Came home from school tonight and had a little issue...First, it started really hard like it needed a new battery (it has a new one.) Second, my radio was on and working, but no sound was coming out even with the sound turned up. Third, the spedo was jumping around like a mad man and wouldn't work at times. Fourth, both the SRS and ABS lights were on (never have come one before.) About half way home, everything went back to normal: radio worked, spedo worked, dash lights turned off.
Hmmmm...thats odd.

What might cause this and how could I fix it? Would this be the work of a electrical short somewhere?

 

Sounds like a wet ECU. That's some funky stuff.

What's your weather been like lately?

 

Weather has been dry the past week or so. I havent even washed the disco in a while. What's really odd is the ultra gauge showed normal rmps, temp, and speed like nothings wrong.

 

twice i had to remove rats from my engine (PR). once from each truck. both times they ate a lot of electrical cable coverings. the electrics/truck would do the craziest things. once (NYS) i had to have a rat removed from my squirrel box as it died and was pushing fumes through the vent system. that just stank and cost me more $$$. horrible.

 

I dont know if there has been any rats/mice in mine...but I do know before I bought it, it had been sitting for a few months. I drove it this morning and it was fine, no lights, everything worked, but it still started a little hard. Also, I noticed it only starts like it needs a new battery when it is cold. Starts perfect when it is even a little warmer. It did, however, throw a new code (p1317) which is "ABS Rough Road Line Low Fault." No clue what it means, but could be a prime suspect.

 

Just cause its a new battery doesn't mean its good, or your alt could be bad not charging the battery, or the belt slipping or routed wrong.

 

how are your grounds?

check resistance between the engine/frame/body and the negative post on the battery.
shouldnt be more than 1, maybe 2, ohms at the farther point on the truck if your grounds are good.

 

How would I check for a belt slipping?

 

Normally it will squeal

 

What CCA is your battery?