Ignition or Electrical Issue.

Hey folks,

So, I'm building a "bush buggy" 350 in my TJ wrangler. I posted on the Jeep Forum but no one seems to be able to help. So I figured I'd give yous a shot since youve helped me already.

I took my dash apart to wire my tachometer and switch panel. I had to disconnect the steering column etc. My ignition has one of those locks on it and it was a bitch to get it to turn.

After the work was done I connected everything, put the dash back together. No wires were cut or replaced etc. The keys were OUT of the ignition... and as soon as I reconnected the battery.d.. my whole dash came on.

I put the key in and realized it was already on the shut off... so I'm not sure whats going on... possible bad ignition cylinder? IDK

If anyone has any ideas I'm open to any suggests/tips.

Thanks!

Are you running a PCM/ECM/Computer on the jeep? Seems like every time i disconnected my battery and reconnected it in my old S10, everything (even the fuel pump) would come on for a few seconds.....I assumed it was the computer 'checking things.'

Your lock cylinder should not be giving you those problems. Was this a new cylinder you popped in there as a replacement?

Yeah all the same computers ... and no the ignition is the original I never replaced it. I'm just confused I hooked it all back he same way... and then when I put the battery on it turns everything on. Like the shutoff isn't working ... I just don't know what else to look at just confused is all get out.

TJ's were from '97 through '06. When you say

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a "bush buggy" 350 in my TJ wrangler

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does this mean you're building an off-road only Jeep, using your TJ as a base vehicle; OR are you putting a 350 SBC in your TJ, planning to run it on street and trail?

Not sure why that's relevant ? You are correct for the years tjs were made. Mine is a 2001 engine blew last summer. Built a 350 put it in. Nver changed any harness. Ran a separate ignition harness to a switch panel (that's not even installed yet). I just don't get why this is happening

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Originally Posted by Hickey17

Not sure why that's relevant ?

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The relevance is that for any vehicle 1995 or newer it is illegal to do what you're doing for anything other than an off-road only vehicle. You can replace your engine with one of like manufacture (Chrysler Jeep) of any model year the same or newer, and your ECM/PCM will in many cases work with no change, but often must have a VIN patch done by a certified programmer to keep everything working clean.

You say you "Nver changed any harness" but I'd bet that you've created a sneak circuit somewhere with your engine wiring. You mentioned at the start that the Jeep forums were not able to help, and that's likely because they don't get tangled up in power train swaps that violate the law. Drop a 2001 or newer Chrysler Hemi in it, complete with all OEM controls and you'll be golden.
Good luck.

MOAB 2008
Attachment 67379

You said the column was difficult to remove. Is is possible that you moved the position of the switch on the column during removal? Jeep used to use GM style columns. I'm not sure about the TJ. The switch generally has slots that allow it to be positioned so that the travel is correct for the linkage in the column. If you somehow slid the switch or bent the mount during removal, the switch may be in the on position.

Your correct it is illegal ... in the states (some states). But I'm from northern Ontario where in Ontario it's totally legal. I wouldn't of started if it was illegal. Then people will say about about the emissions test ? Well in northern Ontario there isn't any emissions tests... and Ontario in general is looking at eliminating the emissions tests bcs it's not helping. Your basically paying to pollute the air so what's the point. What I'm doing is 100% legal where I live.

Furthermore ... this is by far the MOST common swaps in Jeeps all across NA. IF If it wasn't NOVAK wouldn't be in business. Novak is a great company who specializes in this and has helped me out. And as far as the engine wiring ... you are correct again. I ran a separate harness for my ignition bcs the 350 doesn't use the computer. Just a simple set up to a panel switch.

Thank you and Hotrod46 for the responses. Very detailed I really appreciate it. The ignition cylinder itself was hard to turn ... it's done that to me before when I first bought it I had a hard time turning it over. But I'll look into it all over the weekend ... we aren't expecting great weather so it will be a good weekend to spend in the garage and get this done! Thank you to everyone else who has responded ... I really appreciate it.

Holy crap! After stressing for what ... a week or so thinking j messed up some wiring. It came down to my ignition ... I posted s photo of thenissue. The actuator pin had broke inside when I had a hard time turning the key. The older guys had me running around all over bcs they did this same project but with a 79 jeep lol. So things are different now 30 years later (2001 jeep).

But once again thanks everyone ... problem is solved !!

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Originally Posted by Hickey17

But once again thanks everyone ... problem is solved !!

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Glad you found it, and that it was an easy fix for you. Your swap has me curious. With a SBC and I assume a different tranny (?) what dash functions still work in the TJ? Obviously the diagnostics (OBD2) are history. Indications are all from the computer, right? Another approach would be to pull out the dash insert and switch to after market gauges, but OH What a Wiring Job!!
Again, just curious what works on the dash without issues, the way you've done the swap? Down here we see lots of YJ's with similar swaps, but TJ's would be off-road only, trailered to the trail head and back home.