Problem with TV

[Anmacc2]

I'm having a quirky problem with my TV not related to towing as it happens when I'm using it as my DD. It runs perfect but suddenly the check engine light comes on and the cruise control stops working. Visual inspection showed corrosion on my battery connection. Figured no matter what that had to be taken care of. Cleaned it up and check engine light went out and the cruise control was working. Days and weeks pass and then the problem repeats. Put in new battery (it was time anyway) and replaced the battery clamps. Still happens randomly..... Code says electrical, not helpful. Any ideas?

[Anmacc2]

Thank you everyone! The culprit is the alternator! Easy fix, I hope that takes care of it. BTW/my truck is in my signature but I should have restated it for everyone's convenience. I love this group!

[dhust]

I had a Ford that the Check Engine light would come on occasionally. When that happened the information center would say "Electrical System Malfunction". After about 5 seconds it straightened up and ran fine. I finally decided to have the alternator checked out. It was determined that the alternator was beginning to go. I also noticed that cruise control, and the heated seats would not work. I replaced the alternator, and everything started working fine. I read in the manual later that if the alternator was not working correctly, the computer would shut down the "non-necessary" electrical equipment (heated seats and cruise control).

Might want to get the alternator checked out if it is an electrical thing. Most auto parts stores will do that for free.

[Keith099]

A lot of codes when set will disable cruise control. It's a limp mode/ engine protection thing.

Anything with fuel pressure, especially low pressure, will do it. Clogged fuel filter would be my stab in the dark guess. Not knowing what kind of truck you have leaves a lot of guessing to be done. If it's a Dodge, the cam position sensors will do exactly what you're describing, but then I don't know the year. Yours might not even have a cam sensor.

[captnjack]

Anmacc2 wrote:

budwich wrote:
well... you need a new TV don't you? now is the time.... besides who uses cruise control towing... 🙂

IF you want help, you need to specifically indicate all the codes you are reading (along with perhaps your TV type). Without those, saying its "electrical" isn't going to help much here or even in a specific truck forum.

I really do need a new TV. Thank you for giving me permission to buy one! I tend to keep my cars too long. My DD is 28yrs old and has 500,000 miles. My TV is 15 yrs old with 200,000 miles. DW has the new car, 12 yrs old with 100,000. I bought each one new and can't seem to part with them... They all run excellent but they develop these quirky little problems that aren't easily diagnosed or fixed.

That's fine but it would still likely be helpful if you posted the year, make and model of your current tow vehicle. Someone may recognize your situation.

[Anmacc2]

budwich wrote:
well... you need a new TV don't you? now is the time.... besides who uses cruise control towing... 🙂

IF you want help, you need to specifically indicate all the codes you are reading (along with perhaps your TV type). Without those, saying its "electrical" isn't going to help much here or even in a specific truck forum.

I really do need a new TV. Thank you for giving me permission to buy one! I tend to keep my cars too long. My DD is 28yrs old and has 500,000 miles. My TV is 15 yrs old with 200,000 miles. DW has the new car, 12 yrs old with 100,000. I bought each one new and can't seem to part with them... They all run excellent but they develop these quirky little problems that aren't easily diagnosed or fixed.

[houstonstroker]

Autozone or similar place in your area can read codes for free. I bought a OBDII blue tooth adapter and a $5.00 app for my phone (Torque Pro) and can read and erase codes myself. I use this app when I'm driving and monitor everything the PCM monitors.

[GaryWT]

We use cruise control all the time towing. You might need to take it to someone who can at least tell you what the code is. Good luck.

[budwich]

well... you need a new TV don't you? now is the time.... besides who uses cruise control towing... 🙂

IF you want help, you need to specifically indicate all the codes you are reading (along with perhaps your TV type). Without those, saying its "electrical" isn't going to help much here or even in a specific truck forum.