Was trying to track down a gremlin in my dad's car and I happened across the forum...hoping maybe someone can give me a hand?

Dad pulled up earlier...said that the lights on the car were wavering and the engine sputtering as he pulled into the driveway. Turned the car off and on...nothing happened. No dash lights/dome lights/etc...everything is dark, starter won't turn.

Tested the battery with my meter...12.8V. Tested continuity in the fuse box under the hood...all of the fuses are good, and they are all receiving 12V.

Tested the fuse box in the cab...all fuses have continuity.

I don't have a manual, and I can't seem to find a wiring diagram...any idea what could kill the power in between the relax box and everything else?

 

First, Welcome to CF.
I'm not good with the electrical system, but here's the wiring diagrams for your ZJ. Quite lenghty, so scroll down and find what you need in the index, then look for that page. > Jeep Wiring diagrams
Hope it helps.

 

Need more details on issues. Did a battery light come on while he was driving? Did he smell anything burning while driving? Even though your showing 12 on your meter, thats a classic internal regulator failure in the alternator. Usually dimming lamps all around with the battery light on and sometimes other guages will flicker while failing.

 

I agree.

To OP: A good battery with NO CHARGE still shows above 12V. I would be inclinded to look at the alt.

 

I hooked the bat to a tender...it went for a minute or so and then flashed full charge. While on the tender, I opened a door/etc...no dome lights or anything...power locks wouldnt lock, etc. Every dead car Ive ever fiddled with at least gave me a dome light when I put the tender on...(edit -- battery is like 2 weeks old, as well --edit)

No alternator light...he didn't say anything about a burning smell. It's just been *****y to start lately (lots of cranking for it to catch...sometimes has to start 2-3 times before it stays running). Power issue is new, though...

 

How do your battery cables look? I'd take them off and clean them. Check the connection at the Power Distribution Center, (the black fuse/relay box next to the bat.), under the hood. Verify that the starter mounting bolts haven't came loose. Check the ground connections.