No start and shorted/melted connections inside overhead console.

[sleepxj4]

Hello!

Newbie Swedish XJ owner looking for help!

Been working on my Cherokee XJ 4L, 97 in order to get it running again after it's been sitting for two years. Changed oil+filter, airfilter, sparkplugs, serpentine belt and broken oil preassure sensor. Except for overheating/fan issues the car was running ok before it was parked until now.

So. After putting in the new parts and charging up the battery the car started perfect like it had had just been driven.

Turned off the ignition few minutes later to check for possible leaks. But when trying to start it again it just cranks. After trying about five times, going out and back in the car, i notice a burnt smell and smoke coming from the middle of overhead console. Rush to get a fire extinguisher but luckily nothing caught fire.

Partially removed the conole and see the following melted connectors:




Also notice accumulation of moist/water droplets inside the console. My guess is this is what somehow caused a short and the following burn?

My question is simply how to best fix this issue? My alternatives so far is to buy a full console (preferably second-hand) or just the "security keyless entry module/board" and replace melted connector from wirning.

As I'm basically a complete newbie with jeeps and these types of problems and have no idea if this will solve the problem by itself, or perhpas cause a secondary conflict/problem with the main computer?

Not sure if this might help, but since I will mostly use the XJ on backroads and during winter near my own property I have no real need to lock the car.

A bit lost so I apreciate any help or guidance regarding this issue.

/JE

 

[Tim_MN]

The 1997-2001 key-less entry is stand-alone, it can be unplugged. It is also plug and play, if you find a replacement module with remotes you can install them.

The key-less entry module is married to the remotes so try and get a module and remotes from the same donor, or you will have to have some remotes programmed to the module.

It may be cheaper and easier to have universal after-market key-less entry system installed. The stock remotes wear out and stop functioning.

 

[sleepxj4]

The Key-less entry is stand-alone, it can be unplugged. It is also plug and play, if you find a replacement module with remotes you can install them.

The key-less entry module is married to the remotes so try and get the remotes from the same donor, or you will have to have some remotes programmed to the module.

It may be cheaper and easier to have universal after-market key-less entry system installed. The stock remotes wear out and stop functioning.

Thank you for clearing that part out, it sounds like a good option.

I would still need a new wiring connector, or perhaps the full wiring harness? It almost makes it feel easier to just replace the entire console and mount the aftermarket key-less entry in the process?

Since it can be unplugged does this mean the no start issue is not directly related to the faulty module and wiring?

 

[Tim_MN]

A faulty key-less module or wire harness defects will likely cause a short circuit on the 5 volts OBD sensor CCD Bus, and a no start. Unplug the keyless wire harness from the main wire harness, at the plug near the interior fuse box, and see if the no-start situation goes away.

If you find a donor, grab the associated wire harness as well.

 

[sleepxj4]

A faulty key-less module or wire harness defects will likely cause a short circuit on the 5 volts OBD sensor CCD Bus, and a no start. Unplug the keyless wire harness from the main wire harness, at the plug near the interior fuse box, and see if the no-start situation goes away.

If you find a donor, grab the associated wire harness as well.

Thanks! Will do!

Is the OBD sensor CCD Bus damaged by this short, or if the car starts things should be ok?

 

[Tim_MN]

Resolve the key-less entry short circuit by repairs or by unplugging the faulty module, and the PCM should be OK.

 

[sleepxj4]

Resolve the key-less entry short circuit by repairs or by unplugging the faulty module, and the PCM should be OK.

Removed the three connectors coming from the key-less harness, but no-start is still an issue.

One of the wires on a connector (top in picture) was loose due to corrosion. Also anti-theft light on dash blinks.

Any idea how to proceed?

 

[Tim_MN]

I would inspect the back side of the fuse-box for corrosion and damage possibly causing short circuits, open circuits, or sticky relays.

All the fuses and relays should be removed and inspected for corrosion. Take pictures or make a diagram of locations before removing fuse and relays.