SStevens

Newbie here with a new to me Cherokee. Acquired it not running after it had been sitting 2-3 years and was mouse infested. Previous owner stated it was running when last used but multiple issues developed (all at once) so he parked it. I found the CPS wires chewed off so replaced the CPS and it started. The non-working things that I have discovered are power windows, front wipers, cruise control, radio, air bag light and check engine light are on, no bus indicator is on and gauges are not working. For the sake of not writing a novel here I won’t describe everything I have done instead just ask my question - does anyone know of a common denominator that would be the cause for all these issues? Thank you in advance for any advice. Scott

Roler

Sounds like a few more wires may have been chewed.

There is some common area there, but can not recall atm. Others might chime in. But it sounds like the cps wasn't the only casualty (surprised you got it started though!)

Checked fuses too?

RockyMtn96XJ

It certainly does sound like all the issues are up front, and if I had to guess, I would say the faulty wires are in the engine bay, and possibly right near the fie wall since nothing in the cab works, but you also have power window failures. BTW, is that a 2 door or 4 door? 2 door would make sense if the windows dont work, but having a mouse be lucky enough to find the power window wires for all 4?.... So its either 2 or 3 spots that have been chewed, or its a bundle of wires that split off just before or after the firewall under the dash. I'd guess after and under the dash.
Have fun looking under the dash. I'm almost 6'3" and 260lbs, so trying to get decent views from the floor board to see under the dash is always super fun for me hahaha.. I want to build a platform that will allow me to lay out parallel to the ground while I have my head and shoulders laying in the floor board. Kind of like a creeper, but its a couple feet off the ground, and the legs extend under the jeep for stability. Sorry to get off topic haha....

Excellent side note:
When I bought my XJ, its last couple of years before I had it, it did a lot of sitting in the mountains here in CO, and was really only driven during the summer when the P/O's in-laws would visit from Florida for a couple months. In order to keep mice out of the jeep, they took a piece of Irish Spring soap original scent and cut it in half then placed both pieces in the engine bay in spots that it wouldn't fall out when driving. Point being, mice, and I'm assuming rats and other critters, dont like the smell of being fresh and clean, so they stay away. I googled that idea and apparently its something known all over the place. And even to this day when I pop the hood I can smell irish spring if the engine bay is warm. Oh, I should mention that the jeep hasnt had rodent issues in a very long time according to the PO, even when sitting under a tarp for a few months at a time... in the woods.

SStevens

Thank you for the information. It’s a 4 door and I have checked wiring under the hood, in the cabin under the seats and carpeting, and underneath from front to back and the only other damaged wiring was to a sensor on the transfer case that allowed the 4wd indicator light to illuminate. I have had the radio, gauge cluster, glove box, drivers door panel off and so far only found a broken speaker wire which was not rodent damage.
I was not aware of the soap trick but will definitely try it in place of the moth ***** I’ve been using which my wife hates.
Thanks again.

Oh and yes I have checked fuses too.

RockyMtn96XJ

Dang....... dont you love problems like this where there is really no apparent reason for the issue? or its just hard to find because its a wire that is effecting more than 1 thing..........????

cpttuna

I would refresh the grounds. I would also replace the 4main wires in the engine bay. BAT+ to starter: BAT+ to fuse box: BAT- to ground on engine: bAT- to chassis ground. You can also sray cleaner with lavender scent to help keep mice out.

Roler

My 2nd NSS gave up like that.
Just sitting is sometimes worse than being used.
Well ,for cars that is.

A bit like food. Not Vegemite though.

Dave51

Read the error codes, note, then clear the error codes and see which ones reappear.

Clock spring will cause many/most of those symptoms.