1978 CJ 5 Electrical Problem HELP!!

Ok fellow CJers I'm at witts end with this one.

Before I start, let me tell you that everything is disconnected expect for the power to the dash and fuse box. So let's not get into the bad control module, bad starter selenoid, bad coil, bad distributor stuff.

Everyone pull out your schematics and follow along.

Every time I turn the key on the column to the start position, the volt meter goes to zero, the fuel gauge goes all the way to nothing... it's as if I was turning the ignition off! When it was connected, the starter selenoid would fire, the coil and all the other stuff that runs on that strange ohm wire would go from 6volts up to 12volts like it's suppose to.

Now to the wiring... I ohmed out the switch on the steering column to see if maybe it was bad, and found that the terminal that runs the accessories becomes disconnected (voltage would go to zero) when you turn the key to the start position. I thought that was strange, but I have a spare column and that is exactly the same.

Then I started thinking that maybe another terminal in the same switch would put power to the accessory terminal when the key is turned to the start position, but it appears that's not the case either.

I have checked the schematics and I can't seem to find anything else that would power the accessories when you turn the key to the start position.

Anyone?????? Any Ideas????? #-o

Does anyone elses Jeep do this??

I don't know about Jeeps, but on my blazer, when you turn the key to the start position all the accessories turn off(dome light, radio, whatever). It is a protective measure for your accessories and also it allows your starter to get the most juice(protection from power spikes). Once the car is running everything is back to normal. Maybe I misunderstand your question, :-| but that is my interpretation.

:-| Uhh, are you saying that you have no accessory power when your vehicle is running? Relays :-|

I actually have'nt got to the running part yet. I just swapped out the 258 for a rebuilt 360, and I was doing some pre-flight checks and thought that was a little strange.

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Hey Fuzz ... thanks for the diagrams. I did get it started for a couple of secconds yesterday and now it appears that there is no spark. I rechecked all the voltage readings to everthing under the hood (including the module power) and they seem to be operating fine. I hooked the timing light up to the coil to distributor lead and when I turn the key to the on position, I get a flash. When I hook up the timing light to one of the spark plug wires and turn it over a couple of times... nothing. Could I have fried the new ignition module?

Possibly, I had one go south on me once. Engine just wouldn't start one day, replaced it and off I went! Heck, they are only like $15 or something. Worse case scenario, try it out and if thats not it, you have a spare for the trail.

New info... thinking I may be having a power to the ignition module problem I wired the module directly to the battery and to the starter selenoid.

With the key in the run position, I tapped the lead I ran to the battery on the battery terminal and I get a good sprark from the coil.

I then connected the lead I ran to the battery to the battery and turned it over and I do not get any spark from the coil... so it's either the new ignition module of the distributor and considering that it ran for about 12 second before it died, I would think it's the module.

Any other ideas?????

Yup... it was the ignition module!

Thanks everyone for all your help!

Glad to hear it was a cheap fix! :t: