Just a feeler.....

[dizzymac]

I just picked up another XJ (can never have to many of them). It has an electrical prob. that I have not even began to diagnose, don't have it home yet.
The girl bought it a year ago, batt went dead, she thru in a Wally World batt. it lasted a few days and went dead too. Brought it to a shop and they told her it was the alt, they replaced it(shop told her they had to make the alt fit?) and she got another batt, she got it home, went to start it the next day, dead (obviously a short), they jumped it and the cables started to smoke and arc., not sure what cables, batt. maybe, someone told her she fried the "brain", don't know how they know this.
Its has sat in her barn ever since. I got it for $200. Its an '89 4.0 AW4, great body and interior, had just passed NH inspection when she parked it.
Any thoughts?

 

[mrbill3]

First thing I would check is the alternator since she said they had to "make it fit". Maybe it's the wrong one and therefore wired wrong. Also be sure that you have the battery fully charged before you reinstall it, especially if you are putting in a new alternator. Also while you're at it check the ground strap from the block to the firewall. (and the battery cables too) Good Luck!!!