Wiring 1979 CJ-5 random cut wire

[1979GabeCJ5]

Hey guys I have a thick gauge wire Red w/ white tracer that’s cut behind my dash. Would this have been for the radio? If not, then any ideas?

 

[CJ]

That's awfully thick wire for a factory stereo 12v feed. I'm indisposed right now so I can't look it up. Do you have a picture of where it feeds through the firewall? Is it in a factory connector or grommet?

 

[1979GabeCJ5]

That's awfully thick wire for a factory stereo 12v feed. I'm indisposed right now so I can't look it up. Do you have a picture of where it feeds through the firewall? Is it in a factory connector or grommet?

I myself was not at my full faculties when asking the question I will go back and research further the origin of said wire . Thank y’all!

 

[1979GabeCJ5]

So it turns out that wire gets spliced right on the outside of the bulkhead and eventually leads to the alternator.

 

[CJ]

When you say spliced, is this a factory splice or a PO splice?

 

[1979GabeCJ5]

When you say spliced, is this a factory splice or a PO splice?

It looks factory

 

[CJ]

Yea, that's a factory joint / splice I'm kinda stuck in a hospital right now heading out for a CT Scan so I can't really look this up on my phone but we have a 79 TFSM in our download section that has an electricical diagram. Have you followed it?

1979 Complete Technical Service Manual - CJ5 CJ7 Cherokee Wagoneer Truck (Link)-> 1979 Complete Technical Service Manual - CJ5 CJ7 Cherokee Wagoneer Truck -<

 

[1979GabeCJ5]

Yea, that's a factory joint / splice I'm kinda stuck in a hospital right now heading out for a CT Scan so I can't really look this up on my phone but we have a 79 TFSM in our download section that has an electricical diagram. Have you followed it?

1979 Complete Technical Service Manual - CJ5 CJ7 Cherokee Wagoneer Truck (Link)-> 1979 Complete Technical Service Manual - CJ5 CJ7 Cherokee Wagoneer Truck -<

I just started perusing it. I’ll track it down eventually, but hey good luck with the CT man, hopefully good news

 

[KRUPP]

Typically, a similar heavy red with white stripe wire would be for 12v to operate the ignition module and distributor.
So many things happen to old vehicles over the decades with mods and it’s hard to be sure. Maybe someone did a mod to bypass something and that’s why it’s cut.

There are wiring diagrams to reference on this great site of CJ’s.

 

[KRUPP]

Or, it could be the main 12v from alternator to the ignition switch.

 

[1979GabeCJ5]

Well, I’ve skimmed over the schematic in the back of the official technical service guide on this site and I know it’s a splice but it’s hard to tell where it leads. I’m not the best with tracing diagrams but it’s cut around back of the instrument cluster/speedo. The jeep cranks and alternator works as far as I know. The thick gauge of it confuses me but oh well the mystery continues for now but I appreciate y’all’s help

 

[CJ]

I'm very good with reading diagrams but unfortunately I only havey phone to do so.
I'm not sure when I'll be released but if this still an issue I'll be happy to help you back trace.

 

[rndh]

Hmmmm, interesting. Besides all the previous good information, my thoughts are: what works and what does not and what may have been installed and is now missing? Think heavy electrical draw components like snow plow, cb or old radio, welder, and who knows what. A bit of detective work on the options from the factory might lead you in the right direction. My thinking is that the size of the wire indicates what it did when working ( think load, current, watts etc etc.) Hope this helps and good hunting!

 

[1979GabeCJ5]

Well, I’ve side-tracked in order to trace the components and now am hooking up the hvac system. Ill post the solution once I find it

 

[CJ]

Your CJ had / has a/c?

 

[1979GabeCJ5]

Your CJ had / has a/c?

Not that I’m aware of but it was a Renegade /Golden Eagle package. But no, just the heater box n whatnot