Replaced cluster with LED's now engine won't start

[zlandquist]

I followed this guide: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...ghts-of-your-jeep-wrangler-tj-with-leds.9149/

I first started out replacing the reverse lights. Those worked fine and light up well. I then replaced the hardtop light, again light up well. Next, I replaced the soundbar light, which light up fine. I then replaced the driver side footwell light (no passenger one), that too, light up fine.
I then went onto the cluster, replaced all with LED's with the plus facing the left side. Turned on the Jeep, but weird stuff started to happen.
The cluster started off self-testing itself, which I figured was because I took it out. After the test, I pulled out the light stalk. The first click, the radio (not stock, but like an old 2006 crappy head unit), turned off. Also, the HVAC blower got quieter. The radio turned on again after a few seconds but the blower was still quieter. Pulled the stalk to the last notch, and the radio turned off again. The HVAC blower got super quiet.
I turned it off as I didn't see any LED's on. Switched the polarity, tried again. Radio never turned on again (not even the lights like it usually does), the same thing happened with the HVAC blower.
I replaced all the LED's back with the stock blubs, and then the same thing happened again. I tried starting the Jeep but it wouldn't turn over. You could hear a click, but nothing happened.
One thing to note is that even after keeping the cluster in, and turning the power on and off. The cluster would self-test every time.
I am not sure if my battery is dead, or if it has something to do with the LED swap. I can't jumpstart right now, but I hope to later.
Any suggestions as to what is wrong?
Thanks!

 

[Leinhit]

Sure sounds like a dead battery. When you were doing the repair did you leave something on by accident the entire time? Or just an amazing coincidence.

first thing I do test the battery see if it's good or not and try jump starting it.

Don't just assume your battery connections are good take them physically off, clean the battery terminals, and if you need be follow the wires all the way down to the starter and clean those connections as well,don't rely on a visual inspection.

the LEDs in the cluster are hard to see unless it's dark. I can't see mine when it's even a little light out.

Report back what you find with your battery condition.

 

[zlandquist]

Sure sounds like a dead battery. When you were doing the repair did you leave something on by accident the entire time? Or just an amazing coincidence.

first thing I do test the battery see if it's good or not and try jump starting it.

Don't just assume your battery connections are good take them physically off, clean the battery terminals, and if you need be follow the wires all the way down to the starter and clean those connections as well,don't rely on a visual inspection.

the LEDs in the cluster are hard to see unless it's dark. I can't see mine when it's even a little light out.

Report back what you find with your battery condition.

Thanks for the reassurance on the battery thing. I had problems with my battery a few months back, but not recently. The interior lights were on since my door was open, but they were the new led's so it should have used less power right?

 

[Leinhit]

You might find it's dirty connections at the battery and to the starter.. start with free fixes first.

 

[zlandquist]

You might find it's dirty connections at the battery and to the starter.. start with free fixes first.

Just got it jumped and drove around for like a half an hour. Parked it and turned it off, then started it up after a little bit to make sure it starts. It looks like my battery died. I am going to try swapping with LEDs later tonight so I can see if they light up. I will check back later. Thanks!

 

[C.J. Roberts]

Just got it jumped and drove around for like a half an hour. Parked it and turned it off, then started it up after a little bit to make sure it starts. It looks like my battery died. I am going to try swapping with LEDs later tonight so I can see if they light up. I will check back later. Thanks!

Did you clean the battery terminals? Corrosion can do funny things, like not letting full voltage through itself. Jumping probably forced enough power through to start it, but not charge it.
Have the battery load tested, NOT at Autozone, Pep Boys, or Billy Bob's, but at a battery place.
Driving around "like a half hour" will NOT fully charge a battery in our TJs. Put it on a battery charger to fully charge it. They require a fully charged battery for the computer to properly function. It's not like "The Old Days" where once the vehicle was started you could remove the battery and it would run.
Changing out the LEDs will NOT charge the battery.

 

[WallyWest]

^ What C.J. said.

I had a issue with intermittent non start. Usually just turning the ignition off and waiting a few minutes would fix it. Got more frequent and then one day just refused to start. Battery had charge but one of the terminals was corroded at the base and the connection was very loose. Fixed that and all was well.

My initial symptoms were similar to yours. Turn the key and dash and/or radio would go haywire, then if I tried to start the engine it just clicked and everything died.