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Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
Here's what happened: I started my jeep ('87 YJ 4.2L) and the starter
kept cranking, would not disengage. I didn't know what was happening and drove off. It sucked all the juice out of my battery and burnt up the starter. My first thought was that my solenoid (the part that sends juice from the battery to the starter) was stuck. I replaced my solenoid, starter motor, and battery. When everything was in place I connected the leads on my battery and the jeep turned over (and would have started) even though the ignition switch (the one on the steering column) was set to 'off'. So I think the ignition switch on the steering column is stuck in the 'start' position. How do you replace that thing? Where is it, is it right there where you put the key in? Do I need to take the steering wheel off and get to it that way? Chilton is pretty useless here, they really don't show you where it is or how to get at it. Next question - which wire on my solenoid comes from the steering column? I'm considering a simple 'on-off' switch and a starter button simply because I can't find where the starter switch is on the steering column. Any advice? |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
The switch is down at the bottom of the column on the top.
I 'think' there are two green wires on the starter relay that control the starter. I also know if you have these reversed, the starter just cranks. Did any other wires smoke out? Mike 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view! Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590 (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page) lsaugier@hilcorp.com wrote: > Here's what happened: I started my jeep ('87 YJ 4.2L) and the starter > kept cranking, would not disengage. I didn't know what was happening > and drove off. It sucked all the juice out of my battery and burnt up > the starter. > > My first thought was that my solenoid (the part that sends juice from > the battery to the starter) was stuck. I replaced my solenoid, > starter motor, and battery. When everything was in place I connected > the leads on my battery and the jeep turned over (and would have > started) even though the ignition switch (the one on the steering > column) was set to 'off'. So I think the ignition switch on the > steering column is stuck in the 'start' position. > > How do you replace that thing? Where is it, is it right there where > you put the key in? Do I need to take the steering wheel off and get > to it that way? Chilton is pretty useless here, they really don't > show you where it is or how to get at it. > > Next question - which wire on my solenoid comes from the steering > column? I'm considering a simple 'on-off' switch and a starter button > simply because I can't find where the starter switch is on the > steering column. Any advice? > |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
The switch is down at the bottom of the column on the top.
I 'think' there are two green wires on the starter relay that control the starter. I also know if you have these reversed, the starter just cranks. Did any other wires smoke out? Mike 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view! Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590 (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page) lsaugier@hilcorp.com wrote: > Here's what happened: I started my jeep ('87 YJ 4.2L) and the starter > kept cranking, would not disengage. I didn't know what was happening > and drove off. It sucked all the juice out of my battery and burnt up > the starter. > > My first thought was that my solenoid (the part that sends juice from > the battery to the starter) was stuck. I replaced my solenoid, > starter motor, and battery. When everything was in place I connected > the leads on my battery and the jeep turned over (and would have > started) even though the ignition switch (the one on the steering > column) was set to 'off'. So I think the ignition switch on the > steering column is stuck in the 'start' position. > > How do you replace that thing? Where is it, is it right there where > you put the key in? Do I need to take the steering wheel off and get > to it that way? Chilton is pretty useless here, they really don't > show you where it is or how to get at it. > > Next question - which wire on my solenoid comes from the steering > column? I'm considering a simple 'on-off' switch and a starter button > simply because I can't find where the starter switch is on the > steering column. Any advice? > |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
The switch is down at the bottom of the column on the top.
I 'think' there are two green wires on the starter relay that control the starter. I also know if you have these reversed, the starter just cranks. Did any other wires smoke out? Mike 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view! Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590 (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page) lsaugier@hilcorp.com wrote: > Here's what happened: I started my jeep ('87 YJ 4.2L) and the starter > kept cranking, would not disengage. I didn't know what was happening > and drove off. It sucked all the juice out of my battery and burnt up > the starter. > > My first thought was that my solenoid (the part that sends juice from > the battery to the starter) was stuck. I replaced my solenoid, > starter motor, and battery. When everything was in place I connected > the leads on my battery and the jeep turned over (and would have > started) even though the ignition switch (the one on the steering > column) was set to 'off'. So I think the ignition switch on the > steering column is stuck in the 'start' position. > > How do you replace that thing? Where is it, is it right there where > you put the key in? Do I need to take the steering wheel off and get > to it that way? Chilton is pretty useless here, they really don't > show you where it is or how to get at it. > > Next question - which wire on my solenoid comes from the steering > column? I'm considering a simple 'on-off' switch and a starter button > simply because I can't find where the starter switch is on the > steering column. Any advice? > |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
The switch is down at the bottom of the column on the top.
I 'think' there are two green wires on the starter relay that control the starter. I also know if you have these reversed, the starter just cranks. Did any other wires smoke out? Mike 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view! Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590 (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page) lsaugier@hilcorp.com wrote: > Here's what happened: I started my jeep ('87 YJ 4.2L) and the starter > kept cranking, would not disengage. I didn't know what was happening > and drove off. It sucked all the juice out of my battery and burnt up > the starter. > > My first thought was that my solenoid (the part that sends juice from > the battery to the starter) was stuck. I replaced my solenoid, > starter motor, and battery. When everything was in place I connected > the leads on my battery and the jeep turned over (and would have > started) even though the ignition switch (the one on the steering > column) was set to 'off'. So I think the ignition switch on the > steering column is stuck in the 'start' position. > > How do you replace that thing? Where is it, is it right there where > you put the key in? Do I need to take the steering wheel off and get > to it that way? Chilton is pretty useless here, they really don't > show you where it is or how to get at it. > > Next question - which wire on my solenoid comes from the steering > column? I'm considering a simple 'on-off' switch and a starter button > simply because I can't find where the starter switch is on the > steering column. Any advice? > |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given
that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems unlikely to me. The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where it goes. |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given
that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems unlikely to me. The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where it goes. |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given
that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems unlikely to me. The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where it goes. |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given
that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems unlikely to me. The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where it goes. |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
lsaugier@hilcorp.com wrote:
> I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given > that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is > there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the > starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new > firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems > unlikely to me. > > The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure > I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should > look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know > that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition > rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where > it goes. > The switch is at the bottom end of the rod. As I mentioned, there are two green wires on that firewall relay/solenoid unit that are easy to mix then it just starts with battery power. Try swapping them. Mike |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
lsaugier@hilcorp.com wrote:
> I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given > that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is > there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the > starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new > firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems > unlikely to me. > > The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure > I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should > look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know > that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition > rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where > it goes. > The switch is at the bottom end of the rod. As I mentioned, there are two green wires on that firewall relay/solenoid unit that are easy to mix then it just starts with battery power. Try swapping them. Mike |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
lsaugier@hilcorp.com wrote:
> I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given > that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is > there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the > starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new > firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems > unlikely to me. > > The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure > I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should > look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know > that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition > rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where > it goes. > The switch is at the bottom end of the rod. As I mentioned, there are two green wires on that firewall relay/solenoid unit that are easy to mix then it just starts with battery power. Try swapping them. Mike |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
lsaugier@hilcorp.com wrote:
> I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given > that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is > there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the > starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new > firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems > unlikely to me. > > The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure > I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should > look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know > that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition > rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where > it goes. > The switch is at the bottom end of the rod. As I mentioned, there are two green wires on that firewall relay/solenoid unit that are easy to mix then it just starts with battery power. Try swapping them. Mike |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
On May 18, 7:04 pm, Mike Romain <roma...@sympatico.ca> wrote:
> lsaug...@hilcorp.com wrote: > > I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given > > that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is > > there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the > > starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new > > firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems > > unlikely to me. > > > The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure > > I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should > > look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know > > that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition > > rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where > > it goes. > > The switch is at the bottom end of the rod. > > As I mentioned, there are two green wires on that firewall > relay/solenoid unit that are easy to mix then it just starts with > battery power. > > Try swapping them. > > Mike Check the negative ground cable. Battery to block. I had one go bad and it did the same thing. Greg |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
On May 18, 7:04 pm, Mike Romain <roma...@sympatico.ca> wrote:
> lsaug...@hilcorp.com wrote: > > I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given > > that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is > > there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the > > starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new > > firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems > > unlikely to me. > > > The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure > > I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should > > look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know > > that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition > > rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where > > it goes. > > The switch is at the bottom end of the rod. > > As I mentioned, there are two green wires on that firewall > relay/solenoid unit that are easy to mix then it just starts with > battery power. > > Try swapping them. > > Mike Check the negative ground cable. Battery to block. I had one go bad and it did the same thing. Greg |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
On May 18, 7:04 pm, Mike Romain <roma...@sympatico.ca> wrote:
> lsaug...@hilcorp.com wrote: > > I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given > > that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is > > there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the > > starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new > > firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems > > unlikely to me. > > > The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure > > I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should > > look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know > > that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition > > rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where > > it goes. > > The switch is at the bottom end of the rod. > > As I mentioned, there are two green wires on that firewall > relay/solenoid unit that are easy to mix then it just starts with > battery power. > > Try swapping them. > > Mike Check the negative ground cable. Battery to block. I had one go bad and it did the same thing. Greg |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
On May 18, 7:04 pm, Mike Romain <roma...@sympatico.ca> wrote:
> lsaug...@hilcorp.com wrote: > > I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given > > that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is > > there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the > > starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new > > firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems > > unlikely to me. > > > The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure > > I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should > > look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know > > that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition > > rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where > > it goes. > > The switch is at the bottom end of the rod. > > As I mentioned, there are two green wires on that firewall > relay/solenoid unit that are easy to mix then it just starts with > battery power. > > Try swapping them. > > Mike Check the negative ground cable. Battery to block. I had one go bad and it did the same thing. Greg |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message news:464e3ec8$0$1964$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshostin g.com... > lsaugier@hilcorp.com wrote: >> I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given >> that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is >> there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the >> starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new >> firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems >> unlikely to me. >> >> The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure >> I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should >> look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know >> that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition >> rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where >> it goes. >> > > The switch is at the bottom end of the rod. > > As I mentioned, there are two green wires on that firewall relay/solenoid > unit that are easy to mix then it just starts with battery power. > > Try swapping them. WAIT -- STOP Mike, You are going at this from the direction that he screwed up on his replacement, but his problem began before he did anything and continued afterward. This tells me that he probably has done nothing wrong, therefore his Jeep must be broken. I think his trouble is that the Ignition Lock Set Linkage has broken, and is holding the Ignition Switch to the START position. As soon as he connects the battery terminal, the starter motor begins to crank, even if the key is currently set to OFF. |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message news:464e3ec8$0$1964$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshostin g.com... > lsaugier@hilcorp.com wrote: >> I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given >> that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is >> there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the >> starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new >> firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems >> unlikely to me. >> >> The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure >> I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should >> look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know >> that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition >> rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where >> it goes. >> > > The switch is at the bottom end of the rod. > > As I mentioned, there are two green wires on that firewall relay/solenoid > unit that are easy to mix then it just starts with battery power. > > Try swapping them. WAIT -- STOP Mike, You are going at this from the direction that he screwed up on his replacement, but his problem began before he did anything and continued afterward. This tells me that he probably has done nothing wrong, therefore his Jeep must be broken. I think his trouble is that the Ignition Lock Set Linkage has broken, and is holding the Ignition Switch to the START position. As soon as he connects the battery terminal, the starter motor begins to crank, even if the key is currently set to OFF. |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message news:464e3ec8$0$1964$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshostin g.com... > lsaugier@hilcorp.com wrote: >> I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given >> that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is >> there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the >> starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new >> firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems >> unlikely to me. >> >> The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure >> I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should >> look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know >> that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition >> rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where >> it goes. >> > > The switch is at the bottom end of the rod. > > As I mentioned, there are two green wires on that firewall relay/solenoid > unit that are easy to mix then it just starts with battery power. > > Try swapping them. WAIT -- STOP Mike, You are going at this from the direction that he screwed up on his replacement, but his problem began before he did anything and continued afterward. This tells me that he probably has done nothing wrong, therefore his Jeep must be broken. I think his trouble is that the Ignition Lock Set Linkage has broken, and is holding the Ignition Switch to the START position. As soon as he connects the battery terminal, the starter motor begins to crank, even if the key is currently set to OFF. |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message news:464e3ec8$0$1964$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshostin g.com... > lsaugier@hilcorp.com wrote: >> I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given >> that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is >> there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the >> starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new >> firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems >> unlikely to me. >> >> The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure >> I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should >> look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know >> that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition >> rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where >> it goes. >> > > The switch is at the bottom end of the rod. > > As I mentioned, there are two green wires on that firewall relay/solenoid > unit that are easy to mix then it just starts with battery power. > > Try swapping them. WAIT -- STOP Mike, You are going at this from the direction that he screwed up on his replacement, but his problem began before he did anything and continued afterward. This tells me that he probably has done nothing wrong, therefore his Jeep must be broken. I think his trouble is that the Ignition Lock Set Linkage has broken, and is holding the Ignition Switch to the START position. As soon as he connects the battery terminal, the starter motor begins to crank, even if the key is currently set to OFF. |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
<lsaugier@hilcorp.com> wrote in message news:1179519439.326218.307450@k79g2000hse.googlegr oups.com... > Here's what happened: I started my jeep ('87 YJ 4.2L) and the starter > kept cranking, would not disengage. I didn't know what was happening > and drove off. It sucked all the juice out of my battery and burnt up > the starter. > > My first thought was that my solenoid (the part that sends juice from > the battery to the starter) was stuck. I replaced my solenoid, > starter motor, and battery. When everything was in place I connected > the leads on my battery and the jeep turned over (and would have > started) even though the ignition switch (the one on the steering > column) was set to 'off'. So I think the ignition switch on the > steering column is stuck in the 'start' position. > > How do you replace that thing? Where is it, is it right there where > you put the key in? Do I need to take the steering wheel off and get > to it that way? Chilton is pretty useless here, they really don't > show you where it is or how to get at it. > > Next question - which wire on my solenoid comes from the steering > column? I'm considering a simple 'on-off' switch and a starter button > simply because I can't find where the starter switch is on the > steering column. Any advice? > Let's back up a step of two and start over. If you turn the key (Ignition Lock Set) and it does not feel right, then I suggest you have broken parts in the steering column. You have already said that you think that the Ignition Switch is stuck in the START position, I agree. If this is true, then the key will feel odd -- less resistance than you might expect, the lack of detents as it passes through other settings, that sort of thing. I would not mess around trying to install remote start switches, I would fix the broken parts you already have. (I see no point in adding in new parts to break and confuse the situation in 5 or 10 years.) I have an '81 CJ5, and a '95 Ford Bronco, both of which had variations on the same problem you are having. Both had repair parts available on the aftermarket for just a few dollars. Of the two, the Jeep was cheaper and easier to repair, but I digress. You will need to remove the steering wheel and the Steering Lock Plate (you need a special puller for the lock plate. Autozone has a Free Tool Loaner Program that included the lock plate tool, or you can buy a tool for about $10.). When the lock plate is out, you will see the broken linkage parts, and all you need do is devise the proper route to get it out. Whether or not you have Tilt Steering will alter the directions to get the linkage out, and which linkage part you need to repair the trouble. The linkage is a standard GM part. The aftermarket supplier is called HELP Brand, and if I rember right, the blister package is backed with red paper. (There are different colors of blister packs for the various areas of the vehicle that the part(s) in the package are to be used on.) In my case, I found the HELP Brand parts at Pep Boys -- a very large retail autoparts store. I have found HELP parts at other stores, but the small store on the corner by my house simply lacks the floor space to carry a wide selection. Your corner store may carry the part you need, but if they don't then you can drive across town to the huge autoparts store and probably find the right part in stock. |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
<lsaugier@hilcorp.com> wrote in message news:1179519439.326218.307450@k79g2000hse.googlegr oups.com... > Here's what happened: I started my jeep ('87 YJ 4.2L) and the starter > kept cranking, would not disengage. I didn't know what was happening > and drove off. It sucked all the juice out of my battery and burnt up > the starter. > > My first thought was that my solenoid (the part that sends juice from > the battery to the starter) was stuck. I replaced my solenoid, > starter motor, and battery. When everything was in place I connected > the leads on my battery and the jeep turned over (and would have > started) even though the ignition switch (the one on the steering > column) was set to 'off'. So I think the ignition switch on the > steering column is stuck in the 'start' position. > > How do you replace that thing? Where is it, is it right there where > you put the key in? Do I need to take the steering wheel off and get > to it that way? Chilton is pretty useless here, they really don't > show you where it is or how to get at it. > > Next question - which wire on my solenoid comes from the steering > column? I'm considering a simple 'on-off' switch and a starter button > simply because I can't find where the starter switch is on the > steering column. Any advice? > Let's back up a step of two and start over. If you turn the key (Ignition Lock Set) and it does not feel right, then I suggest you have broken parts in the steering column. You have already said that you think that the Ignition Switch is stuck in the START position, I agree. If this is true, then the key will feel odd -- less resistance than you might expect, the lack of detents as it passes through other settings, that sort of thing. I would not mess around trying to install remote start switches, I would fix the broken parts you already have. (I see no point in adding in new parts to break and confuse the situation in 5 or 10 years.) I have an '81 CJ5, and a '95 Ford Bronco, both of which had variations on the same problem you are having. Both had repair parts available on the aftermarket for just a few dollars. Of the two, the Jeep was cheaper and easier to repair, but I digress. You will need to remove the steering wheel and the Steering Lock Plate (you need a special puller for the lock plate. Autozone has a Free Tool Loaner Program that included the lock plate tool, or you can buy a tool for about $10.). When the lock plate is out, you will see the broken linkage parts, and all you need do is devise the proper route to get it out. Whether or not you have Tilt Steering will alter the directions to get the linkage out, and which linkage part you need to repair the trouble. The linkage is a standard GM part. The aftermarket supplier is called HELP Brand, and if I rember right, the blister package is backed with red paper. (There are different colors of blister packs for the various areas of the vehicle that the part(s) in the package are to be used on.) In my case, I found the HELP Brand parts at Pep Boys -- a very large retail autoparts store. I have found HELP parts at other stores, but the small store on the corner by my house simply lacks the floor space to carry a wide selection. Your corner store may carry the part you need, but if they don't then you can drive across town to the huge autoparts store and probably find the right part in stock. |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
<lsaugier@hilcorp.com> wrote in message news:1179519439.326218.307450@k79g2000hse.googlegr oups.com... > Here's what happened: I started my jeep ('87 YJ 4.2L) and the starter > kept cranking, would not disengage. I didn't know what was happening > and drove off. It sucked all the juice out of my battery and burnt up > the starter. > > My first thought was that my solenoid (the part that sends juice from > the battery to the starter) was stuck. I replaced my solenoid, > starter motor, and battery. When everything was in place I connected > the leads on my battery and the jeep turned over (and would have > started) even though the ignition switch (the one on the steering > column) was set to 'off'. So I think the ignition switch on the > steering column is stuck in the 'start' position. > > How do you replace that thing? Where is it, is it right there where > you put the key in? Do I need to take the steering wheel off and get > to it that way? Chilton is pretty useless here, they really don't > show you where it is or how to get at it. > > Next question - which wire on my solenoid comes from the steering > column? I'm considering a simple 'on-off' switch and a starter button > simply because I can't find where the starter switch is on the > steering column. Any advice? > Let's back up a step of two and start over. If you turn the key (Ignition Lock Set) and it does not feel right, then I suggest you have broken parts in the steering column. You have already said that you think that the Ignition Switch is stuck in the START position, I agree. If this is true, then the key will feel odd -- less resistance than you might expect, the lack of detents as it passes through other settings, that sort of thing. I would not mess around trying to install remote start switches, I would fix the broken parts you already have. (I see no point in adding in new parts to break and confuse the situation in 5 or 10 years.) I have an '81 CJ5, and a '95 Ford Bronco, both of which had variations on the same problem you are having. Both had repair parts available on the aftermarket for just a few dollars. Of the two, the Jeep was cheaper and easier to repair, but I digress. You will need to remove the steering wheel and the Steering Lock Plate (you need a special puller for the lock plate. Autozone has a Free Tool Loaner Program that included the lock plate tool, or you can buy a tool for about $10.). When the lock plate is out, you will see the broken linkage parts, and all you need do is devise the proper route to get it out. Whether or not you have Tilt Steering will alter the directions to get the linkage out, and which linkage part you need to repair the trouble. The linkage is a standard GM part. The aftermarket supplier is called HELP Brand, and if I rember right, the blister package is backed with red paper. (There are different colors of blister packs for the various areas of the vehicle that the part(s) in the package are to be used on.) In my case, I found the HELP Brand parts at Pep Boys -- a very large retail autoparts store. I have found HELP parts at other stores, but the small store on the corner by my house simply lacks the floor space to carry a wide selection. Your corner store may carry the part you need, but if they don't then you can drive across town to the huge autoparts store and probably find the right part in stock. |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
<lsaugier@hilcorp.com> wrote in message news:1179519439.326218.307450@k79g2000hse.googlegr oups.com... > Here's what happened: I started my jeep ('87 YJ 4.2L) and the starter > kept cranking, would not disengage. I didn't know what was happening > and drove off. It sucked all the juice out of my battery and burnt up > the starter. > > My first thought was that my solenoid (the part that sends juice from > the battery to the starter) was stuck. I replaced my solenoid, > starter motor, and battery. When everything was in place I connected > the leads on my battery and the jeep turned over (and would have > started) even though the ignition switch (the one on the steering > column) was set to 'off'. So I think the ignition switch on the > steering column is stuck in the 'start' position. > > How do you replace that thing? Where is it, is it right there where > you put the key in? Do I need to take the steering wheel off and get > to it that way? Chilton is pretty useless here, they really don't > show you where it is or how to get at it. > > Next question - which wire on my solenoid comes from the steering > column? I'm considering a simple 'on-off' switch and a starter button > simply because I can't find where the starter switch is on the > steering column. Any advice? > Let's back up a step of two and start over. If you turn the key (Ignition Lock Set) and it does not feel right, then I suggest you have broken parts in the steering column. You have already said that you think that the Ignition Switch is stuck in the START position, I agree. If this is true, then the key will feel odd -- less resistance than you might expect, the lack of detents as it passes through other settings, that sort of thing. I would not mess around trying to install remote start switches, I would fix the broken parts you already have. (I see no point in adding in new parts to break and confuse the situation in 5 or 10 years.) I have an '81 CJ5, and a '95 Ford Bronco, both of which had variations on the same problem you are having. Both had repair parts available on the aftermarket for just a few dollars. Of the two, the Jeep was cheaper and easier to repair, but I digress. You will need to remove the steering wheel and the Steering Lock Plate (you need a special puller for the lock plate. Autozone has a Free Tool Loaner Program that included the lock plate tool, or you can buy a tool for about $10.). When the lock plate is out, you will see the broken linkage parts, and all you need do is devise the proper route to get it out. Whether or not you have Tilt Steering will alter the directions to get the linkage out, and which linkage part you need to repair the trouble. The linkage is a standard GM part. The aftermarket supplier is called HELP Brand, and if I rember right, the blister package is backed with red paper. (There are different colors of blister packs for the various areas of the vehicle that the part(s) in the package are to be used on.) In my case, I found the HELP Brand parts at Pep Boys -- a very large retail autoparts store. I have found HELP parts at other stores, but the small store on the corner by my house simply lacks the floor space to carry a wide selection. Your corner store may carry the part you need, but if they don't then you can drive across town to the huge autoparts store and probably find the right part in stock. |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
Jeff Strickland wrote:
> > "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message > news:464e3ec8$0$1964$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshostin g.com... >> lsaugier@hilcorp.com wrote: >>> I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given >>> that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is >>> there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the >>> starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new >>> firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems >>> unlikely to me. >>> >>> The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure >>> I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should >>> look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know >>> that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition >>> rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where >>> it goes. >>> >> >> The switch is at the bottom end of the rod. >> >> As I mentioned, there are two green wires on that firewall >> relay/solenoid unit that are easy to mix then it just starts with >> battery power. >> >> Try swapping them. > > > > WAIT -- STOP > > Mike, > You are going at this from the direction that he screwed up on his > replacement, but his problem began before he did anything and continued > afterward. This tells me that he probably has done nothing wrong, > therefore his Jeep must be broken. > > > > I think his trouble is that the Ignition Lock Set Linkage has broken, > and is holding the Ignition Switch to the START position. As soon as he > connects the battery terminal, the starter motor begins to crank, even > if the key is currently set to OFF. Good call, I won't disagree. If he pulls the switch he will find out. It is easier to do with the door off or open all the way with the strap off. I really was thinking his meltdown got some other wires like the starter trigger because I have seen this happen before. The heat took out the firewall relay and some upstream wires when the relay shorted. Mike |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
Jeff Strickland wrote:
> > "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message > news:464e3ec8$0$1964$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshostin g.com... >> lsaugier@hilcorp.com wrote: >>> I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given >>> that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is >>> there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the >>> starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new >>> firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems >>> unlikely to me. >>> >>> The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure >>> I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should >>> look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know >>> that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition >>> rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where >>> it goes. >>> >> >> The switch is at the bottom end of the rod. >> >> As I mentioned, there are two green wires on that firewall >> relay/solenoid unit that are easy to mix then it just starts with >> battery power. >> >> Try swapping them. > > > > WAIT -- STOP > > Mike, > You are going at this from the direction that he screwed up on his > replacement, but his problem began before he did anything and continued > afterward. This tells me that he probably has done nothing wrong, > therefore his Jeep must be broken. > > > > I think his trouble is that the Ignition Lock Set Linkage has broken, > and is holding the Ignition Switch to the START position. As soon as he > connects the battery terminal, the starter motor begins to crank, even > if the key is currently set to OFF. Good call, I won't disagree. If he pulls the switch he will find out. It is easier to do with the door off or open all the way with the strap off. I really was thinking his meltdown got some other wires like the starter trigger because I have seen this happen before. The heat took out the firewall relay and some upstream wires when the relay shorted. Mike |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
Jeff Strickland wrote:
> > "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message > news:464e3ec8$0$1964$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshostin g.com... >> lsaugier@hilcorp.com wrote: >>> I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given >>> that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is >>> there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the >>> starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new >>> firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems >>> unlikely to me. >>> >>> The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure >>> I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should >>> look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know >>> that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition >>> rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where >>> it goes. >>> >> >> The switch is at the bottom end of the rod. >> >> As I mentioned, there are two green wires on that firewall >> relay/solenoid unit that are easy to mix then it just starts with >> battery power. >> >> Try swapping them. > > > > WAIT -- STOP > > Mike, > You are going at this from the direction that he screwed up on his > replacement, but his problem began before he did anything and continued > afterward. This tells me that he probably has done nothing wrong, > therefore his Jeep must be broken. > > > > I think his trouble is that the Ignition Lock Set Linkage has broken, > and is holding the Ignition Switch to the START position. As soon as he > connects the battery terminal, the starter motor begins to crank, even > if the key is currently set to OFF. Good call, I won't disagree. If he pulls the switch he will find out. It is easier to do with the door off or open all the way with the strap off. I really was thinking his meltdown got some other wires like the starter trigger because I have seen this happen before. The heat took out the firewall relay and some upstream wires when the relay shorted. Mike |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
Jeff Strickland wrote:
> > "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message > news:464e3ec8$0$1964$9a6e19ea@unlimited.newshostin g.com... >> lsaugier@hilcorp.com wrote: >>> I don't have any evidence that there are any wires burnt out. Given >>> that I've replaced the firewall solenoid, battery, and starter, is >>> there anything else besides an ignition switch that would cause the >>> starter motor to crank uncontrollably? Is it possible I wired the new >>> firewall solenoid wrong and that's what's causing it? That seems >>> unlikely to me. >>> >>> The ignition switch is pretty difficult to get at - I'm still not sure >>> I'm even able to see it. Is there anything in particular I should >>> look for (many wires, few wires, blue clip, white clip, etc) to know >>> that I've definitely found the ignition switch? I see the ignition >>> rod... thingy... disappear down in there somewhere but can't see where >>> it goes. >>> >> >> The switch is at the bottom end of the rod. >> >> As I mentioned, there are two green wires on that firewall >> relay/solenoid unit that are easy to mix then it just starts with >> battery power. >> >> Try swapping them. > > > > WAIT -- STOP > > Mike, > You are going at this from the direction that he screwed up on his > replacement, but his problem began before he did anything and continued > afterward. This tells me that he probably has done nothing wrong, > therefore his Jeep must be broken. > > > > I think his trouble is that the Ignition Lock Set Linkage has broken, > and is holding the Ignition Switch to the START position. As soon as he > connects the battery terminal, the starter motor begins to crank, even > if the key is currently set to OFF. Good call, I won't disagree. If he pulls the switch he will find out. It is easier to do with the door off or open all the way with the strap off. I really was thinking his meltdown got some other wires like the starter trigger because I have seen this happen before. The heat took out the firewall relay and some upstream wires when the relay shorted. Mike |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
Jeff Strickland wrote:
> > <lsaugier@hilcorp.com> wrote in message > news:1179519439.326218.307450@k79g2000hse.googlegr oups.com... >> Here's what happened: I started my jeep ('87 YJ 4.2L) and the starter >> kept cranking, would not disengage. I didn't know what was happening >> and drove off. It sucked all the juice out of my battery and burnt up >> the starter. >> >> My first thought was that my solenoid (the part that sends juice from >> the battery to the starter) was stuck. I replaced my solenoid, >> starter motor, and battery. When everything was in place I connected >> the leads on my battery and the jeep turned over (and would have >> started) even though the ignition switch (the one on the steering >> column) was set to 'off'. So I think the ignition switch on the >> steering column is stuck in the 'start' position. >> >> How do you replace that thing? Where is it, is it right there where >> you put the key in? Do I need to take the steering wheel off and get >> to it that way? Chilton is pretty useless here, they really don't >> show you where it is or how to get at it. >> >> Next question - which wire on my solenoid comes from the steering >> column? I'm considering a simple 'on-off' switch and a starter button >> simply because I can't find where the starter switch is on the >> steering column. Any advice? >> > > > Let's back up a step of two and start over. > I think he should pull the switch at the 'bottom' which is easy first to verify if that is the trouble or not before ripping the wheel apart... Mike |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
Jeff Strickland wrote:
> > <lsaugier@hilcorp.com> wrote in message > news:1179519439.326218.307450@k79g2000hse.googlegr oups.com... >> Here's what happened: I started my jeep ('87 YJ 4.2L) and the starter >> kept cranking, would not disengage. I didn't know what was happening >> and drove off. It sucked all the juice out of my battery and burnt up >> the starter. >> >> My first thought was that my solenoid (the part that sends juice from >> the battery to the starter) was stuck. I replaced my solenoid, >> starter motor, and battery. When everything was in place I connected >> the leads on my battery and the jeep turned over (and would have >> started) even though the ignition switch (the one on the steering >> column) was set to 'off'. So I think the ignition switch on the >> steering column is stuck in the 'start' position. >> >> How do you replace that thing? Where is it, is it right there where >> you put the key in? Do I need to take the steering wheel off and get >> to it that way? Chilton is pretty useless here, they really don't >> show you where it is or how to get at it. >> >> Next question - which wire on my solenoid comes from the steering >> column? I'm considering a simple 'on-off' switch and a starter button >> simply because I can't find where the starter switch is on the >> steering column. Any advice? >> > > > Let's back up a step of two and start over. > I think he should pull the switch at the 'bottom' which is easy first to verify if that is the trouble or not before ripping the wheel apart... Mike |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
Jeff Strickland wrote:
> > <lsaugier@hilcorp.com> wrote in message > news:1179519439.326218.307450@k79g2000hse.googlegr oups.com... >> Here's what happened: I started my jeep ('87 YJ 4.2L) and the starter >> kept cranking, would not disengage. I didn't know what was happening >> and drove off. It sucked all the juice out of my battery and burnt up >> the starter. >> >> My first thought was that my solenoid (the part that sends juice from >> the battery to the starter) was stuck. I replaced my solenoid, >> starter motor, and battery. When everything was in place I connected >> the leads on my battery and the jeep turned over (and would have >> started) even though the ignition switch (the one on the steering >> column) was set to 'off'. So I think the ignition switch on the >> steering column is stuck in the 'start' position. >> >> How do you replace that thing? Where is it, is it right there where >> you put the key in? Do I need to take the steering wheel off and get >> to it that way? Chilton is pretty useless here, they really don't >> show you where it is or how to get at it. >> >> Next question - which wire on my solenoid comes from the steering >> column? I'm considering a simple 'on-off' switch and a starter button >> simply because I can't find where the starter switch is on the >> steering column. Any advice? >> > > > Let's back up a step of two and start over. > I think he should pull the switch at the 'bottom' which is easy first to verify if that is the trouble or not before ripping the wheel apart... Mike |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
Jeff Strickland wrote:
> > <lsaugier@hilcorp.com> wrote in message > news:1179519439.326218.307450@k79g2000hse.googlegr oups.com... >> Here's what happened: I started my jeep ('87 YJ 4.2L) and the starter >> kept cranking, would not disengage. I didn't know what was happening >> and drove off. It sucked all the juice out of my battery and burnt up >> the starter. >> >> My first thought was that my solenoid (the part that sends juice from >> the battery to the starter) was stuck. I replaced my solenoid, >> starter motor, and battery. When everything was in place I connected >> the leads on my battery and the jeep turned over (and would have >> started) even though the ignition switch (the one on the steering >> column) was set to 'off'. So I think the ignition switch on the >> steering column is stuck in the 'start' position. >> >> How do you replace that thing? Where is it, is it right there where >> you put the key in? Do I need to take the steering wheel off and get >> to it that way? Chilton is pretty useless here, they really don't >> show you where it is or how to get at it. >> >> Next question - which wire on my solenoid comes from the steering >> column? I'm considering a simple 'on-off' switch and a starter button >> simply because I can't find where the starter switch is on the >> steering column. Any advice? >> > > > Let's back up a step of two and start over. > I think he should pull the switch at the 'bottom' which is easy first to verify if that is the trouble or not before ripping the wheel apart... Mike |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
Thanks for the discussion.
UPDATE: Just now I switched the two bright green wires going to the firewall solenoid. When I connected the battery nothing happened (that's good!) but when I tried to crank it nothing happened (that's bad!). I did get lights on my dash, don't know what that means. I'm fairly confident that I had them in the right place to begin with as the copper fins they connect to are different - one is slotted and one is not. Just out of curiosity, what are the wires going to and coming out of the solenoid? On the left we have current in from the battery and three other dark green (?) wires. All those are mashed together by a nut on the left hand bolt. On the right we have one big wire going from the solenoid to the starter. There are two bolts on the front of the solenoid. On the left-front bolt there is a copper fin with a bright green wire coming off of it. On the right front bolt there is another copper fin with another bright green wire coming off. Also on the right front bolt is a wire with a rubber booted connector that slides over the front of the bolt. I understand two wires - "battery in" and "out to starter". What/where do all those other wires do/go? How does the ignition switch talk to the solenoid? I'm an engineer and I just don't feel right unless I understand what I'm working with! Thanks for the help. |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
Thanks for the discussion.
UPDATE: Just now I switched the two bright green wires going to the firewall solenoid. When I connected the battery nothing happened (that's good!) but when I tried to crank it nothing happened (that's bad!). I did get lights on my dash, don't know what that means. I'm fairly confident that I had them in the right place to begin with as the copper fins they connect to are different - one is slotted and one is not. Just out of curiosity, what are the wires going to and coming out of the solenoid? On the left we have current in from the battery and three other dark green (?) wires. All those are mashed together by a nut on the left hand bolt. On the right we have one big wire going from the solenoid to the starter. There are two bolts on the front of the solenoid. On the left-front bolt there is a copper fin with a bright green wire coming off of it. On the right front bolt there is another copper fin with another bright green wire coming off. Also on the right front bolt is a wire with a rubber booted connector that slides over the front of the bolt. I understand two wires - "battery in" and "out to starter". What/where do all those other wires do/go? How does the ignition switch talk to the solenoid? I'm an engineer and I just don't feel right unless I understand what I'm working with! Thanks for the help. |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
Thanks for the discussion.
UPDATE: Just now I switched the two bright green wires going to the firewall solenoid. When I connected the battery nothing happened (that's good!) but when I tried to crank it nothing happened (that's bad!). I did get lights on my dash, don't know what that means. I'm fairly confident that I had them in the right place to begin with as the copper fins they connect to are different - one is slotted and one is not. Just out of curiosity, what are the wires going to and coming out of the solenoid? On the left we have current in from the battery and three other dark green (?) wires. All those are mashed together by a nut on the left hand bolt. On the right we have one big wire going from the solenoid to the starter. There are two bolts on the front of the solenoid. On the left-front bolt there is a copper fin with a bright green wire coming off of it. On the right front bolt there is another copper fin with another bright green wire coming off. Also on the right front bolt is a wire with a rubber booted connector that slides over the front of the bolt. I understand two wires - "battery in" and "out to starter". What/where do all those other wires do/go? How does the ignition switch talk to the solenoid? I'm an engineer and I just don't feel right unless I understand what I'm working with! Thanks for the help. |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
Thanks for the discussion.
UPDATE: Just now I switched the two bright green wires going to the firewall solenoid. When I connected the battery nothing happened (that's good!) but when I tried to crank it nothing happened (that's bad!). I did get lights on my dash, don't know what that means. I'm fairly confident that I had them in the right place to begin with as the copper fins they connect to are different - one is slotted and one is not. Just out of curiosity, what are the wires going to and coming out of the solenoid? On the left we have current in from the battery and three other dark green (?) wires. All those are mashed together by a nut on the left hand bolt. On the right we have one big wire going from the solenoid to the starter. There are two bolts on the front of the solenoid. On the left-front bolt there is a copper fin with a bright green wire coming off of it. On the right front bolt there is another copper fin with another bright green wire coming off. Also on the right front bolt is a wire with a rubber booted connector that slides over the front of the bolt. I understand two wires - "battery in" and "out to starter". What/where do all those other wires do/go? How does the ignition switch talk to the solenoid? I'm an engineer and I just don't feel right unless I understand what I'm working with! Thanks for the help. |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
<lsaugier@hilcorp.com> wrote in message news:1179595850.935804.75970@y80g2000hsf.googlegro ups.com... > Thanks for the discussion. > > UPDATE: Just now I switched the two bright green wires going to the > firewall solenoid. When I connected the battery nothing happened > (that's good!) but when I tried to crank it nothing happened (that's > bad!). I did get lights on my dash, don't know what that means. I'm > fairly confident that I had them in the right place to begin with as > the copper fins they connect to are different - one is slotted and > one is not. > This is a good test. It tells us that the linkage is okay because the lights on the instrument panel go ON and OFF with the key, which means the lock set and linkage are probably not the problem -- which means you do not have to pull the steering wheel, which is a good thing because pulling the wheel and the lock plate can be a bitch, especially if there is nothing wrong behind them. I would not have suspected the Ignition Switch itself, but that is the road you have guided us to. The switch is mounted to the steering column in the vicinity of the brake pedal. It's kind of a bitch to get to. On my Jeep, there is a 3/16 or 5/16 sheetmetal screw holding the switch mounting plate to the steering column. This job has a certain working-by-braille-while-twisted-like-a-pretzel quality to it. Other than that, it isn't too difficult. > Just out of curiosity, what are the wires going to and coming out of > the solenoid? On the left we have current in from the battery and > three other dark green (?) wires. All those are mashed together by a > nut on the left hand bolt. On the right we have one big wire going > from the solenoid to the starter. There are two bolts on the front of > the solenoid. On the left-front bolt there is a copper fin with a > bright green wire coming off of it. On the right front bolt there is > another copper fin with another bright green wire coming off. Also on > the right front bolt is a wire with a rubber booted connector that > slides over the front of the bolt. I understand two wires - "battery > in" and "out to starter". What/where do all those other wires do/go? > How does the ignition switch talk to the solenoid? I'm an engineer > and I just don't feel right unless I understand what I'm working with! > > Thanks for the help. > There are two huge wires, one goes to the battery and the other to the starter, and two smaller wires that go to the ignition switch. When you crank the key, you close contacts on the switch and pass current to the relay (solenoid is a bit of a misnomer) which fires and closes some really fat contacts that can handle the high current required by the starter motor -- this high current is provided by the fat wires we just talked about. |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
<lsaugier@hilcorp.com> wrote in message news:1179595850.935804.75970@y80g2000hsf.googlegro ups.com... > Thanks for the discussion. > > UPDATE: Just now I switched the two bright green wires going to the > firewall solenoid. When I connected the battery nothing happened > (that's good!) but when I tried to crank it nothing happened (that's > bad!). I did get lights on my dash, don't know what that means. I'm > fairly confident that I had them in the right place to begin with as > the copper fins they connect to are different - one is slotted and > one is not. > This is a good test. It tells us that the linkage is okay because the lights on the instrument panel go ON and OFF with the key, which means the lock set and linkage are probably not the problem -- which means you do not have to pull the steering wheel, which is a good thing because pulling the wheel and the lock plate can be a bitch, especially if there is nothing wrong behind them. I would not have suspected the Ignition Switch itself, but that is the road you have guided us to. The switch is mounted to the steering column in the vicinity of the brake pedal. It's kind of a bitch to get to. On my Jeep, there is a 3/16 or 5/16 sheetmetal screw holding the switch mounting plate to the steering column. This job has a certain working-by-braille-while-twisted-like-a-pretzel quality to it. Other than that, it isn't too difficult. > Just out of curiosity, what are the wires going to and coming out of > the solenoid? On the left we have current in from the battery and > three other dark green (?) wires. All those are mashed together by a > nut on the left hand bolt. On the right we have one big wire going > from the solenoid to the starter. There are two bolts on the front of > the solenoid. On the left-front bolt there is a copper fin with a > bright green wire coming off of it. On the right front bolt there is > another copper fin with another bright green wire coming off. Also on > the right front bolt is a wire with a rubber booted connector that > slides over the front of the bolt. I understand two wires - "battery > in" and "out to starter". What/where do all those other wires do/go? > How does the ignition switch talk to the solenoid? I'm an engineer > and I just don't feel right unless I understand what I'm working with! > > Thanks for the help. > There are two huge wires, one goes to the battery and the other to the starter, and two smaller wires that go to the ignition switch. When you crank the key, you close contacts on the switch and pass current to the relay (solenoid is a bit of a misnomer) which fires and closes some really fat contacts that can handle the high current required by the starter motor -- this high current is provided by the fat wires we just talked about. |
Re: Wrangler YJ ignition switch problem
<lsaugier@hilcorp.com> wrote in message news:1179595850.935804.75970@y80g2000hsf.googlegro ups.com... > Thanks for the discussion. > > UPDATE: Just now I switched the two bright green wires going to the > firewall solenoid. When I connected the battery nothing happened > (that's good!) but when I tried to crank it nothing happened (that's > bad!). I did get lights on my dash, don't know what that means. I'm > fairly confident that I had them in the right place to begin with as > the copper fins they connect to are different - one is slotted and > one is not. > This is a good test. It tells us that the linkage is okay because the lights on the instrument panel go ON and OFF with the key, which means the lock set and linkage are probably not the problem -- which means you do not have to pull the steering wheel, which is a good thing because pulling the wheel and the lock plate can be a bitch, especially if there is nothing wrong behind them. I would not have suspected the Ignition Switch itself, but that is the road you have guided us to. The switch is mounted to the steering column in the vicinity of the brake pedal. It's kind of a bitch to get to. On my Jeep, there is a 3/16 or 5/16 sheetmetal screw holding the switch mounting plate to the steering column. This job has a certain working-by-braille-while-twisted-like-a-pretzel quality to it. Other than that, it isn't too difficult. > Just out of curiosity, what are the wires going to and coming out of > the solenoid? On the left we have current in from the battery and > three other dark green (?) wires. All those are mashed together by a > nut on the left hand bolt. On the right we have one big wire going > from the solenoid to the starter. There are two bolts on the front of > the solenoid. On the left-front bolt there is a copper fin with a > bright green wire coming off of it. On the right front bolt there is > another copper fin with another bright green wire coming off. Also on > the right front bolt is a wire with a rubber booted connector that > slides over the front of the bolt. I understand two wires - "battery > in" and "out to starter". What/where do all those other wires do/go? > How does the ignition switch talk to the solenoid? I'm an engineer > and I just don't feel right unless I understand what I'm working with! > > Thanks for the help. > There are two huge wires, one goes to the battery and the other to the starter, and two smaller wires that go to the ignition switch. When you crank the key, you close contacts on the switch and pass current to the relay (solenoid is a bit of a misnomer) which fires and closes some really fat contacts that can handle the high current required by the starter motor -- this high current is provided by the fat wires we just talked about. |
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