I was checking check engine codes to see if my repair fixed the problem. I turned the key to "on" then "off" three times to access the codes on the dash. The code cleared. Good times, right?

I turned the key to start the WJ and then everything turned off. No interior lights, no dash lights, no radio, no power door locks, everything doesn't work/turn on. It acts like I didn't have a battery connected when just moments before, everything was working and on. I checked all the fuses, one by one. That took a while. I checked the fuses under the hood. All the fuses are good. I checked the battery with a volt meter, 12v. When I checked the battery from the terminals, I get 8.9v. (I'm assuming it's because I don't have a clean surface on the terminals. they are really dirty.) I checked voltage from the connector that attaches to the ignition and it has 8.9v. I checked voltage to the stereo amp, that is 8.9v. Basically, anything that should have power directly from the battery shows 8.9v.

I started to try to find anything about the problem on youtube. Some were saying it could be the ignition switch. This is the original ignition and it is old to the point you can remove the key when the Cherokee is on. I took out the ignition switch and smelled it. I didn't smell anything burnt or fried. Please, if anyone has been through this, or have an idea of simple things to check, I would appreciate it. Right now, I have no car and can't go anywhere until I get this sorted out.

Thanks.

 

Dont forget, if a battery is reading 12.0V its actually low (around 50% charge). It should be reading much closer to 13.0V. I would clean your battery cable terminals, connect a known good battery or jumper pack and try again.

 

I will try that tomorrow. I'm frustrated and disappointed right now. I will keep you posted on my findings.
And thanks for replying. I see several people have seen this, but you have been the first to reach out. I appreciate it.

 

Not a problem! Hope it helps. You can get a special battery tool at an auto parts store for pretty cheap, as long as your terminals aren't physically damaged or bent or something, You should be able to give it a try for pretty cheap. Good luck!

 

Yup, clean the terminals up with a wire brush. Charge the battery or jump start if needed. When the terminals get that bad, you can't get enough current to start the vehicle and the battery doesn't charge very well.

 

So, I woke up with a fresh attitude. For the love of God, my gut told me that it is electrical, and I shorted something. BUT I did what you suggested. I cleaned the terminals with a green scotch bright. I cleaned the cables with it and really made sure the connections were solid. I tested the voltage again on the battery terminals, 12.5v. I connected the tester directly to the cable ends and I get 12.5v. So, the connection was flowing well. I crossed by fingers and whispered a little prayer and the ***** started right up!! I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Because of how the power cut right off when I tried to start it yesterday, I was sure I fried something.

Thank you so much for leading me in this direction. I am eternally grateful. That was the solution for me.

 

Absolutely! Glad it was something simple. Good luck to ya!

 

i had the same problem and i changed the battery and turns out dead cell

 

About a mo. ago the batt in my 01 Jeep GCWJ 4.7L 4WD started dying needing a jump. After jumping it'd drive a block and my instru. cluster gauge needles would all start shaking up/dwn going haywire. The battery gauge would drop below 10 , lights would dim, eng. starts running rough, and it dies. Always starts w/jump then repeats stmptoms. Chgd fuses, replaced battery, checked altern. by removing poss+post when idling, keeps running. When eng. is turned off I can hear a soft clicking coming from steering column, and if I push the key in alittle the red light on the door combination panel lights up. Is this an elec short, or could it be the security key module malfunctioning? So frustrated! Anything advice deeply appreciated.