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View Full Version : Help - My TJ is sick...Electrical


MISjeeper
04-01-2001, 03:41 PM
This morning (4am) I awoke to my horn going off (to the dismay of my neighbors). I went out (stumbled) and pulled the connectors from the horns. No more noise.
It had just rained (2-3") and I had a bikini top on (Mopar) with holes at each end of the windshield. I figured the water leaked in and created a temporary short. Much like the directional clicking when the dash of TJ's get wet.

This morning I went out to get my new spare KO and while stopped at a light the truck started skipping and my airbag light turned on. It straightened itself out eventually and ran fin the rest of the trip.

I then went out (6 hours after the first trip) and the truck did it again, and now the chk engine light is on (usually indicating ANYTHING but engine). I limped home and took a look under the hood (the only shipping is at idle). I could hear the fuse panel "clicking", like a short. So I narrowed it down to the horn relay (large black fuse). I removed it and the clicking stopped. I have not been able to run it since, but the chk. engine light will not clear, nor will the airbag light.

Any thoughts? I can see how water in the dash would short out the horn and possibly the airbag sensor, but make it skip?

I also need to include I did ATF change and wires (non-OEM, but they were installed correctly ).

I would greatly appreciate any thoughts. Sorry this is so long, but I needed to explain everything. This TJ hjas gotten wet FAR worse than the last couple days, but the water never had a direct route to the dash (except spray).

Jason

CU4WHLN
04-01-2001, 07:44 PM
Definately your clockspring in the steering colum. They are not water proof, and cause havoc when they get wet. controls horn, airbag, cruise. Can cause the Jeep to run poorly as well.

If it's corrodided, you'll need a new one. Try to keep it dry

lonegpr
04-01-2001, 07:47 PM
You might also try disconnecting the battery, allowing all the electronics to reset.

Your problem will probaby disappear as the dash dries in the next few days.

MISjeeper
04-02-2001, 11:27 AM
An update:

I win out this morning and disconnected the battery, pulled the airbag fuses and checked for ANY moisture in the dash and fuse area.

I decided to start driving and head for the dealer for new wires (OEM) and see how it went. All was fine. :)The Check Engine and Airbag lights reset. I did get new wires, but I did not have them look at it.

When safely at work, I put the horn relay back in (located in the power unit under the hood). Once I did that, all was screwed up again. :(

So - bad relay? I think so...not to mention too much water in the dash. Off to get a relay and test that. If it does not work, I will be stumped..

Jason