Ok, so as I was driving along lastnight, all of a sudden my Stereo started to quickly pulse on and off, and I noticed that my lights started to go dim and the Jeeper was running a little rough. Pulled over and checked the battery connections (as I thought it may be something as simple as a loose cable connection even though a loose Neg terminal cable usually won't result in that problem). Seemed pretty tight. But by the time I jumped back in the lights were almost off and she was running super rough and by the time I got it home about a minute later all lights were dead. Then I got the dreaded clicks when trying to start it back up so from this, I know it definitely drained my battery, and since it stayed running on battery power, I'm thinking it's a problem with the alternator.

Just to give a bit of history, it seems like my electrical system has had a short or bad wire for a few months, as my gauges will all of a sudden all go dead and only pop back on when I hit a large bump or push the trip odometer reset repeatedly. Not sure if there's any connection with that and what's happened now but thought I'd mention it anyway as there is likely someone who knows a lot more about electrical systems than I do.

Any help/opinions are appreciated. Thanks

 

What kind of vehicle is this, a Nash Rambler?

 

It sounds like you may have 2 separate problems. The gauges going out and coming back on may be loose or dirty connections, Avery common problem with the XJ. As for your light going dead it may be your alternator taking a dump. I would pull it off and take it to any part store and have it bench tested. Also clean all you ground. That's what I would start with.

 

Turned out it was the alternator. Replaced it on the weekend and she's running like a top again. Now to tackle the loose/dirty/faulty wire connection problem. Thanks for the post RTorrez1

 

Glad I could help.