Trying to keep the wiring rat’s nest to a minimum, I created a Fuse and Relay box.

Parts list:
1 Project box a la Radioshack
1 Power distribution block
1 Fuse holder
4 Appropriately sized relays
4 Appropriately sized fuses
Various wires and connectors

I started by bridging the power distribution block followed by mounting it to the side of the box. The 4 fuse block was mounted to the lid.
 Accessory Relay/Fuse Box

I then drilled two holes in the lid for power access to the relays the box will contain.
 Accessory Relay/Fuse Box

Written on August 8th, 2010 & filed under Electrical, Model, Sub-System, YJ (Wrangler) Tags:

I busted my turn signal stem today and, apparently, you can't get just the stem from dealerships anymore. They sell the stem and switch as a single unit for $144.

I ordered just the stem from JeepsAreUs. I have never used them before so we'll see how it goes. Roughly $36 including shipping.

JeepsAreUs

I'll comment on the post when I billing hits the card, I get notification of shipment and receive the part.

Written on July 27th, 2010 & filed under Electrical, Model, Sub-System, XJ (Cherokee), YJ (Wrangler)

Recently I had a slight battery drain issue which I narrowed down to the stereo install. Apparently there was power applied all the time, regardless of ignition switch position. Even with the unit off, there was a significant draw.

I did some digging and found a wiring diagram for the unit.

Brown, phone mute. (unused)
Yellow, 15A fused, memory backup lead. (needs power all the time)
Yellow, 3A fused, bus power. (needs power all the time)
Red, power. (needs power when ignition is on position)
Blue/White, amp turn on. (not used at this time, but will in future)
Black, ground.
Orange/White, illumination. (connect to light switch?)
Blue, auto antenna. (LOL, on a YJ? unused)

So now I have to figure out where all this is SUPPOSED to go in the wiring harness.

Written on March 8th, 2010 & filed under Electrical, Model, Sub-System, YJ (Wrangler)

A laundry list of items to be installed.

XRC8 Winch
~400W Inverter (40A)
2x 100W SRS Lights (20A)
12V Air Compressor, OBA (30A)
12V Power Port (20A)

In theory, I’d like to have a power distribution point under the hood and in the cabin area provided the items connected don’t draw too much amperage. Clean wiring is the name of the game.

Everything that can will have a relay connected to an illuminated switch to indicate power is applied and system is active. All items will be fused as well.

The winch remote plug-in will be mounted in the switch panel.

The first order of business is to estimate what the max draw of each of these items.

Written on December 24th, 2009 & filed under Electrical, Model, Sub-System, YJ (Wrangler)

Since it's too cold out to actually do any work, it's time to make plans for the future.

I need to work on multiple systems on my YJ. Recovery, electrical, suspension and a seeping leak etc.

Recovery:
Luke over at Frontier 4x4, is currently designing a front bumper to house the Smittybilt XRC8 I will be buying soon.
Move hi-lift to rollbars or hood.

Electrical:
I will be putting LED replacement dash lights in. Half the bulbs I have are burnt out.
Get gauges working or replaced.
Alternator upgrade for winch use.
Install dash speakers.
Install 12Vdc air compressor.
Wire in XRC8 winch.

Leak:
I have a small leak at the transmission cooler that needs corrected.

Suspension:
Finally trim u-bolts.
Install bump stops.

Brakes:
Adjust E-brake

I'll add more as I think of it.

Written on December 12th, 2009 & filed under Electrical, Exterior, Model, Sub-System, Suspension, YJ (Wrangler)