NSS on a 42re: 3 pins, one is starter circuit, one is power, one is reverse lights.

 

Yeah there were only a few ZJs that got the 4.0L/AW4 combo. IDK if the 42RE runs the reverse lights through the NSS?

 

Yes it does. The wire broke in my plug so they didn't work. I replaced the switch AND the plug. Had to get the plug from the dealer.

 

First off, sorry for my overwhelming ignorance concerning vehicles. At home I attempt (and sometimes succeed!) to be a DIY person, so long as what I'm attempting to do clearly isn't beyond the realm of even a capable layman. And now I'm beginning my first foray into vehicles (wow the complexity can be overwhelming!) That being said...

I'm currently trying to get back on the road my Jeep. Brief backstory: I had been driving it fine for weeks, without issue. One day, no more than a mile away from work, the entire vehicle ceased to function. No lights, radio, clicks, clacks, clanks or anything. While driving. It just. Stopped. Towed it home. Plenty of gas in the vehicle. Took the battery up to get tested. Completely bad. Beyond being recharged. Purchased a new battery. Nothing. A year goes by, and of course the battery I purchased is dead. Purchased yet another battery. Still nothing. So I hear it could be the starter. I replace the starter. Nothing. I hear it could be the alternator. I replace the alternator. Nothing. So at this point I have a new battery, starter, and alternator. So I decide to start investigating via the Web and YouTube for solutions/similar issues.

First, check the Fuses and Relays. I purchase a Multimeter, learn relatively confidently how to use it for the described functions. I even checked for amperage draws on the battery, just for the hell of it. All fuses are fine, all relays are fine.

Second, replace the (quite corroded) battery terminals. After feeling relatively confident on how to handle that procedure, I start working. After removing the terminals and removing the insulation protecting the wiring, I can see I definitely have an issue. The wires are beyond usable, fragile and disintegrating in my hand. Viola, perhaps. So I strip further down, and it's clear the issue goes far beyond the potential reach of the battery terminals.

Okay, now onto my question(s). 1. Why would the vehicle literally cease functioning as it did?

2a. After looking at the wiring diagram of the Jeep, and being very much a novice, is this even something I should attempt on my own? And if so, please give some advice!

2b. If it is NOT something that you experts believe could be tackled, what should I REASONABLY expect something like that to cost at a RELATIVELY honest mechanic?

3. Based on my vehicles backstory and abrupt death, is it likely that there is still a bigger issue than the wiring? (The reason I ask this is I am growing quite weary of the financial drain this is beginning to have, it's not a hobby, it's a vehicle of necessity. If you think it likely I'll just spend money to fix one issue that likely isn't even the original culprit then I think it may be time to forfeit.)

Thank you so much and sorry for rambling! Any help, comments, advice will be GREATLY appreciated!

 

Completely new battery cables are not that hard to replace. If the corrosion problem goes beyond the cables and into the power harnesses, that's another story.

 

Just looking for confirmation here but I got a set a RE 4.5" xj springs for dirt cheap. they should net me about 3-3.5" on my zj correct? I if I did a F>R and use the new springs up front it would be right or close and I could level the rear out if needed.

 

Hmmmmm probably. Can't remember, is yours the 4.0 or 5.2?

 

Mine is the 4.0. The general consensus seems to be it will net between 1/2" and 1" less than advertised.

 

Yeah, that's about right.

 

Hello, what would you say is the best method of removing rust buildup inside of my hitch reciever? Can't get the ball mount into the thing all the way and have tried a flat head to scrape it, a flat file to scrape it, still won't go in.

 

There's a great product called "Naval Jelly" that works excellent at dissolving rust. Paint it on liberally, wait a while, then start jamming the hitch in and out until it cleans the crap out. Then flush it with a garden hose, blow out the water, and apply a light coating of clear silicon grease to the hitch insert.

 

Okay, thanks Dave

 

Ok, I broke my crank case vent feller, part number 53030850, screws into the top of the head in the far back. Do I absolutely need this? I am not sure if I can find one in the area in which I live. I got the threaded part out of the head, and it seems to run fine....

 

You definitely want something on there, it's drawing in air under vacuum so with nothing on there you'll get dust, pollen, bugs, etc. Amazon have 2 day delivery way up there? lol http://a.co/48nfbbQ

 

2nd day air might mean a week to rural Alaska...Im told that the local napa does have a couple so thats what Im hoping for. Ill go see here in about an hour.