i have a weird prob !!! and am just about to slash my wrists !!!!!!!!!!!

1999 wj grand cherokee 4.7 v8 75,0000 miles

the dash lights up like a christmas tree ( every warning light ) but still drives fine, the following also stops working ( all windows , cruise cont , heater , door mirors , speedo , rev counter , temp , oil , fuel gauges etc ). I have looked at the loom going through the door and the black wire ( common fault ) has been patched and joints soldered , if i disconect the battery and leave it for 10 - 15 mins everything all works as it should for a short while and then back to the christmas tree then back to normal for a bit , so on and so on .
please can any one help ?
regards.
ian.

 

Just a thought – it could be electrical noise from the alternator causing everything to go haywire.

To test my theory, unplug the alternator and see if you suffer the fault. Don’t drive the vehicle too far in this state or you will need a jump-start to get you home. But a fully charged battery should last a few hours, even with the all the lights on – but not with the heated seats and other high powered electrical item energised.

 

Forgot to add that should the vehicle be OK with the alternator unplugged, before replacing the alternator, check for an intermittent electrical connection to the alternator (which could be the reason for the electrical noise).

Don’t forget to ensure that the unplugged alternator wiring/loom does not contact any moving parts.

 

Hi,
thanks for the input i will give it a go and update to let you know.
regards
Ian.

 

If the problem is present without the engine running – then you can safely forget about the problem being due to the alternator.