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4 Wheel Drive/SUVs/electrical problems

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Expert: - 5/25/2004


Question
Hello,

I have an 85 cherokee and recently as i attempted to start it I lost all electric as if a short had occured in the entire system.  I had full power as a turned the key through ACC, but lost it as i proceeded to start the car.  I turned it off and tried again, but now had no power at all.  The next day, I had power and could start the car but I have lost the use of a few electrical components (specifically, the clock and radio).  I checked the fuses and they were all still fine, inspected the battery and the connections were still good.  If it helps, I didn't smell anything to perhaps indicate that I had fried some circuitry. Thanks for your help...

Dave


Answer
Dave,

It sounds like you have lost a ground connection, or blew a fusible link in the ignition system.  The first thing I would suggest, is that you purchase a repair manual for your Jeep.  They can be purchased at most automotive parts stores.  This will give you step by step instructions on troubleshooting your problem.  They, also include wiring diagrams that may be of help.  This manual, along with a cheap voltmeter would be cheaper than the diagnostic, and could be of use in the future.  If this doesn't work, see if you can find a local automotive electrical shop, and see what they say.  Many times, they will tell you the common failures in a system such as yours.

  Carl

4 Wheel Drive/SUVs

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Carl Brandt

Expertise

Will discuss suspensions, lifts, lockers along with tire suggestions. Trail ratings and possible requirements needed for specific type of trails. Safety equipment and what you should carry with you. Certified off-road instructor. I am not a mechanic, and 4-Wheeling is a hobby, so if I can't answer a technical question it is due to my mechanical knowledge being related to vehicles that I have owned, or have worked on. I do not have manuals on all vehicles.

Experience

40 plus years of 4 wheeling in a variety of vehicles. At the present time, my major off-road rig is a 94 Jeep Wrangler with a spring over and a 1 1/2" suspension lift. This gives me a total lift of 7" or so. I have lockers front and rear. I have removed the track bars, and sway bar for maximum articulation. I am running a stock 2.5 ltr 4 cylinder with a Jacobs ignition along with a cold air high flow filter. It has 4.56:1 gears with a Dodge NV4500 transmission along with a 3.8:1 Atlas II transfer case. This gives me a final ratio of 105:1 in low gear/low range. Other vehicles I own, are a 96 Ford F-250 with a 6" lift, posi rear end, 36" Hummer tires, 5 speed with a fuel injected 460 ci engine, an 87 Samurai with an 8" lift, Ford 9" rear end with a spool, Chevy Dana 44 front end with an electric locker, 5.88 gears, 16% reduction in high range and a 6.5:1 low range with 35" Baja Claws, and a stock 2003 Grand Cherokee Overland. Trails I have run are the Rubicon (10 times), Dusey Ershim, Fordyce Creek trail, McGrew trail, several trails in Moab, Utah along with local monthly runs.

Organizations
Lost Coast 4x4's Cal 4-Wheel Corva UFWDA Blue Ribbon Coalition

Education/Credentials
Certified off-road instructor - Certificates in engineering/electronics

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