i just picked up a 1991 Jeep Cherokee 2 door, 4x4, 5 speed 4L HO. a friend drove it back from the private seller i got it from and some things are pretty glaring that i need to address first to get it inspected.

the horn doesn't work. you can hear the click like it *wants* to but it just can't complete the mission.

the wipers don't work.

the gauges are all off or not working.

blinkers are slow and overall lights are dim. he said it was reading around 8 volts so a bad voltage regulator could be the culprit. now, i can at times find one for around $20 but also have found (i think on here) that the VR is part of the ECM/PCM and if bad, i have to replace the PCM.

can someone give me pointers on what to look for that would be a common cause of all these, if there *is* a common cause? if the PCM would need to be replaced, that's about a $160 part it looks like and it has to be programmed from what i've read.

any help appreciated!

iceberg

 

check the fuses first.

 

One quick thought before you start buying parts: lots to do before assuming the PCM and voltage regulator are bad.

Do you have access to a meter? Have you had time to check condition of battery and alternator cables -- not just look at but remove and clean?

 

good point.

i do somewhere, but the guy who drove it back i'm sure does. the cables to the battery look good. we had to take the positive terminal off until i can tighten up the brake pedal. it was sagging leaving the brake lights always on.

appreciate the tips!