1994 ZJ with some issues

fordtough

New Member
Joined
Aug 8, 2010
Location
north western NC
I have just purchased my oldest daughter a 1994 Zj for her first car. It had been sitting for 2 years. Neighbor had the starter out and a new one sitting in the back seat when I bought it. I got the starter in and it would not crank with the key so I jumped across the wires at the starter and it fired right up. While trying to diagnose the starting problem I found 4 wires in the harness under the AC compressor that mice had chewed so I spliced them back together and checked the NSS and it is passing the tests. I also had found that I could use a jumper wire in the solenoid plug and it would fire that way. But after the repairs and checks I put the solenoid back in and it fired up with the key. That lasted for 2 days then I did a heater core replacement and it fired that night but the next morning would not crank with the key. I drove it around for a couple of hours and just for kicks put the solenoid back in and it cranked with the key. Did that for about 5 or 6 times through out the day and then again nothing with the key but it will fire with a jumper wire in the solenoid plug. Also a few other issues it does not shift smothly or regularly. It will shift but sometimes I have to rev it way up and let off the gas and as it comes down to 2k it will upshift and it will not down shift to 1st when stopped and taking back off. Fluid is full and doest not appear to be or smell burnt. And last for now the radio has no sound but turns on. Replaced with another factory radio and same thing turns on but no sound.
Thank you for your help.
By the way my daughter changed the oil in it with a little help but I am proud of her. I try to get her to do as much work as I can on it so she will learn.
 
it will crank and start with a jumper in the solenoid plug when it will not start with the key
and it has one code in computer "12" power disconnected to pcm or ecm. I don't have the book in front of me.
 
Alright on the Radio,is it the type with an external amp?A lot of Chrylser Vehicles had Infinity systems,or something similar with an Amp mounted under the passenger seat.If there is a fuse blown for the amp,the amp is bad or the trigger wire from the radio(usually blue or blue/white)isn't connected there will be no sound.I would investigate that.I would find the amp and test for power and trigger power there.
 
Rox&Mud said:
My ZJ has had the same shifting issues as you describe. This link will help you with the shifting problems, it did for me.

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/showthread.php?t=442673

Oh, and if you do this, install a drain plug. It makes life so much easier next time you have tot pull the pan.
Click to expand...

I will check that out thank you

retroedaddy said:
Alright on the Radio,is it the type with an external amp?A lot of Chrylser Vehicles had Infinity systems,or something similar with an Amp mounted under the passenger seat.If there is a fuse blown for the amp,the amp is bad or the trigger wire from the radio(usually blue or blue/white)isn't connected there will be no sound.I would investigate that.I would find the amp and test for power and trigger power there.
Click to expand...
I figured there had to be an external amp. I looked at some electical diagrams and they never showed one in the schematic. But thank you and I will be checking that out tomorrow.
 
Thanks for all the help. I managed to get the thing to start with the key today. Not sure exactly what the problem is or was but I did leave a plug partially snapped in place on the steering column( from the heater core R&R) and I think that was it. It has been starting with the key all day. I also have sound coming oout of the radio now. I found a plug under the back seat that went to an amplifier that was not there. So I just cut out the plug and hardwired the speakers. Not the best fix but good enough until I get a new stereo and amp or just replace it with a stocker. The transmission seems to be doing better the more I drive it but still not downshifting to first when I come to a stop and then take off again. But I still have to pull the trans codes. But I am sure it is the solenoid inside. Similar problem with my 2004 f250 and it is solenoid block in it.
Thanks for the help
(my daughter thanks all as well)
 
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