1976 Jeep CJ5 76 CJ 5 Starting

ENJ-RESTORATIONSNEPA

MEMBER
1976 JEEP CJ5
3.8L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
10,000 MILES

Just purchased a 76 CJ 5 old mail truck. It is in great condition but will not start. When I put it in my garage I hooked up the battery cables and it immediately started cranking with the key in the off position. Before I go throwing parts at it I was wondering if you could possibly help. The starter solenoid is new also. Thanks EJ

Friday, March 21st, 2014 AT 10:24 AM

4 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
34,087 POSTS

First make sure you have the right starter solenoid. That's a Ford system and they used at least three different designs that all look the same. Also be sure the two large cables aren't reversed. Doing that can self-power some of them through the ignition resistor bypass terminal.

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Friday, March 21st, 2014 AT 5:36 PM

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,005 POSTS

THIS COULD BE A COUPLE OF POSSIBILITIES

I'LL SLING OUT THE GENERAL INFO. WE CAN ELABORATE AS WE GO

I CAN SEND PICS AND DIAGRAMS. CJs ARE MY THING!

HERE'S THE "BLUNT" INFO

A) THE SOLENOID IS MAYBE WIRED WRONG

B) THE SOLENOID IS "STUCK" OR THE INNER CONTACTS ARE SORTA WELDED TOGETHER

C) "S" WIRE ON THE SOLENOID (THE WIRE THAT ENDS UP AT THE IGNITION SWITCH) IS SHORTED TO A "LIVE 12 VOLT WIRE" ALONG THE WAY

D) THE IGNITION SWITCH MAY BE BAD. OR MIS-ADJUSTED

HERE'S A DIAGRAM SHOWING HOW THE SOLENOID SHOULD BE WIRED

KEEP ME POSTED---ASK ANYTHING CJ ----MANY OF THE POSTS I HELP GO OVER 100 RESPONSES LONG AS WE TACKLE JUST ABOUT ANYTHING!

THE DEAL?

GOT A VOLTMETER?

I GOT LOTS AND LOTS MORE PICS

YOUR TURN,

THE MEDIC

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