Bricker

I was able to get my truck started today after a variety of checks. All my relays and wire links checked out. Using a multimeter with the ignition switch on I had power to the fuel pump. Frustrated that I may have fried smaller wires to these earlier mentioned components, I began checking wires under the hood. I then noticed the large ground wire/strap that runs from the back of the valve cover/block area to the middle of the fire wall was broken. It looked like it was burned and was broken all the way through roughly in the middle. There was enough slack in it to twist it together and crimp it. (I'll replace it with a new ground wire tomorrow). It immediately brought the truck back to life. The lights came back on, radio works and most importantly the fuel pump is operating. I had no idea that this ground strap was so critical, I'm glad I did not just start replacing parts without first doing checks with the multimeter. If you have problems with your fuel pump or other related electric quirks this ground wire is a good thing to check first!

Thanks for the very prompt reply. I'll check those out. It does crank and spark so I figured that at the solenoid would still be good. Maybe it's one of those fuseable links between the solenoid and relays. I was not aware of those. Electrical diagnosing is my weakest area of auto related knowledge. Again thanks for the help

Classic example of haste makes waste! I was in a hurry to swap out a dead battery in my MJ during a recent rain storm. Apparently I did not get my positive terminal down all the way, because the truck stalled after about a half mile and I noticed a small amount of smoke coming from under the hood. The hood made contact with the positive terminal and was arcing. Problem is now the truck won't start. I thought I may have fried the coil but it is getting spark. I have not had time to conduct thorough checks but I also noticed the headlights, radio, fuel pump are not coming on. I checked fuses and they appear OK. Does anyone know any obvious things/ways to identify this electrical problem?? My Comanche is a 4.0, 2wd, 5 spd. Thanks in advance

I took a closer look at it today. The bed is in good shape with very little rust, just surface grime from sitting under a tree. There is a small puncture hole about an 1/2 inch in diameter below the drivers side taillight. I took some pics of it and sent you an email. The truck is an 87 2wd, 4cyl., shortbed, alot of good parts on it remain. I went for the rear bumper today but it was already taken. The truck has been on the yard since July 24th so I suppose it will be here until the end of October.

There is an 87 short bed at the Pull a Part in Winston-Salem, NC. I believe is is rust free and in good shape. I'm going there tomorrow and will check it out.

There is also a nice 1987 short bed at the pull a part in Winston-Salem, NC. There is no tail gate but the bed is in good condition. Good luck

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/2480670142.html

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2483848638.html