Wipers, Radio, and A/C Clutch All Dead — Plus Odd Accessory Mode Behavior

[stapleg]

I’m having a strange electrical issue with my 2007 Jeep Liberty. My wipers, radio, and A/C compressor clutch have all stopped working at the same time.

When this first started, they would occasionally turn off and then come back on after I hit a pothole or bump in the road — so I suspected a loose connection. Unfortunately, now they seem to be completely dead.

Here’s another odd detail:

• In Accessory mode, my radio, wipers, and power windows don’t work.
• In On/Run mode, the windows do work, but the radio and wipers still don’t.

I’ve checked all related fuses, and they appear fine. Tried replacing ignition switch, no dice. Hoping someone has run into this exact combo of symptoms and found a simple fix.


Any ideas on where to start troubleshooting? Thanks!

 

[DadOSix]

Just for kicks - run a temporary ground from the battery negative to the engine block with a jumper cable. Since it started with a pot hole / bump symptom and multiple systems affected, grounding issue sounds likely to me.

 

[stapleg]

Just for kicks - run a temporary ground from the battery negative to the engine block with a jumper cable. Since it started with a pot hole / bump symptom and multiple systems affected, grounding issue sounds likely to me.

Any spot in particular? Just tried running from battery negative to a standoff on the passenger valve cover, didn’t work. I’ll try to find a spot on the block itself.

 

[stapleg]

Any spot in particular? Just tried running from battery negative to a standoff on the passenger valve cover, didn’t work. I’ll try to find a spot on the block itself.

Yeah Im having absolutely no luck. Smh

 

[stapleg]

Vehicle is also throwing a "U0121" code, "Lost Communication with ABS Control Module A". I'm really hoping this is a silly ground issue and not a bad BCM. Should be since the issue was intermittent with bumps in the road. Will investigate TIPM and BCM connections/grounds etc soon.

 

[DadOSix]

See if any of your issues point to a common ground here.

Post in thread 'Myriad of issues after replacing heater core.'
https://www.jeepkj.com/threads/myriad-of-issues-after-replacing-heater-core.79705/post-801742

There are a few grounds that start at the battery, and several through-out the jeep.

I had lost a ground to a cylinder head, which is why I suggested a jumper from Batt — to the block somewhere.

These days folks automagically assume the BCM / Computer because they control everything. Many times it is a simple fix, but hard to locate since the diagnostic process is tedious.

Years back, i spent big bucks on a computer for my 95 Dakota. 300 and some change, and the truck still would not start.

Turned out there was a ground link (not fusible) right under the battery box that had corroded thru due to charging fumes (acid) from the battery.

 

[mercdudecbr600]

Check the clock spring

 

[CheddarGau]

I suggest looking at a wiring diagram for each system (component) affected and see what they have in common. Computers on these are not overly expensive (not when compared to any modern vehicle computer, new vehicle payments...... or headlamps with LED's.......5k range CAD), so I wouldn't get too worked up about it. Use the diagrams, trace back to something common they all share, ground, module, connector, etc. If your vehicle had all these issues show up at the same time, they are likely connected.

Also this vehicle does not have a TIPM, which is similar to a fuse box, but not the same. Count yourself luck in that regard.

***Update***

Your PDC and BCM affect your wipers and AC. Your left kick panel provides ground for your wipers and AC control. I would have a look at that ground and see how it looks.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[CheddarGau]

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[CheddarGau]

Ground for the radio/hand free module is at front centre of driver seat. Not saying this is your problem, but the grounds aren't far from each other, so I would investigate common points, then work your way back.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[stapleg]

Check the clock spring

I suggest looking at a wiring diagram for each system (component) affected and see what they have in common. Computers on these are not overly expensive (not when compared to any modern vehicle computer, new vehicle payments...... or headlamps with LED's.......5k range CAD), so I wouldn't get too worked up about it. Use the diagrams, trace back to something common they all share, ground, module, connector, etc. If your vehicle had all these issues show up at the same time, they are likely connected.

Also this vehicle does not have a TIPM, which is similar to a fuse box, but not the same. Count yourself luck in that regard.

***Update***

Your PDC and BCM affect your wipers and AC. Your left kick panel provides ground for your wipers and AC control. I would have a look at that ground and see how it looks.

You must be registered for see images attach

Thank you! Yeah i’ve checked those grounds in the kick panel and didn’t notice anything immediately wrong.

As for the AC, it’s specifically the AC compressor clutch that does not engage. The toggle for AC works and lights up, but the clutch does not engage whatsoever. Heat and blower work fine.

Wipers were stopped in the middle of a wipe cycle, I tried to move them with my hand and they finished the cycle. Now they are in their off position and are non functional. So the motors have power in some regard if they were able to move once.

Radio also seems to simply have no power.


I will keep investigating diagrams though

 

[CheddarGau]

Thank you! Yeah i’ve checked those grounds in the kick panel and didn’t notice anything immediately wrong.

As for the AC, it’s specifically the AC compressor clutch that does not engage. The toggle for AC works and lights up, but the clutch does not engage whatsoever. Heat and blower work fine.

Wipers were stopped in the middle of a wipe cycle, I tried to move them with my hand and they finished the cycle. Now they are in their off position and are non functional. So the motors have power in some regard if they were able to move once.

Radio also seems to simply have no power.


I will keep investigating diagrams though

Turn wipers on, tap the wiper motor with a screw driver or whatever(doesn't need to be hit too hard). If it starts moving then replace it.

 

[CheddarGau]

Thank you! Yeah i’ve checked those grounds in the kick panel and didn’t notice anything immediately wrong.

As for the AC, it’s specifically the AC compressor clutch that does not engage. The toggle for AC works and lights up, but the clutch does not engage whatsoever. Heat and blower work fine.

Wipers were stopped in the middle of a wipe cycle, I tried to move them with my hand and they finished the cycle. Now they are in their off position and are non functional. So the motors have power in some regard if they were able to move once.

Radio also seems to simply have no power.


I will keep investigating diagrams though

You can back probe ac connector and see if there is command for clutch on either side of the connector.

 

[stapleg]

I finally have an update for this thread. I took it to a shop that had a guy who specializes in automotive electrical issues. They diagnosed me with a "bad TIPM" which I now understand is really just a bad PDC, or under hood fuse box, since these cars dont have a typical TIPM. Am I understanding that correctly?

They quoted me $1130, thats with diagnostic fees, parts and labor. I told them I'll try the job myself since it should be a simple swap with a junkyard part. They tried to tell me it will need reprogramming, but again my understanding is that should not be necessary, since its really just a PDC. Hopefully I am understanding this correctly, I will report back with any updates.

 

[CheddarGau]

I finally have an update for this thread. I took it to a shop that had a guy who specializes in automotive electrical issues. They diagnosed me with a "bad TIPM" which I now understand is really just a bad PDC, or under hood fuse box, since these cars dont have a typical TIPM. Am I understanding that correctly?

They quoted me $1130, thats with diagnostic fees, parts and labor. I told them I'll try the job myself since it should be a simple swap with a junkyard part. They tried to tell me it will need reprogramming, but again my understanding is that should not be necessary, since its really just a PDC. Hopefully I am understanding this correctly, I will report back with any updates.

I haven't looked up service info for that particular vehicle, but a tipm requires programming because depending on the vehicle configuration it will power different accessories. The bcm, pcm and whatever other modules are applicable need to communicate with the tipm. If they see a mismatched vin they generally won't work.

Newer vehicles have a pdc that generally is plug and play.

 

[stapleg]

I haven't looked up service info for that particular vehicle, but a tipm requires programming because depending on the vehicle configuration it will power different accessories. The bcm, pcm and whatever other modules are applicable need to communicate with the tipm. If they see a mismatched vin they generally won't work.

Newer vehicles have a pdc that generally is plug and play.

Yeah my understanding is 2002-2007 Liberty has a PDC, not a TIPM. Basically just a fuse box

 

[CheddarGau]

Yeah my understanding is 2002-2007 Liberty has a PDC, not a TIPM. Basically just a fuse box

Correct.

 

[stapleg]

Update. After closer inspection I chose not to replace the PDC / under hood fuse box. It would have required cutting and reconnecting so many wires and I really don’t think the issue resides in that component.

Also tried reseating the bolted connectors under the steering wheel with change to my symptoms.

 

[stapleg]

Wipers can be jumped in the under hood fuse box. The AC clutch can also be jumped in the under hood fuse box.

 

[CheddarGau]

Update. After closer inspection I chose not to replace the PDC / under hood fuse box. It would have required cutting and reconnecting so many wires and I really don’t think the issue resides in that component.

Also tried reseating the bolted connectors under the steering wheel with change to my symptoms.

Usually they have connectors of various sizes plugging into a pdc/fuse box. You shouldn't need to cut any wires to replace it, or are you referring to the housing its mounted to?

What change in symptoms did you have?