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Lights Out....

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Shad Rogers, May 29, 2016.

  1. May 29, 2016
    Shad Rogers

    Shad Rogers Member

    Orlando Florida
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    So I put a new fuel tank in, she (1974 cj5) is running good. The fuel gauge even works. So I'm driving on my way to work tonight and a guy pulls out in front of me.
    I take evasive action and drive around him to prevent a collision, as I lay on the horn.
    The entire jeep goes dark and I roll to the roadside.

    I didn't have time to check under the hood, I'll look her over tomorrow. I had to drive my wife's car to work.

    I did disconnect the negative terminal when I was doing the gas tank, and I just twisted it on finger tight. I'll check that first but don't know where to go from there.
     
    Last edited: May 31, 2016
  2. May 30, 2016
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    You showed him!




    Probably what you suspect (batt term).
     
  3. May 30, 2016
    Shad Rogers

    Shad Rogers Member

    Orlando Florida
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    Thanks, will check.
     
  4. May 30, 2016
    Shad Rogers

    Shad Rogers Member

    Orlando Florida
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    It's not the battery terminal.
     
  5. May 30, 2016
    Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    cordele, Ga.
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    Use your test light and make sure you have battery voltage on all three wires on the starter solenoid terminal that has the positive cable connected to it. If you do then check the 6 wire plug connector in the engine compartment. The C12 wire changes to A12 at this plug and the A12 wire goes to a splice terminal under the dash which feeds all the power to the ignition switch.
     
    Shad Rogers likes this.
  6. May 30, 2016
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Almost sounds like a blown fuse... but normally the horn and lights are not fused.
     
  7. May 30, 2016
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    '74 is the last year for inline fuses. The wiring diagram (and TSM) is online at www.oljeep.com Looking at the diagram, power for the lights comes from the starter solenoid (C12), through the firewall bulkhead connector (A12) and to a big splice under the dash where it branches out to the lights, horn, and ignition (A12B, A12A, and A45 resp). I don't see any indication of a fusible link, though there could be one in the harness bundle between the solenoid and the bulkhead.

    Sorry I'm repeating some of what Walt wrote.

    http://oljeep.com/gw/74_tsm/22-7-CJWiringDiagram.pdf

    If you still have trouble, print out a copy of the diagram and start testing with your meter or test light. Be patient and systematic. Start at the battery and work you way toward the lights until you find the problem.
     
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  8. May 30, 2016
    Shad Rogers

    Shad Rogers Member

    Orlando Florida
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    Neither the horn nor the lights work, I have a mechanic coming over tomorrow afternoon that used to own a 67 CJ5, to help me.
     
  9. May 30, 2016
    Shad Rogers

    Shad Rogers Member

    Orlando Florida
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    Thanks, will do.
     
  10. May 31, 2016
    Shad Rogers

    Shad Rogers Member

    Orlando Florida
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    Does the ignition switch need to be in the 'on'
    Position?
     
  11. May 31, 2016
    Alan28

    Alan28 Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Châtillon en...
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    I had problems with my fuel gauge (rear tank, 1971) and it makes always electric problems.
    Maybe this is not related... but:cry:
     
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  12. May 31, 2016
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    Wait... Is the battery any good?
     
  13. May 31, 2016
    Shad Rogers

    Shad Rogers Member

    Orlando Florida
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    Oh yes, it's very new. I checked it with my multi meter, 12 volts.
     
  14. May 31, 2016
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Have you checked the cables at both their ends - at the ground connection and starter relay, etc. ?

    A bad gound would kill the entire system.
     
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  15. May 31, 2016
    Shad Rogers

    Shad Rogers Member

    Orlando Florida
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    My Jeep mechanic found the issue, it was a loose corroded connection on the first prong behind the spedo to the Amp light.

    Till next time, thanks guys.
     
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