Hey guys! New to the forum here (not to forums in general) my name is Charlie. I just got a 5spd 1988 Cherokee Laredo from my Uncle in Oregon. I got it running for him and paid to get it shipped down to California. I have a couple questions to start lol.

1. Will an '88 oregon state XJ be able to pass smog in CA assuming it's able to pass the emissions control testing?

2. All of the windows do not work and I'm clueless as to where to start to address the problem. The electric locking mechanism works for all doors from the switch but the windows do not.

3. It seems as if I'm hear either ticking or bubbling from the valve cover after I've run the car, temp gauge works and is never reading over 140 or at least nowhere near the read, looks to be as if the fan is always running. I'll try to burp the cooling system soon but just wondering about this noise.

Hoping to have learn about jeeps and figuring out these issues and really have some fun in this car

 

Welcome!

I can't help you with anything but number 2 but you have a Renix-era XJ and thus, no On board Diagnostics (OBD1 and OBD2). Get a good multimeter and you'll be able to run down most problems. Cruiser 54 is our resident expert on Renix Jeeps. If nothing else, check his website to learn more about your specific Jeep http://cruiser54.com/

 

Thanks! I'll check out his website and try a multimeter, I am getting an emissions maint. light on the dash soo I'll try to figure that one out.

 

From quick wiki search (not to scare you):

 

http://cruiser54.com/
Most excellent tips there.

There is a "emissions timer" that is programmed to go off at approximately 82500 miles, it cannot be reset, but can be disconnected or replaced. It's in your cruise control module mounted in your bottom dash panel to the right of the steering column.
You need to order the FSM, available for about $9 IIRC, from Pacific Coast Manuals as a download. Page 63 describes this procedure. It's just a reminder your O2 sensor MAY need replacement.
You won't pass CA emissions without clearing this indicator. That said, if the XJ is still equipped with factory emissions equipment it should be able to pass. My 89 did with both tests @ less than 10% of measured averages.
How many miles are on it?

 

Welcome Charlie.
Begin by doing Tips 1 through 5 on my site.
The emissions timer is a clear box with gears in it under the dash. Unplug it.

 

IIRC the window switch relay is in the passenger side switch box. A search here should find it.

 

Renix has no passenger side switch box.

 

Well I'm glad it says there will be trouble smogging in CA and not that it is impossible lol. I'll start with steps 1-5, I plan on going over the grounds like recommended and hopefully that might solve my interior electrical issues.

 

Keep us posted.

 

.

 

You got Cruiser on your side now, you'll be just fineeee

 

Update: So i disconnected the emissions maintenance system thingy and was checking and refreshing the interior instruments ground when upon removing the bottom part of the dash for better access I discovered tons of rat poo. Great lol so I'm gonna clean it all out and then do some work on it and get back to you on that. I also cut off the rusted out muffler behind the cat and just put on a tiny side dump pipe. I plan on buying a set of wheels tomorrow off craigslist to replace the crappy tires on it, will update again soon.

 

 

Ok so I checked and refined the interior cluster ground but I still have no gauge lights, clock, radio, of instrument panel lights. Also, turn signals don't blink they are just solid however they blink with the hazard button. Turns out the windows in fact work I just need to lube the mechanism to get em to go up and down with ease. Sooo what should be my next plan of action to address these issues? Other than that the jeep is pretty in tact and that should solve most of my issues.