1986 Jeep Comanche electrical/staring/lights

CONFUSED JEEPER

MEMBER
1986 JEEP COMANCHE
2.5L
4 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
350,000 MILES

1986 jeep comanche 4X4 2.4l engine
my alternator light was on for months. One day I went to start it, nothing. I changed the alternator and motor craft solenoid. My husband had undone the negative cable from the solenoid to the battery. After I installed the alternator and solenoid I had not known my husband unplugged the negative cable (he did it when I was getting the parts), after I installed all the new equipment I turned on the light switch for the headlights and turned the key. Nothing. I went to go check the cables and saw the negative to the solenoid unhooked, I hooked it up and tried again. Still no start and no lights. I took the battery to the store to have it charged. I was told it was discharged. Took it back and hooked everything back up. Still no lights and no start. Checked the starter by jumping it. The engine turned over yet would not stay on. I still have nothing when I turn the key and no brake lights or headlights? What is wrong and how can I fix it?

6 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Check fusilinks that are on s starter relay one may be burnt up. Except the two that are crossed out.

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Wednesday, January 7th, 2015 AT 4:08 PM

CONFUSED JEEPER

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Thank you sooooo much for responding! I have already ordered the write fusible link wire because NO one had it. Not even the dealership. So I guess as soon as I get that I will be re-wiring the fusible link and checking every thing. Keep your fingers crossed! I will! And again thank you for responding.

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Friday, January 9th, 2015 AT 1:11 PM

CONFUSED JEEPER

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Since you responded I have another question. My husband wants to change the oil pan gaskets. The Starter has two bolts going up from the ground into the motor. The problem we are having is; the clutch plate is in the way and we have not figured out how to get it off. Many people have said I should not have to take it off yet maybe they just can't picture it? We removed the clutch plate bolts, 4 of them, and we can only move the plate 1/4 of an inch. Is there another bolt we are missing?

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Friday, January 9th, 2015 AT 1:14 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

I'm sending instructions on how to remove oil pan the starter has to come off and the clutch cover or flywheel housing there should be 2 bolts on each side of cover the pan after unbolting slides backwards and down. You may have to turn engine over so crank is out of way. Also because you have a delco starter if there are shims do not lose them and put them back in the same place otherwise starter can do all kinds of stupid stuff. There may be a bracket at end of starter going to block which needs to come off as well.

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Friday, January 9th, 2015 AT 1:26 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Btw any auto parts should have the fusible link it should have a ring that bolts to starter relay and should have 12 volts at either end test all of them as it may only be one that is bad.