I have a 2003 SVT Lightning. Ever since it's gotten colder, I have been wearing more layered clothing including various coats and sweaters. Well, that has led to additional static electricity and an occasional zap whenever I get in and out of the truck. Most of the time it has happened AFTER I start the truck, right when I first touch the column shifter to move it from Park to Reverse (to back out of my garage). I would feel a mild shock through my fingertips and I never thought anything of it until last night, when I shocked myself as usual but then realized that my Autolamp wasn't working. The headlights came on fine when I switched them on manually, but turning it to the Autolamp side does nothing. I flipped through the user manual to identify the Autolamp fuse number, and discovered that the Autolamp is on the same circuit as the Overdrive selector switch and the Beltminder. Sure enough, none of those items worked either. Checked the fuse box, blown 5A fuse. Replaced fuse, Beltminder gong/chime works again, but the Autolamp and Overdrive still don't work (the Overdrive mode cannot be selected, nor does the amber light on the column shifter handle illuminate). So what gives? I checked all of the other fuses with a tester and they are fine. Is there a relay I need to check? I assume that I short-circuited something when I zapped the column shifter (which took out the Overdrive switch and maybe the Autolamp downstream too?).

I'm still under warranty so I can get this diagnosed and repaired for free, but all of the dealerships are booking appointments for the first week of January and I'd rather fix it myself at home if it's going to be a 5-minute job replacing a $5 relay.

Any ideas or suggestions? Or should I just let the pros handle it?

 

I think there was a problem where the wires rubbed and broke in the column due to adjusting the column and moving the shifter lever.