Jeep TJ starting issue after fixing headlight multi-switch

[Jones]

Hey everyone. My friend just got a 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Automatic.

He was fixing the multi switch on the column because the fog lights would not switch on. Anyways he got the fog lights to work by filling in the divot the switch makes from being used.

He then tries to start the Jeep and it wouldn’t start. The starter would click and then nothing. Power would go out as well.

Since the power was acting weird we checked the battery at oreillys. It’s fine. I check all starterfuses and relays. Nothing wrong there.

we replace the starter today and still same issue so it is not the starter. It seems weird being the power is connecting if we mess with the connections on the battery, but then we lose it after trying to crank/ or turn on the headlights.
Please help as this is time sensitive! Thank you guys!

 

[TJ Hunnicutt]

You are going to need a voltmeter to troubleshoot this issue. Do you have a voltmeter or multimeter?

 

[TJ Hunnicutt]

You are almost certainly suffering from a bad connection.

I am working on a step-by-step troubleshooting guide but, for now, check all the connections from your battery to the engine block and chassis (probably on the firewall) on the negative side, and from the battery to the fuse box and to the starter on the positive side to make sure that they are tight and free of corrosion.

 

[Chris]

I agree, it's time for a multimeter. Although I don't know how that multi-switch could affect starting. I haven't looked at the wiring diagrams, but is it in anyway tied into the ignition?

 

[CharlesHS]

He was fixing the multi switch on the column because the fog lights would not switch on. Anyways he got the fog lights to work by filling in the divot the switch makes from being used.

What do you mean by; filling in the divot the switch makes from being used ?

 

[TJ Hunnicutt]

I do not believe that the multi-function switch is connected (no pun) with the issue and that it is merely one of life's little coincidences, meant, I believe, to drive us mad .

I will finish my step-by-step tomorrow but, if you do not have a meter, you can buy one online...for your first meter, I'd just get a basic unit like this auto-ranging unit or, for even less, this manual range one. You can also pick up meters from hardware stores like this (admittedly cheesy) meter. You may even be able to get a loaner meter from your local auto parts store but I would not suggest buying one there as their prices are usually way out of line. For a bit more info on using a multimeter, see this thread.

 

[TJ Hunnicutt]

Please see this thread https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-to-troubleshooting-a-no-crank-situation.40342/