burning electrical smell -- now headlights come on @ eng. start.

[designit]

recently had the heater core replaced, (had a leaky windshield too) so when the dash / trim was pulled out, I put 1 tube of black silcon around the inside of windshield and one tube around the outside.. Seemed to work... There were several rainy periods & it wasn't acting up after rain.

I recently moved a month ago, & can park under cover now. A Couple days ago I noticed a sharp burning smell (electrical) - no smoke... Now when I start the car, the headlights turn on but not @ full power. They're dimmer than when I turn the lights to the on position @ the dash switch... This is a new issue and obviously related.

Gem module? -- Something else maybe?

Thx, in advance if any thoughts.

 

[SkyJumper]

recently had the heater core replaced, (had a leaky windshield too) so when the dash / trim was pulled out, I put 1 tube of black silcon around the inside of windshield and one tube around the outside.. Seemed to work... There were several rainy periods & it wasn't acting up after rain.

I recently moved a month ago, & can park under cover now. A Couple days ago I noticed a sharp burning smell (electrical) - no smoke... Now when I start the car, the headlights turn on but not @ full power. They're dimmer than when I turn the lights to the on position @ the dash switch... This is a new issue and obviously related.

Gem module? -- Something else maybe?

Thx, in advance if any thoughts.

I would assume that the GEM got wet and needs to be replaced or cleaned (DRIED) up.

 

[Thermo]

designit, do you have autolamps on your truck? If so, that may change what I am about to say a little bit.

As for your problem, for the headlights to come on like you are saying, you are having a power wire short to the headlights. Now the question is, where is this occurring. I would say to first access the back of the headlight switch and unplug the electrical connector there. Do the headlights still come on? If no, then odds are your problem is the headlight switch is bad and it is failing internally, leading to your problems.

If the headlights come on, reconnect the headlight switch and unplug the connector for the multifunction stalk. If this kills the headlights, then you have a bad multifunction stalk. If the headlights remain on, then you have an electrical short between two wires inside the dash which will only really be found by either high end electronic testers or by hand over handing the wiring, seeing where you can find some damaged wiring.

If you need more help, let me know.

 

[designit]

Hmm... back to normal now... ?? Guess I'll just have to keep an eye on it. (or a nose)

I assume it's the GEM, & all I can figure is that since the heater core and sealant around the windshield... It's finally dried out (or close to it).

Maybe it's just going though the process of expelling it's remaining inner demons? lol...