US investigating 781K Jeeps over underhood fire reports (Wrangler & Gladiator) -- power steering pump electrical connector issue

[GI Grandpa]

Not sure if this has been posted yet?
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-probe-jeep-fires/

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[Scott L]

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...er-underhood-fire-reports-wrangler-gladiator/

 

[WILDHOBO]

you can skip around gives you a full overview of the pump

I wonder if the fact that the wiring harness runs right over the cooling fins of the pump is the issue.

 

[kevman65]

It's not an "engine fire" issue.

It's an electrical fire issue in the engine bay.

 

[GeneralMaximus]

I remember someone on this forum posting about their Gladiator that was destroyed by an engine bay fire.

edit: found the post

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/fire-fire-my-gladiator-burned-down.58206/

 

[GeneralMaximus]

Anybody remember this post?

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/fire-fire-my-gladiator-burned-down.58206/

 

[WILDHOBO]

Anybody remember this post?

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/fire-fire-my-gladiator-burned-down.58206/

I was wondering about that myself.

This makes me want to go under and wrap the wiring harness in heat shield.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

That sounds like a constant power wire wore though and decided to short out. I don't know this system well, but i would assume there is some sort of solenoid (like a starter) that sends power from high current power wire into the motor. Maybe this wire rests on the pump and wears or melts and shorts. The pump is known to get very hot.

I can't see constant power being to the pump. Could be wrong, but if it's hot all the time, then there has to be something inside the pump to control when it's off or on. It's not always running. In fact, running straight down the highway, bet it's off.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I can't see constant power being to the pump. Could be wrong, but if it's hot all the time, then there has to be something inside the pump to control when it's off or on. It's not always running. In fact, running straight down the highway, bet it's off.

Easy enough to check with a meter if anyone is inclined.

 

[rharr]

I can't see constant power being to the pump. Could be wrong, but if it's hot all the time, then there has to be something inside the pump to control when it's off or on. It's not always running. In fact, running straight down the highway, bet it's off.

Watch the video, (@ 10 minutes in) the pump has 2 different plugs going into it, both plugs looks like they have multiple wires. 1 plugs is much bigger then the other and i would assume that is the high current plug. Looks like the big plug is using some 8ga wire, positive and negative. 8ga wire is pretty big to be running off a relay. So my guess is the smaller wires send control signals to the pump and there is a solenoid/relay in it that then pulls the big power from the 2 8ga wires.

That is why I thought it might be operating like a starter, and also explain why they catch fire when parked and off.

 

[JTenn]

I can't see constant power being to the pump. Could be wrong, but if it's hot all the time, then there has to be something inside the pump to control when it's off or on. It's not always running. In fact, running straight down the highway, bet it's off.

You're correct. Only runs when called on. After I installed the apex booster I can here it cycle on if I am sitting idling and bump the wheel.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Watch the video, (@ 10 minutes in) the pump has 2 different plugs going into it, both plugs looks like they have multiple wires. 1 plugs is much bigger then the other and i would assume that is the high current plug. Looks like the big plug is using some 8ga wire, positive and negative. 8ga wire is pretty big to be running off a relay. So my guess is the smaller wires send control signals to the pump and there is a solenoid/relay in it that then pulls the big power from the 2 8ga wires.

That is why I thought it might be operating like a starter, and also explain why they catch fire when parked and off.

That’s ugly.

what would he the harm in adding an appropriate amp-rated fuse to the 8awg positive wire?

 

[Rocksalt]

I still dont understand why 2020 models are not included

 

[WILDHOBO]

I still dont understand why 2020 models are not included

Good question. I’m guessing parts shortages in 21 changed the wiring harness setup.

 

[rharr]

That’s ugly.

what would he the harm in adding an appropriate amp-rated fuse to the 8awg positive wire?

It maybe fused, the z fuse has a lot of bigger wires going to it, maybe that big positive cable traces back to the z-fuse?

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