
my wallet is$ 85.00 lighter

tom