Probably nothing to do with it, but try checking the wiring harnesses on the tranny. I'm guessing there has to be some kind of sensor involved with clutch process. If I'm talking out of my a$$ someone please chime in....

 

Don't have remote start or security system.

Okay, I'm back home. I was at my church doing some work when this happened. My friend (Wylie) lives just a couple blocks from the church, so we've towed the Jeep to his place to spend the night. Here are some other things I tried:

1. Tried starting in 4WD-Lo to ensure it wasn't the clutch switch. No go.

2. Tried starting going downhill three times. Each time it sounded like it had started and it was moving the Jeep, then it would die the very moment I pressed in the clutch. The last time I purposefully left the clutch engaged an extra long time until I was running out of room and it ran the entire time--until I pressed the clutch.

3. Visually checked for anything wrong. However, this problem is limited to no start and weird dash lights. I think (since I was distracted and could be mistaken) that the GPS and the radio were coming on when the dash lights did not. And for certain the headlights and aux lights were all on and bright when the dash lights did not come on. So, it's not an entire electrical system failure. The problem seems limited to the steering column, which makes me think clock spring.

4. I did not try punching the steering wheel--was already on the way home with Wylie when I read that. But, I did move the steering wheel back and forth attempting to get it to respond. No go.

Anyone else have any ideas, please let me know. Right now, unless someone gives me something that might work, I will contact a two truck in the morning, have him pick me up, then retrieve the Jeep and take it to the dealer. I'm no longer under warrant, so I dread the thought of that, but right now I'm out of ideas.

Thanks, everyone, trying to help me out--really appreciate it!!!!

 

might want to inspect the wires on the lockers just incase something is rubbing and grounding out on the axle housing. That might make the power serge to the switch and cause problems. anyway just an idea

 

Does a manual trans have a power converter ?????

 

Power converter? For 120 VAC? Not in '07.

 

I'm not going to be of much use here Mark, but was anything done recently (and I mean as in today or maybe even just before this started happening)?

 

Pulling at strings my friend.... I don't understand how the clutch engages and starts engine but when u push it back in it shuts off, unless I read the thread wrong ?

 

Typo: that's what I meant to say... Thanx Karl...

 

Did u have clutch engaged when you did jump start ?

 

No, you read the thread right. I've push started many vehicles in my time. And the first time tonight I thought at least I'd get the Jeep home. It was going forward down the hill and the throttle was responding then, when I pushed in the clutch, the engine died immediately. I double-checked each time to ensure that I had the ignition switch on. And I did. And the dash lights were on. But, the Jeep would not stay running. It was almost like when you start it with a key that is not programmed for the Jeep--dies after just a few seconds. But, this was directly tied to the clutch disengagement when it stopped.