​​Gary's Garagemahal
  • Bullnose Forum
    • Ford Truck Show Info
    • Forum FAQ's
    • Member's Map
  • Bullnose FAQ's
  • Cooling Systems
    • Cooling Fan #'s & Illustrations
    • Cooling System Illustrations
    • Coolant Recovery & Windshield Washer Reservoirs
    • Radiator Hoses
    • Radiator Support
    • Radiator Part #'s
    • Shroud Part #'s
    • Thermostats
    • Water Pump #'s & Illustrations
  • Driveline
    • Bell Housings
    • Brakes
    • Clutches and Linkage
    • Differentials
    • Drive Shafts >
      • Coupling Shaft
      • Front Driveshafts
      • Rear Driveshafts >
        • F100 2wd Driveshafts
        • F150 2wd Driveshafts
        • F150 4wd Driveshafts
        • F250 2wd Driveshafts
        • F250 4wd Driveshafts
        • Rear Axle Vents
        • F350 2wd Driveshafts
        • F350 4wd Driveshafts
      • U-Joints
    • Engine Plates
    • Rear Axles
    • Skid Plates
    • Transfer Cases
    • Transmissions >
      • Automatic Transmissions >
        • C6
        • Kickdown Linkage
      • Manual Transmissions >
        • General Manual Transmission Service
        • NP435
        • T-18
        • T-19
        • ZF5
    • Speedometer Gears >
      • Speedometer Drive Gears
      • Speedometer Driven Gears
    • Wheels
  • Electrical
    • 3G Conversion
    • Alternators
    • Ammeter
    • Batteries
    • Battery Cables
    • Battery Trays
    • Circuit Protection
    • Computer Internals
    • Distributors
    • EEC-IV Diagnostics
    • Electricity 099
    • EVTM >
      • 1981 EVTM
      • 1986 EVTM
    • Fog or Driving Lights
    • Gauges
    • Ground Wires >
      • Engine-to-Firewall Ground
      • Battery to Ground
      • Battery to RH Fender
      • Firewall to Hood
    • Headlight Wiring Harness
    • ICVR
    • Ignition Modules
    • Ignition Switch
    • PMGR Starter Wiring
    • Radios
    • Relays
    • Sending Units
    • Standard Wire And Color Codes
    • Tachometers
    • Voltage Drop Testing
    • Windshield Wipers
    • Wiring Connectors
    • Wiring Diagrams
  • Emissions
    • Inferred Mileage
    • Thermactor Systems
  • Engines
    • Engine Building Basics
    • 300 Six
    • 351M and 400
    • 385 Series
    • Windsor Series
    • IDI Diesel
    • Drive Belts
    • EGR Valves >
      • EGR System Description & Testing
      • EGR Spacer
      • Gasket: Carb/EGR to Intake (9447)
    • Flywheels
    • Manifolds, EGR, Heat Valves, etc
    • Engine Swaps >
      • 300 Six to Small-Block V8
    • Pulleys
    • Starters
  • Exhaust Systems
  • Exterior
    • Beds, Tailgates, and Components
    • Bumpers
    • Exterior Mirrors
    • Exterior Trim and Moulding
    • Frames >
      • Engine Perches
    • Name Plates
    • Push Bars
    • Spare Tire Carriers
  • Fuel Systems
    • 460 Fuel Systems
    • Air Cleaners >
      • Air Cleaner Illustrations
      • Air Cleaner Heat Tube
      • Air Cleaner Housing #'s
      • Air Cleaner Snorkels
      • Air Cleaner Tube #'s
      • Hot Air Shroud
    • Carburetors, Chokes, & EFI >
      • EFI Idle Speed Adjustment
      • Jetting
      • How To Find Carb Parts
      • Chokes
      • Carter YFA 1bbl
      • EFI
      • Edelbrock
      • Motorcraft 2150
      • Holley 4180C
      • Motorcraft 7200 VV
    • Diagnostics
    • Fuel System Illustrations >
      • Fuel Filler Pipes
      • 1980-84 F-Series & Bronco
      • 1983-84 F-Series Diesel
      • 1983-87 F350 Chassis Cab DRW
      • 1985 F-Series 302 w/EFI
      • 1985-87 Bronco
      • 1985 on F-Series
    • Fuel System Part #'s >
      • Fuel Filler Pipes
      • Fuel Senders & Pumps
      • Fuel Tanks
      • Fuel Tank Selector Switch
      • Fuel Tank Selector Valve
      • Fuel Vapor Valve
      • Fuel Vapor Separator
    • Fuel System Wiring
  • Fasteners & Illustrations
    • Frame
    • Front Clip >
      • Fenders and Aprons
      • Hood
      • Radiator and Grille
      • Headlights and Turn Signals
      • Wheelwell Moulding
      • Fastener Pictures >
        • 10756
        • 13032
        • 45260-S2
        • 55734
        • 55914-S2
        • 55914-S36
        • 56904-S
        • N56912-S2
        • 372046-S
        • 384439-S47X
        • 384931
        • 385324
        • 385579-S2
        • 385661-S
        • 386132
        • 387324-S
        • 605892-S
        • N606675-S36
        • N606676-S36
        • N606677-S36
        • N606689-S2
        • N606690-S2
        • N606702-S36
        • N610019-S
        • N610025-S
        • 610056-S36
        • N623332-S2
        • N623333-S2
        • N623342-S2
        • N623343-S2
        • N623344-S2
        • N800297-S36
        • N800335-S100
        • N800428
        • N800488-S
        • N800576-S426
        • N801521-S2
        • N803387
  • HVAC
    • HVAC Systems
    • 300 Six Compressor Illustrations
    • Factory A/C Brackets
  • Interior
    • Boots
    • Doors >
      • Door Locks
      • Door Panels
      • Electric Windows & Locks
      • Handles & Boot
      • Vent Windows
      • Windows
    • Horn Pads
    • Instrument Panel Name Plates
    • Instrument & Radio Bezels
    • Kick Panels
    • Painting Gauge Needles
    • Rear Corner Trim
    • Salvaging Rosewood
    • Seat Belts
    • Seat Interchangeability
    • Sill Plates
    • Steering Columns
  • Literature
    • 1980 Literature
    • 1981 Literature
    • 1982 Literature
    • 1983 Literature
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    • 1985 Literature
    • 1986 Literature
  • Picture Galleries
    • 1983 Bronco Survivor
    • 1984 Bronco XLT
    • 1985 F-150 Survivor
    • Big Blackie
    • Big Blue >
      • Big Blues Documentation
    • Dad's Truck >
      • Air Cleaner
      • Aluminum Wheels
      • Electrical Components >
        • Alternator
        • Battery
        • Power Distribution
      • Gauges
      • Engine
      • Frame
      • Seats
      • Transfer Case
      • Transmission
    • Rusty
  • Specifications
    • Assembly Plants
    • Axle Ratios
    • Body Codes - Interior
    • Build Sheet Interpretation
    • Interior Paint
    • Calibration Codes
    • Certification Label
    • DSO Codes
    • Engine Codes
    • Exterior Paint Codes
    • Lubricant Specifications
    • Model Codes
    • Spring Codes
    • Towing
    • Transmission Codes
    • Tape Stripe Codes >
      • Bronco Tape Stripe Codes
      • F-Series Tape Stripe Codes
    • VIN Decoding
  • Suspension & Steering
    • 2WD Spindles
    • Body Mounts
    • Front Suspension
    • Steering >
      • Coupling - Rag Joint
      • Power Steering Brackets
      • Power Steering Illustrations
      • Pulleys
      • Steering Columns
      • Steering Gear Box
      • Tie Rods and Drag Links
    • Rear Suspension >
      • Auxiliary Springs
      • Rear Sway Bar
      • Rear Springs >
        • 1980 Rear Springs
  • TSB's
    • 2G Alternator Repair
    • 4.9L Exhaust Manifold Warping
    • EEC-IV Diagnostics
    • EEC-IV TSB's
    • EMW Module
    • Frame Creaking/Popping
    • Fuel Cross-Flow
    • IAC Bypass
    • Low Oil Pressure
    • Radio Ignition Noise
    • Tool Box Mount
    • Stall/No Start: TFI
    • Stall/No Start/Hessitation
  • Underhood
    • Fender Aprons
    • Cowl Seal
    • Speed Control
    • Vacuum Systems >
      • Vacuum Diagrams >
        • 300 Six
        • 302/5.0L
        • 351W
        • 351M/400
        • 460 V8
      • Vacuum Reservoirs
    • Tool Box
  • About Me/Contact Me
    • Youth Classes >
      • Automotive Maintenance >
        • Fall of 2015
      • Building Web Sites >
        • Lesson 1
        • Lesson 2
        • Lesson 3
        • LTC
      • Overview of Paul's Life, Journeys, & Works >
        • Lesson 1
        • Lesson 2
    • Projects >
      • Engine Cradle
      • Gauge Pocket
  • Bullnose Forum
    • Ford Truck Show Info
    • Forum FAQ's
    • Member's Map
  • Bullnose FAQ's
  • Cooling Systems
    • Cooling Fan #'s & Illustrations
    • Cooling System Illustrations
    • Coolant Recovery & Windshield Washer Reservoirs
    • Radiator Hoses
    • Radiator Support
    • Radiator Part #'s
    • Shroud Part #'s
    • Thermostats
    • Water Pump #'s & Illustrations
  • Driveline
    • Bell Housings
    • Brakes
    • Clutches and Linkage
    • Differentials
    • Drive Shafts >
      • Coupling Shaft
      • Front Driveshafts
      • Rear Driveshafts >
        • F100 2wd Driveshafts
        • F150 2wd Driveshafts
        • F150 4wd Driveshafts
        • F250 2wd Driveshafts
        • F250 4wd Driveshafts
        • Rear Axle Vents
        • F350 2wd Driveshafts
        • F350 4wd Driveshafts
      • U-Joints
    • Engine Plates
    • Rear Axles
    • Skid Plates
    • Transfer Cases
    • Transmissions >
      • Automatic Transmissions >
        • C6
        • Kickdown Linkage
      • Manual Transmissions >
        • General Manual Transmission Service
        • NP435
        • T-18
        • T-19
        • ZF5
    • Speedometer Gears >
      • Speedometer Drive Gears
      • Speedometer Driven Gears
    • Wheels
  • Electrical
    • 3G Conversion
    • Alternators
    • Ammeter
    • Batteries
    • Battery Cables
    • Battery Trays
    • Circuit Protection
    • Computer Internals
    • Distributors
    • EEC-IV Diagnostics
    • Electricity 099
    • EVTM >
      • 1981 EVTM
      • 1986 EVTM
    • Fog or Driving Lights
    • Gauges
    • Ground Wires >
      • Engine-to-Firewall Ground
      • Battery to Ground
      • Battery to RH Fender
      • Firewall to Hood
    • Headlight Wiring Harness
    • ICVR
    • Ignition Modules
    • Ignition Switch
    • PMGR Starter Wiring
    • Radios
    • Relays
    • Sending Units
    • Standard Wire And Color Codes
    • Tachometers
    • Voltage Drop Testing
    • Windshield Wipers
    • Wiring Connectors
    • Wiring Diagrams
  • Emissions
    • Inferred Mileage
    • Thermactor Systems
  • Engines
    • Engine Building Basics
    • 300 Six
    • 351M and 400
    • 385 Series
    • Windsor Series
    • IDI Diesel
    • Drive Belts
    • EGR Valves >
      • EGR System Description & Testing
      • EGR Spacer
      • Gasket: Carb/EGR to Intake (9447)
    • Flywheels
    • Manifolds, EGR, Heat Valves, etc
    • Engine Swaps >
      • 300 Six to Small-Block V8
    • Pulleys
    • Starters
  • Exhaust Systems
  • Exterior
    • Beds, Tailgates, and Components
    • Bumpers
    • Exterior Mirrors
    • Exterior Trim and Moulding
    • Frames >
      • Engine Perches
    • Name Plates
    • Push Bars
    • Spare Tire Carriers
  • Fuel Systems
    • 460 Fuel Systems
    • Air Cleaners >
      • Air Cleaner Illustrations
      • Air Cleaner Heat Tube
      • Air Cleaner Housing #'s
      • Air Cleaner Snorkels
      • Air Cleaner Tube #'s
      • Hot Air Shroud
    • Carburetors, Chokes, & EFI >
      • EFI Idle Speed Adjustment
      • Jetting
      • How To Find Carb Parts
      • Chokes
      • Carter YFA 1bbl
      • EFI
      • Edelbrock
      • Motorcraft 2150
      • Holley 4180C
      • Motorcraft 7200 VV
    • Diagnostics
    • Fuel System Illustrations >
      • Fuel Filler Pipes
      • 1980-84 F-Series & Bronco
      • 1983-84 F-Series Diesel
      • 1983-87 F350 Chassis Cab DRW
      • 1985 F-Series 302 w/EFI
      • 1985-87 Bronco
      • 1985 on F-Series
    • Fuel System Part #'s >
      • Fuel Filler Pipes
      • Fuel Senders & Pumps
      • Fuel Tanks
      • Fuel Tank Selector Switch
      • Fuel Tank Selector Valve
      • Fuel Vapor Valve
      • Fuel Vapor Separator
    • Fuel System Wiring
  • Fasteners & Illustrations
    • Frame
    • Front Clip >
      • Fenders and Aprons
      • Hood
      • Radiator and Grille
      • Headlights and Turn Signals
      • Wheelwell Moulding
      • Fastener Pictures >
        • 10756
        • 13032
        • 45260-S2
        • 55734
        • 55914-S2
        • 55914-S36
        • 56904-S
        • N56912-S2
        • 372046-S
        • 384439-S47X
        • 384931
        • 385324
        • 385579-S2
        • 385661-S
        • 386132
        • 387324-S
        • 605892-S
        • N606675-S36
        • N606676-S36
        • N606677-S36
        • N606689-S2
        • N606690-S2
        • N606702-S36
        • N610019-S
        • N610025-S
        • 610056-S36
        • N623332-S2
        • N623333-S2
        • N623342-S2
        • N623343-S2
        • N623344-S2
        • N800297-S36
        • N800335-S100
        • N800428
        • N800488-S
        • N800576-S426
        • N801521-S2
        • N803387
  • HVAC
    • HVAC Systems
    • 300 Six Compressor Illustrations
    • Factory A/C Brackets
  • Interior
    • Boots
    • Doors >
      • Door Locks
      • Door Panels
      • Electric Windows & Locks
      • Handles & Boot
      • Vent Windows
      • Windows
    • Horn Pads
    • Instrument Panel Name Plates
    • Instrument & Radio Bezels
    • Kick Panels
    • Painting Gauge Needles
    • Rear Corner Trim
    • Salvaging Rosewood
    • Seat Belts
    • Seat Interchangeability
    • Sill Plates
    • Steering Columns
  • Literature
    • 1980 Literature
    • 1981 Literature
    • 1982 Literature
    • 1983 Literature
    • 1984 Literature
    • 1985 Literature
    • 1986 Literature
  • Picture Galleries
    • 1983 Bronco Survivor
    • 1984 Bronco XLT
    • 1985 F-150 Survivor
    • Big Blackie
    • Big Blue >
      • Big Blues Documentation
    • Dad's Truck >
      • Air Cleaner
      • Aluminum Wheels
      • Electrical Components >
        • Alternator
        • Battery
        • Power Distribution
      • Gauges
      • Engine
      • Frame
      • Seats
      • Transfer Case
      • Transmission
    • Rusty
  • Specifications
    • Assembly Plants
    • Axle Ratios
    • Body Codes - Interior
    • Build Sheet Interpretation
    • Interior Paint
    • Calibration Codes
    • Certification Label
    • DSO Codes
    • Engine Codes
    • Exterior Paint Codes
    • Lubricant Specifications
    • Model Codes
    • Spring Codes
    • Towing
    • Transmission Codes
    • Tape Stripe Codes >
      • Bronco Tape Stripe Codes
      • F-Series Tape Stripe Codes
    • VIN Decoding
  • Suspension & Steering
    • 2WD Spindles
    • Body Mounts
    • Front Suspension
    • Steering >
      • Coupling - Rag Joint
      • Power Steering Brackets
      • Power Steering Illustrations
      • Pulleys
      • Steering Columns
      • Steering Gear Box
      • Tie Rods and Drag Links
    • Rear Suspension >
      • Auxiliary Springs
      • Rear Sway Bar
      • Rear Springs >
        • 1980 Rear Springs
  • TSB's
    • 2G Alternator Repair
    • 4.9L Exhaust Manifold Warping
    • EEC-IV Diagnostics
    • EEC-IV TSB's
    • EMW Module
    • Frame Creaking/Popping
    • Fuel Cross-Flow
    • IAC Bypass
    • Low Oil Pressure
    • Radio Ignition Noise
    • Tool Box Mount
    • Stall/No Start: TFI
    • Stall/No Start/Hessitation
  • Underhood
    • Fender Aprons
    • Cowl Seal
    • Speed Control
    • Vacuum Systems >
      • Vacuum Diagrams >
        • 300 Six
        • 302/5.0L
        • 351W
        • 351M/400
        • 460 V8
      • Vacuum Reservoirs
    • Tool Box
  • About Me/Contact Me
    • Youth Classes >
      • Automotive Maintenance >
        • Fall of 2015
      • Building Web Sites >
        • Lesson 1
        • Lesson 2
        • Lesson 3
        • LTC
      • Overview of Paul's Life, Journeys, & Works >
        • Lesson 1
        • Lesson 2
    • Projects >
      • Engine Cradle
      • Gauge Pocket
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YOUR CART

1980 - 86 Ford Trucks
  • Electrical
    • Ammeter
    • Electricity 099
    • EVTM
      • ​1981 EVTM
      • 1986 EVTM
    • ICVR
    • Ignition Switch
    • Headlight Wiring Harness
    • Wiring Connectors
The original electrical system on the 1980 - 86 trucks left a lot to be desired.  First, the source of electricity, the alternator, was an old design that was updated soon after these trucks were made.  Second, the batteries were held in the truck in an odd way that was also updated in the next generation of trucks.  And the method of distributing the power was also "old school" and was significantly revised soon after these trucks were made.  Then there's the instrumentation, which used a bizarre method of "voltage control" that frequently caused wrong readings, and an ammeter that told the driver very little.  The following pages outline the issues and what can be done about them.
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