I recently bought an 1988 XJ with 4.0 and automatic transmission. There were some things that didnt work at all or very well when I bought the rig. This is just you basic fyi for others that might come along the same issues.
1) The headlamp switch didnt work very well when it came to the dash lamps. I opened the dash up and removed the switch. One thing I didnt expect was the switch is completely open and not a sealed unit. I ohm'd it out and then removed the rheostat. I made the repairs to the rheostat as it was open at the post. Then I tested it out and installed it. I also replaced all the lamps that were burnt out. Walla it works now. I have dash lights and can dim them if I choose.
2) The switch that controlls the shifting pattern of the automatic transmission was not working at all. I tried the old school way of cleaning the switch contacts by moving the switch back and forth and seeing if they had some corrosion on them. Didnt work so I removed the switch and opened it up. Cleaned everything by hand and tested it. Installed the switch and the damm thing works great. I test drove it and there is a big difference now in the shofting patterns between power and comfort settings.
3) Clock didnt work. I removed and it replaced the lamp and cleaned it up. Works now.
4) Back window defrost.. same issue with the switch that I had with the one above.. it just needed to be cleaned by hand.
5) Would not shift into 4x4. First off I am not sure if the guy ever used the 4x4. I pulled up on the lever and the dam thing was stuck. I had to exercise it before it would move. I had to do this for each position. Then I took her for a test drive and it wouldnt work at first... I kepted working on it and then it finally shifted into parttime and then fulltime and then 4lo. I had to keep at it a few more times. I shifts fine now.
6) Cancer stick lighter wouldnt work... no biggie cause I dont smoke... I removed it and will be replacing it with a power outlet from a newer VW jetta. I also plan on installing a few others.
7) Oil pressure gauge wasnt working.... Easy fix.. the plug was not making good contact with all the grime on it.
8) The lamp under the hood wasnt working. The bulb was loose. Works now.
Thats about it... most of the items where just simple fixes due to lack of proper PM's. I also spent another two hours cleaning the interior out cause I dont think this guy ever did a thurough cleaning. Dirt and dust all over the place. He bought the rig back in 1988 with about 4200 miles on it. Nice thing is he replaced the radiator with a nice metal unit as well as the alternator and a few other items. The paint's clear coat is all phawked up, which is normal. It just needs a paint job and then I need to track down the oil leaks.
1) The headlamp switch didnt work very well when it came to the dash lamps. I opened the dash up and removed the switch. One thing I didnt expect was the switch is completely open and not a sealed unit. I ohm'd it out and then removed the rheostat. I made the repairs to the rheostat as it was open at the post. Then I tested it out and installed it. I also replaced all the lamps that were burnt out. Walla it works now. I have dash lights and can dim them if I choose.
2) The switch that controlls the shifting pattern of the automatic transmission was not working at all. I tried the old school way of cleaning the switch contacts by moving the switch back and forth and seeing if they had some corrosion on them. Didnt work so I removed the switch and opened it up. Cleaned everything by hand and tested it. Installed the switch and the damm thing works great. I test drove it and there is a big difference now in the shofting patterns between power and comfort settings.
3) Clock didnt work. I removed and it replaced the lamp and cleaned it up. Works now.
4) Back window defrost.. same issue with the switch that I had with the one above.. it just needed to be cleaned by hand.
5) Would not shift into 4x4. First off I am not sure if the guy ever used the 4x4. I pulled up on the lever and the dam thing was stuck. I had to exercise it before it would move. I had to do this for each position. Then I took her for a test drive and it wouldnt work at first... I kepted working on it and then it finally shifted into parttime and then fulltime and then 4lo. I had to keep at it a few more times. I shifts fine now.
6) Cancer stick lighter wouldnt work... no biggie cause I dont smoke... I removed it and will be replacing it with a power outlet from a newer VW jetta. I also plan on installing a few others.
7) Oil pressure gauge wasnt working.... Easy fix.. the plug was not making good contact with all the grime on it.
8) The lamp under the hood wasnt working. The bulb was loose. Works now.
Thats about it... most of the items where just simple fixes due to lack of proper PM's. I also spent another two hours cleaning the interior out cause I dont think this guy ever did a thurough cleaning. Dirt and dust all over the place. He bought the rig back in 1988 with about 4200 miles on it. Nice thing is he replaced the radiator with a nice metal unit as well as the alternator and a few other items. The paint's clear coat is all phawked up, which is normal. It just needs a paint job and then I need to track down the oil leaks.
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