Posted by S. Bear on Monday, July 05, 2004 at 10:53PM :
So Im out messing with the new FF and decide to flip this innocent little toggle switch that the previous owner has installed. Its for the clearance lights.
Funny, I dont recall the switch having a light in it. Man, it sure is bright for a single 6-volt bulb... Hmmm, and someone must have set off a few late fireworks cause I can smell smoke...
Wait a minute... Bright light? Smoke? Oh no, its FIRE!!!!!! MY truck is one FIRE!!!
Hold on!!! Its OK... Im a career firefighter with years of experience, so Im obviously trained to handle these emergencies, right? Except, this is MY TRUCK and ITS ON FIRE!!!!
DEEP BREATH!!!
OK, composure regained!!! Thinking logically now. (Except, its MY TRUCK and its on FIRE!).
OK, what to do next? Disconnect the battery? Darn, no tools nearby! Run for a fire extinguisher? No time, after all, its MY TRUCK and ITS on FIRE!!!
OK, decision time.. Let her burn or sacrifice myself.. Easy choice, SACRIFICE!
Peering through the smoke I grab the burning wires and give a few strong pulls. It works!! The wire pulls clear and the fire begins to go out. The smoke clears. Thinks are looking better...
Funny how the smell of burned flesh isnt as important as the smell of those burned wires. And upon closer review, the skin is charred so Ive obviously toasted all the nerves too! That means NO PAIN for now, right.
Oh well, what PW owner wouldnt sacrifice a few 3rd degree burns for his truck, right?
I think tomorrow Ill check the other wires that the previous owner installed. Wouldnt ya think a simple fuse would have been in order?
Stay safe!
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