1990 Cherokee Electrical Issues - Starting - Charging

[Nummagumma]

A little history:
16 months ago this car had sat for 4 months, unused. It needed to be jumped to start. The battery didn't hold a charge. Replaced battery. Worked ok - but sat again for 2 months - no start. This time jumping it didn't work, and towed to shop. Computer died (probably during jump). Replaced computer. Replaced alternator. Ran fine for 10 months.

Blower motor fuse melts into fuse block. Pulled from block, wired around it, and put into Acc position. That position dies. FInally put it on a connection that's always hot, and it works.

Install a new aftermarket stereo on Friday. Car sits for 2 days. Monday morning, no start. Lots of jam in the battery, but just cranking and cranking - figure no spark, check plugs, check rotor... have towed to shop. Shop mystified - but car starts up mysteriously, and continues to start.

Next Sunday (after sitting for 2 days) - no start. Have towed to shop - replace all parts of the ignition system - no dice. Replace computer - works fine.

Day after getting car back with new computer - dies on highway coming home - electrical fading out, radio going in and out - fan running slow - battery running down - sounds like an alternator, right? Have towed to shop - diagnose and replace alternator, charge battery.

Next day, same issue.

This is where I am today... I'm mystified as to why this Heep has so many electrical issues... Can anyone out there shed some light on a possible cause?

[richpinkham]

Check the Ingnition switch on the steering coloum and see if maybe its burned some of the conectors. maybe when they are replacing the computer they bump the wires and make the switch work again.?? I have replaced the switch twice in 70,000 miles and have had many prolbems till its replaced.

[flurpo]

Originally Posted by richpinkham

Check the Ingnition switch on the steering coloum and see if maybe its burned some of the conectors. maybe when they are replacing the computer they bump the wires and make the switch work again.?? I have replaced the switch twice in 70,000 miles and have had many prolbems till its replaced.

Hey Rich,

did you have to remove the instrument panel to get to that switch? I can see it underneath but it is Real touch to get to it. Afraid to try it as there is an adjustment necessary for getting it in right. Not sure how to go about this. Best,,,,, [email protected]

[Dale Aeppli]

Originally Posted by Nummagumma

A little history:
16 months ago this car had sat for 4 months, unused. It needed to be jumped to start. The battery didn't hold a charge. Replaced battery. Worked ok - but sat again for 2 months - no start. This time jumping it didn't work, and towed to shop. Computer died (probably during jump). Replaced computer. Replaced alternator. Ran fine for 10 months.

Blower motor fuse melts into fuse block. Pulled from block, wired around it, and put into Acc position. That position dies. FInally put it on a connection that's always hot, and it works.

Install a new aftermarket stereo on Friday. Car sits for 2 days. Monday morning, no start. Lots of jam in the battery, but just cranking and cranking - figure no spark, check plugs, check rotor... have towed to shop. Shop mystified - but car starts up mysteriously, and continues to start.

Next Sunday (after sitting for 2 days) - no start. Have towed to shop - replace all parts of the ignition system - no dice. Replace computer - works fine.

Day after getting car back with new computer - dies on highway coming home - electrical fading out, radio going in and out - fan running slow - battery running down - sounds like an alternator, right? Have towed to shop - diagnose and replace alternator, charge battery.

Next day, same issue.

This is where I am today... I'm mystified as to why this Heep has so many electrical issues... Can anyone out there shed some light on a possible cause?

HI, FIRST OFF YOU HAVE A ELECTRICAL SHORT SOMEWHERE,BYPASSING THE CIRCUIT DOESN'T HELP. CHECK OUT THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE SHOP IS JUST CHANGING PARTS. HAVE THEM CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. DALE
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