Relay Chatter Chevy Burb Help!

[llih]

Still trying to resolve the idle/miss problem on my 1990 Burb. Now the truck seems to have developed a relay chatter. Both the electric fan relay and the fuel pump relay are chattering. I have cleaned all the grounds, checked connections. Also the windshield wipers do not want to stay off. I attributed it at first to the switch being worn, now I am not so sure. Perhaps the problems are related. I have the column apart now. I replaced the wiper stalk, (not the switch). The old stalk cable had a small nick in it. Could it be the ignition switch? Could the alternatorbe going out? What would cause the relay chatter and could it cause an idle problem?

Thanks Brad

 

[Fast Eddy]

How's the battery? Low voltage could cause all the problems you're describing, but I'd expect it would be pretty obvious when trying to start it if it was that low. Corroded fuses?

 

[llih]

Yeah that was one of the first things I checked. I was thinking I had a short, because the truck battery was low after only setting a few days. I put the charger on it for the best part of a day. The truck starts easily. Turns over fine. I spent a big amount of time today monkeying with the steering column. The turn signal/ dimmer/cruise/wiper stalk had a nick in it's cable. I replaced it. I am still having a problem with the wipers coming on. When ever I start the truck the wipers automatically turn on, do one full wipe and then shut off. I had thought maybe the nick in the wire was the problem. But now that is resolved, I am not sure what is the cause.
I had read that Pontiac GPs have a problem with the relay chatter when the ignition switch is bad. Couldn't find any info on Chevy trucks having that problem. I also read that relay chatter on some cars is a sign that the alternator diodes are going out. I am lost at this point.

Tomorrow I am going to remove the alternator and have it tested.

Thanks Brad