Serious Electrical Problem

Barry · 06-02-2018, 07:30 PM

I have a 99 XJ with about 433,000 miles on it. It has been sitting for a couple of years and the roof leaks. It still starts up and runs very well. The problem is:

1) the turn signals do not work. I have changed the flasher.
2) the door locks do not work, nor the power windows.
3) the horn does not work.
4) the fog lights, rear window defroster and wiper do not work. I have changed the switches.
5) the AC and blower do not work. I have changed the blower relay/rheostat.

All of the fuses are good and I have changed out every relay in main power distribution panel.

What gives? Is there another relay that powers the inside fuse panel?

I am at my wits end.
Thanks in advance

Nefarious · 06-04-2018, 10:27 AM

There are different reasons for all of those things to not work individually, but with all of them happening at once on something that has been sitting for that long with water getting it I would look at the wiring itself, you might have had rodents or water corrosion somewhere. It could be really hard to find too.

Best you can do is start testing for power and resistances in different places to try and diagnose. Wiring stuff can be a real pain.

Blue XJ · 06-04-2018, 12:00 PM

I would start looking at the ground for the instrument panel. Sounds like nothing in the dash is getting a power. Have you confirmed there is 12 volts at those items, or just replaced the switches/fuses?

myjeepsbigger · 06-08-2018, 03:05 PM

Just a shot in the dark, here, but I had some similar issues on a 2001 XJ and it ended up being the ignition switch. I actually took it apart and found that the area where the little ball-bearing rides was worn enough that it wasn't letting the switch function properly. Cleaned the contacts and replaced that ball bearing with a regular little .177cal "BB", and it worked like new. Or you can go the boring route, and just go buy a new one for $35 and try it.

Cobound · 06-08-2018, 03:20 PM

Damon

Sir Sam · 06-08-2018, 07:14 PM

This sounds like a grounding issue. If the dash isn't making good ground to the body this can happen, there are also grounds on the fender up by the ECU that can corrode and cause light issues as well.

06-02-2018, 07:30 PM	#1
Barry Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 616	Serious Electrical Problem I have a 99 XJ with about 433,000 miles on it. It has been sitting for a couple of years and the roof leaks. It still starts up and runs very well. The problem is: 1) the turn signals do not work. I have changed the flasher. 2) the door locks do not work, nor the power windows. 3) the horn does not work. 4) the fog lights, rear window defroster and wiper do not work. I have changed the switches. 5) the AC and blower do not work. I have changed the blower relay/rheostat. All of the fuses are good and I have changed out every relay in main power distribution panel. What gives? Is there another relay that powers the inside fuse panel? I am at my wits end. Thanks in advance

06-08-2018, 03:20 PM	#5
Cobound - The Don - Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: MN Posts: 49,116	Damon __________________ To each his own. Not all those who wander are lost. The great irony - triggered snowflakes accusing triggered snowflakes of being triggered snowflakes

06-04-2018, 10:27 AM	#2
Nefarious Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 2,718	There are different reasons for all of those things to not work individually, but with all of them happening at once on something that has been sitting for that long with water getting it I would look at the wiring itself, you might have had rodents or water corrosion somewhere. It could be really hard to find too. Best you can do is start testing for power and resistances in different places to try and diagnose. Wiring stuff can be a real pain.

06-04-2018, 12:00 PM	#3
Blue XJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 3,857	I would start looking at the ground for the instrument panel. Sounds like nothing in the dash is getting a power. Have you confirmed there is 12 volts at those items, or just replaced the switches/fuses?

06-08-2018, 03:05 PM	#4
myjeepsbigger ~ Jitterbug ~ Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 9,186	Just a shot in the dark, here, but I had some similar issues on a 2001 XJ and it ended up being the ignition switch. I actually took it apart and found that the area where the little ball-bearing rides was worn enough that it wasn't letting the switch function properly. Cleaned the contacts and replaced that ball bearing with a regular little .177cal "BB", and it worked like new. Or you can go the boring route, and just go buy a new one for $35 and try it.

06-08-2018, 07:14 PM	#6
Sir Sam Working Mother Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 19,908	This sounds like a grounding issue. If the dash isn't making good ground to the body this can happen, there are also grounds on the fender up by the ECU that can corrode and cause light issues as well.