Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler YJ shifters

1993 4.0 5-Speed, Cranks Strong, No Start

nicholasp

New Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2024
Messages
5
Location
Clearwater, FL
Hello everyone,

First post here, new to the classic jeep world and I am getting my back education on older car systems!

I picked up a 1993 4.0 5-speed YJ for super cheap, but it needed a lot of work, so I thought, "what the hell, sounds like a fun project..." Ran and drove like a dream, but needed a lot of body work amongst other things.

Anyway, I've done quite a bit of work on it and it was coming along super well, until I replaced the switches in the steering column. That went fine, but once I put everything together it just cranked (quite strong) but no start.

I'm no expert on these older systems but know my basics. Before I embark on a whole debug tree with the ignition system, is there anything in the steering column area on the 5-speed that would act as an interlock on the ignition system? From what I can see there is nothing. And, while I know it is possible, I find it hard to believe that something just suddenly took a crap exactly coincident with the work on the steering column.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
 
No, nothing in the column as an interlock. The ignition switch is mounted to the column, but you’re getting cranking so likely good there.

By replacing “the switches,” what all does that include? Key cylinder, turn signal, wiper, & ignition?

I can’t really think of anything in that area you could have done to cause a crank-no-start. Unless you maybe removed or fried a fuse by accident? Still wouldn’t really make sense or be likely, just grasping.
 
No, nothing in the column as an interlock. The ignition switch is mounted to the column, but you’re getting cranking so likely good there.

By replacing “the switches,” what all does that include? Key cylinder, turn signal, wiper, & ignition?

I can’t really think of anything in that area you could have done to cause a crank-no-start. Unless you maybe removed or fried a fuse by accident? Still wouldn’t really make sense or be likely, just grasping.

Did the turn signals, wipers and ignition switch. Double checked everything down there and nothing out of order as far as I can see.
 
Did some further testing, no spark from primary ignition coil. No 12v power at the coil either. I do have 12v at the ASD relay, i also replaced this to rule that out as well, no change. One anomaly that I accidentally found was when checking voltage to the ignition coil from the ASD relay - I put one probe on the 12v wire to the coil and accidentally put the other probe on the + terminal on the battery and still got 12v. Short to ground on the wire from ASD relay to ignition coil?
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler YJ shifters