Ignition & Headlights Dead
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Yakima, WA
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Straight 6
Ignition & Headlights Dead
I have an '89 4.0 XJ w/ 5-spd. I cleaned the throttle body this afternoon than took it out for a short drive. It didn't run any better or worse than before the cleaning. An hour later I went to start it back up and the insturment lights came on momentarily then went out. The ignition is dead, nothing happens when you turn the key and the headlights won't even come on. The dome light and glove compartment light work fine though. I was not having any battery problems prior to this.
I haven't had a chance to look it over beyond verifying the battery cables are still attached because it's dark and cold out.
Any suggestions on where to start.
I haven't had a chance to look it over beyond verifying the battery cables are still attached because it's dark and cold out.
Any suggestions on where to start.
Last edited by Mmurdock; 11-09-2011 at 09:59 PM. Reason: Just added a little more information
#2
CF Veteran
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Nor-Cal Coast
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes
on
17 Posts
Year: 90,84
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0,2.5
Good time to get those battery terminals clean. Bright shiny lead on all four surfaces. It's common that a bad connection will let enough current through for a small load, (glove box light), but go completely out when you try to pass more current.
#4
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: san jacinto
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Yakima, WA
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Straight 6
Thankfully it turned out to only be a case of loose and dirty cable ends at the battery. Cleaned everything up, replaced a corroded terminal bolt which wouldn't tighten (the PO just ran a screw between the battery post and terminal to take up slack) and she fired right up.
I've been slowly making repairs and replacing worn out parts but haven't messed with the battery or cables since we bought it a few weeks ago. Up till now it just hadn't been an issue. I'll know better in the future.
I've been slowly making repairs and replacing worn out parts but haven't messed with the battery or cables since we bought it a few weeks ago. Up till now it just hadn't been an issue. I'll know better in the future.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Upstate N.Y
Posts: 689
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Year: 2000.1999,1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Great upgrade for the xj is to go up on the size of your battery cables and grounds ,along with brass terminals. I am happy I did it, I'm sure other's have too.
#7
CF Veteran
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Nor-Cal Coast
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes
on
17 Posts
Year: 90,84
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0,2.5
Cool, glad you got her goen. Just a thought since its new to you. Idling in the driveway stomp the break as if your life depended on it. A better place to find that bad brake line than on the freeway. Happy trails!
.................................................. ..........V V
.................................................. ..........V V
Last edited by DFlintstone; 11-10-2011 at 11:14 PM.
Trending Topics
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Yakima, WA
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Straight 6
I plan to replace the brake hoses within the next two weeks. I already checked the pads and shoes and they are in good shape.
#9
::CF Moderator::
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,876
Received 1,526 Likes
on
1,238 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
No foolin'. Done all 3 of mine. Had a bunch of cable left over from a dual battery job I did for a guy. Bought the "solder on" lugs and terminals. Headlights are brighter, starts quicker, voltmeter reads higher. Worth it.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SergeK
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
8
02-27-2023 03:38 PM
ZJBeachRunnerGC
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
18
03-10-2021 05:52 PM
Jeremy Millner
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
10
10-02-2015 02:21 PM
BluJay
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
4
09-26-2015 10:38 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)