79 cj-5 wiring

Hi guys,
I am new to the forum and must say am very happy i was able to find it as I am not much of a mechanic but am trying to learn how to repair some issue with my cj. About three weeks ago I had purchased my 79 cj and have recently found out that the wiring is a bit messy and some functions are working incorrectly. I am having trouble getting my wipers going even though I had them when I purchased the vehicle. I am also having trouble with the radio, headlights, and brake lights. Can I have some advice on how to tackle this obstacle?
Thanks

 

Welcome from Boston.

How much do you understand about electricity and circuits? I'd suggest that you get the TSM for your Jeep, which will have the correct wiring diagrams and will describe the functions such as the wipers. If you do not have a good multimeter, you should get one and learn to use it.

Here is one source for the manual - http://www.bjsoffroad.com/prod-674.htm - all of the Jeep specialty retailers will have these books. Avoid the Haynes or Chiltons manual - they are typically rife with errors, and try to cover too many years. The TSM for your year is your best source.

The TSM is targeted at the Jeep line mechanics, and you may need some more basic help. I'd suggest you get a couple of books about automotive electricity and electronics, and read up. Here's an example http://www.amazon.com/Automotive-El...206747&sr=8-4&keywords=automotive+electricity There are textbooks aimed at auto tech courses, and popular books aimed at owners. I'd suggest you get one or two of each and learn what you can from them. At Amazon and Alibris there are lots of used and out-of-date texts for low, low prices that will be just fine for someone working on an old car (you).

Electrical problems can be difficult to impossible to diagnose over the internet. You have to be there, and be able to trace out the circuit with your meter or test light. Be sytematic and proceed step-wise, testing one circuit at a time. Make notes, photocopy your wiring diagram and trace out the wires as you test them if needed. Look at one wire at a time and don't be overwhelmed.

One thing you can do right away is make sure all the ground connections for the devices in question are good. The ground for almost everything in the car comes back to the battery through the frame or the body, and on a old car (esp a Jeep) these are always suspect. Inspect the wires, clean and re-secure the grounds, clean the plugs with contact cleaner (another common source of trouble) - you can do all of this without much understanding of the devices and circuits.

 

Thank you so much for the info. Like i said I have little to no mechanically skills and was looking to learn through the jeep that I bought. Ill be sure to do some wire testing and see what I can come up with

 

Many old jeeps the wiring has been "creatively modified" (=messed up). Welcome to the club - we all learned by doing, as you will.

Tim's advice is good. Start with the obvious stuff, try to do one thing at a time, make each thing definitely right as you go along. Gradually it will make more sense.