My new project - Blue 01 XJ 2WD
 

I have owned several XJ's, but last night, I bought my first 2wd version. Truth is I wouldn't have bothered except I picked the thing up for $300. It has some issues, but I could scrap it for more if worse comes to worst. It is dark blue, not sure of the real name, 2wd, classic model I think, pw/pdl, AT and a 234,000 mile 4.0L. Runs and sounds pretty darn good. It has damage to the right rear door and the frame under the door is pushed in a little as well. But drives fine. I am going to call it Structurally Cosmetic, haha. Needs new tires. Interior is gross, so will be stripping down and steam cleaning that this weekend I hope, if weather cooperates. Engine is filthy, but looks pretty tight as far as leaks go, will have to look closer after I get her degreased and cleaned up. Aside form the rear pax door, the paint is in pretty good shape and should buff up pretty nice.

So, the first challenges. The PO was selling because it would not hold a charge on battery and would die after running continuously for 20-30 minutes according to them. I towed it home last night, put the battery on a charger all night (new battery by the way). PO said they had the alternator tested and replaced the battery and then gave up. So, this morning, I pulled the ECM out, took cover off and inspected for any obvious damage, nothing noted. reinstalled, and after starting the truck, the VM on dash was actually reading normal (was not last night when I drove it onto and off of the trailer). Checked voltage at battery with it running and was around 13vdc. I decided to let it run for 30 minutes, rechecked, all still good. Turned lights on, ran for another 15 minutes. All good still, turned off, went to eat. Came back, started right up, ran for 30 minutes again, came out and had "No Bus" warning, and no gages. Tried the old dash slap and nothing... Decided to let it keep running, battery voltage was showing 12.2 now. After 30 more minutes, went outside, no changes other than battery voltage was at 11.8. Decided to drive it around the neighborhood a bit. Got home, turned it off, tried to start again and battery to low, got the solenoid chatter. Hooked up my battery charger, and it started right up. Still had the No Bus and no gages. Decided to call it a night. Put it back on battery charger for the night. Will check in morning and see if a charged battery changes the No Bus condition. If not, I will pull the cluster and do the clean and lube. I am thinking my AVR in the ECM might be cutting out or just not working at all, though, I saw no volts last night, and normal volts on dash for over an hours tonight while it was running. Found a replacement ECM about an hour away for $100 from a same equipment 2001 XJ. I am trying to decide between doing that first, or installing an external VR.

Once I get it all cleaned up, I will decide how far to go with the door repair, and then probably sell it. I think it would be a good high schooler car. Oh yeah, I also got rid of all the goofy decals on the window.

How do I right side up my images?

Another side of me, instead of selling it, or leading up to selling it, thinking about giving it a pre-runner look

So, I decided to run out and check it tonight, and as I was starting to suspect, with battery charged mostly back up, started it up, gages all working, and no "No Bus" warning... looks like mine was a true no bus warning, haha, due to low system voltage.

Got the wheels and tires swapped today, Those look better to me. Also found an exact match for a replacement ECzm today down in Memphis, and the truck had just come in day before. Swapped in the "new" ECM but still have no charging to battery and I am back to thinking the alternator is shot. The PO told me they had already had it tested, but after whT I just went through to get that sucker out, there is no way any one has ever removed the alternator in the jeep before! So, hoping LAPS will find it DOA so I can replace it and move on. Normally, I would have done this before trying the ECM, but I got for $25 and I wanted to crap it before it disappeared. If notching else, I figure I will have a spare.

one interesting thing to me, that I learned today was that the mileage is not stored on that ECM, as my off stayed the same, which I am grateful for, but was surprised nonetheless.https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...2686168e29.jpg