And if that's the case, OP can get a pump from AZ. Unhook pump and try to start XJ. If it still don't turn over look for a short in the pump supply wires. If it starts, then hook up pump outside the tank, and if it turns over and pump runs, replace pump. If he don't like the pump and want to buy it someplace else, bring back pump tp AZ and say sorry this doesn't fit my Mustang.

 

Ok I took some video and will upload tonight. I checked the nss turned the ignition on put in reverse and there are no lights. The jeep attempts to start in any gear. What does that mean?

 

Here is what the jeep is doing.

 

So there are now NO relays, the NSS behaves like it's not there and you've got a bunch of extra wires in there (including what must be the headlight mod) on a 30 year old vehicle that looks like EVERY contact is bad?

OK this should be easy!

gat, you wanna take this one?

 

In the video something forward and to the left of the camera is sparking. It might be from the alternator. I cannot tell.
Time ~1:12

 

Nickintimefilms, shows to do diagnose the relay.
I didn't think that a separate relay controlled the fuel pump other than the big relay. I'd have to double check. My 1988 just sits.
Whichever slot is your suspect relay is diagnosable. Dray the diagram of the connecting slots for the relay. They might even be labeled on the underside of the relay for you.
Test each one for power (+12v). Test each one for ground (continuity to the body - 0 Ohms). Test continuity to each other connector's slots. Post the results in a table here. That will allow us to tell you whether there is a short or open from the power distribution center to the rest of the components.

 

Lol most of that wire mess is my alligator wires for testing. This is a trail rig and I have cleaned up alot of the wire but yeah I get you 😆
The NSS confuses the crap out of me. I will be checking and repairing that before further diagnosis. My wife drives her too and want it to function properly.

 

Ok I will test and get back to you. Hopefully this afternoon or tomorrow.

 

Yep I saw it. Spark plugs wires? I'll check those and order new.

 

gat/epowers777 let me ask this-- in the video you say you pulled the starter relay, but the engine turns over. How is that? Is the starter hot-wired?

 

The starter relay on the older xj is the large relay that isn't in the line of the other relays. This large and vertical relay also controls the fuel pump for starting and priming. The fuel ballast resistor that controls the fuel pump when the engine is running is on the body of the bay on the driver's side.

I looked under the plastic cover on mine and it doesn't state which relay is which. I'm not sure which of the relays that he pulled in the video. The starter relay isn't "pulled" it is screwed into place.

 

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...ion_manual.pdf

Page 51
I pulled the second relay from the battery.

 

epowers777, you are correct. I was wrong about the fuel pump relay. I thought that I was sure, but I was wrong. In my defence I haven't even started my 1988 in a year since I don't insure it.
In that same document has the pinout for the relays. Make a table of the values that you get in the holes where that relay plugs and post the values here.

 

OK in the video you said you pulled the starter relay (0:53) but that's not the case. IIWY I would pull the fuel pump to make sure it works, then if it does, trace that circuit back to the fuse box.

 

It's only there for a single frame. Looks more like camera artifact: