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1970 Electrical Short

Discussion in 'Jeepster Commando and Commando Tech' started by JeepsterNovice, Nov 13, 2016.

  1. Nov 13, 2016
    JeepsterNovice

    JeepsterNovice New Member

    Washington
    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2016
    Messages:
    1
    Hey guys,

    Got a question for ya. I've got an gorgeous rust bucket from '70, and it's blinkers and windshield wipers only like to work every 4th-10th start. I can turn the engine off and restart it a number of times, and eventually the turn signals and windshield wipers will work. Everything else though (headlights, radio, flashers) still function like normal. Under the dash is a rat's nest, and eventually I want to have the time to redo the entire harness. But until then, I'm hoping I can pick your brains.

    I'm wondering if it might be an issue with my starter system, or a short somewhere else in the system. There is a push button system installed by a previous owner, so I'm not sure if that could be another issue to look at now or if I can still push that back for a while.

    It sat for a while during an engine rebuild, and after it came back to life this issue arose. Wouldn't be a Jeep otherwise, right?

    Thanks for the help, and keep Jeeping!
     
  2. Nov 13, 2016
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,102
    Welcome :)

    Do the wipers/flashers act up at the same time? If so your best bet is to trace their power source back until you find a common point, something not shared with the other systems that aren't acting up.

    H.
     
  3. Nov 14, 2016
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2006
    Messages:
    5,798
    I think your starter switch powers those items? Trace the wires and make sure they are securely connected to the point where they get power. Could also be the switch going bad. Could be something completely different too, but thats where I would start.
     
  4. Nov 14, 2016
    Pack Rat

    Pack Rat Old Timer

    I live in a...
    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2006
    Messages:
    1,512
    The ignition switch is a pretty common issue on these or more likely the wiring in the plug that connects to it either of which may account for the push button. Headlights and 4 way flasher don't get power through the ignition switch. Radio does but it might get it's power from another terminal. Couple of good wire harness diagrams out there when you get around to sorting out the mess of the PO's before you.
     
  5. Nov 21, 2016
    ETZFAM

    ETZFAM FLATIES & ROUND FENDERS, SOME EVEN RUN

    WENATCHEE, WA
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    Jul 4, 2007
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