• Steel Soldiers now has a few new forums, read more about it at: New Munitions Forums!

  • Microsoft MSN, Live, Hotmail, Outlook email users may not be receiving emails. We are working to resolve this issue. Please add support@steelsoldiers.com to your trusted contacts.

HMMWV Doesn't Shut Down With Ignition Switch

hawk-aggie

Member
99
58
18
Location
College Station, Texas
NOTE: I'm going to be using the term "smart" box in referring to the EESS. Don't get twisted about semantics.

Our 1994 M1097 that I'm working on has an electrical issue. Engine is 6.5L, transmission is 3-speed, “smart” box is Natron, new starter, new batteries, new glow plugs, new glow plug controller, professionally rebuilt fuel injector pump, and auxiliary grounding harness.

I have disconnected many wires and cables - one at a time - to try to isolate the problem. The only thing I haven't done is disconnect any of the wires/cables on the 200A alternator or the voltage regulator. I have also been pouring over the wiring diagrams without positive result.

When I first connect the batteries, I get a significant spark at the ground post when the negative cable is connected. I've seen a small spark on most of our HMMWVs, but this is significantly different. It's not a big spark like you might see with a short. It's like something has its 'switch' permanently closed, causing a spark when the negative cable is connected.

I follow the normal starting process. I turn the ignition switch to run (I can hear the solenoid in the “smart” box clunk on). The wait light stays on about 8-12 seconds. Engine cranks strong. When it catches, the voltmeter is on the tick mark in the green zone – voltage checked with a multimeter indicates 28.4 volts. Oil pressure is just over 30 psi.

When I turn off the ignition, the engine does not shut down until I pull the lead to the fuel cutoff solenoid. When the ignition switch is turned off, the "smart" box relay does not go "clunk" as it should. The power on the fuel cutoff solenoid lead is still active and the "smart" box relay, and the voltmeter registers in the middle of the yellow band. When I then disconnect the battery, I hear the “smart” box relay clunk off, and the voltmeter needle drops to zero.

I don't believe this is a "smart" box issue. I have installed six (6) “smart” boxes so far during testing. I know now that "smart" box number 1 has a burnt/fried component (cause unknown). Boxes 2 - 5 are green label KDS. Issues inside them are unknown at this time. All had the same results as indicated above. The only difference between them is the wait time - from zip to quick flash to 8-10 seconds. The only reason the Natron is installed is that the engine fired right up without a lot of cranking.

My buddy and I are not on the same page. He thinks the issue is the smart box. I think there’s a wiring issue that keeps power to the smart box relay solenoid even after the ignition switch is turned off. We are open to ideas and consultation for fixing this truck.
 

Mogman

Moderator
Staff member
Moderator
Steel Soldiers Supporter
7,460
10,467
113
Location
Papalote, TX
Pulling the connector on the regulator would have been the first thing I would have tried.
Disconnecting wire 29A off of the master start switch would have been second.
If you have changed six smart boxes it seems very doubtful it is a smart box.
 

hawk-aggie

Member
99
58
18
Location
College Station, Texas
Pulling the connector on the regulator would have been the first thing I would have tried.
Disconnecting wire 29A off of the master start switch would have been second.
If you have changed six smart boxes it seems very doubtful it is a smart box.
We are in agreement regarding the smart box. It is my buddy who went down that trail. I keep veering away from an issue with the regulator, because the voltage output is right on the money. I will try your suggestions. Thanks.

BTW, what will pulling wire 29A prove/suggest?
 
Last edited:

Milcommoguy

Well-known member
Supporting Vendor
1,753
2,399
113
Location
Rosamond, CA
This was purchased as a non-runner by the museum where I volunteer. Just got it running this past week.. So, the answer to your question is "no, sir".
If I understand the response to be "NO" as this is an important starting point with the crazy symptoms.

Got a non runner , but got it running, wont turn off unless one pulls the 5A lead on the fuel cut off solenoid.

Walking it back ... all the obvious connections stated, switch, boxes, alternator and the like covered. ? Factory wiring, NO modifications / hack job going on? I would... and I think you'er wondering what is holding the fuel solenoid energized.

More data time. Monitor the 54A lead (tap into it) while properly connected. Would be interested in the voltage in all states, STOP, RUN, STARTing and back to Stop.
I would like to know the condition of the engine and body connectors ? Rusted, busted, corroded can be suspect. Pictures helpful.

These type of problems are going to require eyes on all connections with prints and understanding. Some obvious and looks like you have ruled them out
? The many box swaps is interesting... BUT then, I am NO fan of smart anything LOL.

HumV wiring is pretty straight forward. Harnesses are well made. One thing that is a bit to troubleshoot is there are splices internal to the design. This make it a little tricky to isolate individual circuits feeding... in this case the IP, but other components share the same. Look at the fan control, TDM, TSU and even the "BOX" We all know those boxes fail and everything goes thru it.

More history of the rig is helpful or just jump in and follow the trail to a can of worm... then success.

I don't like to guess this or that, poking and pulling wires might work???

That's what the Dr. does when one is up on the table, CAMO

>>>>> HUMV ________OWNER >>>>>>>>>>> Good Luck
doctor poke.jpg
 

hawk-aggie

Member
99
58
18
Location
College Station, Texas
If I understand the response to be "NO" as this is an important starting point with the crazy symptoms.

Got a non runner , but got it running, wont turn off unless one pulls the 5A lead on the fuel cut off solenoid.

Walking it back ... all the obvious connections stated, switch, boxes, alternator and the like covered. ? Factory wiring, NO modifications / hack job going on? I would... and I think you'er wondering what is holding the fuel solenoid energized.

More data time. Monitor the 54A lead (tap into it) while properly connected. Would be interested in the voltage in all states, STOP, RUN, STARTing and back to Stop.
I would like to know the condition of the engine and body connectors ? Rusted, busted, corroded can be suspect. Pictures helpful.

These type of problems are going to require eyes on all connections with prints and understanding. Some obvious and looks like you have ruled them out
? The many box swaps is interesting... BUT then, I am NO fan of smart anything LOL.

HumV wiring is pretty straight forward. Harnesses are well made. One thing that is a bit to troubleshoot is there are splices internal to the design. This make it a little tricky to isolate individual circuits feeding... in this case the IP, but other components share the same. Look at the fan control, TDM, TSU and even the "BOX" We all know those boxes fail and everything goes thru it.

More history of the rig is helpful or just jump in and follow the trail to a can of worm... then success.

I don't like to guess this or that, poking and pulling wires might work???

That's what the Dr. does when one is up on the table, CAMO

>>>>> HUMV ________OWNER >>>>>>>>>>> Good Luck
View attachment 952733
This truck is straight from the military through only one stop (our resource). We don't make modifications to our trucks. We buy them, use them for a minimum of 18 months, then sell them as an alternate income stream for the museum. The less time and money put into each truck to get it into service, the better. We've had this truck since 06/22. It had been sitting out behind one of our buildings with 4 others, waiting for its turn. We sold off 3 trucks in "as-is" condition, so this one and one other moved up in the queue. I'm the only one working on these, and I've got 3 other runners, and an M35 and 4 generators to keep up.

This truck does not have much rust. When we got it. the alternator was in the front floorboard, the belts were missing, as was the hydraulic line to the radiator fan, and the headlights. Other than that, I've only changed the hood to match, and installed a working wiring harness for the front lights.

I'll see about getting some photos.
 

TOBASH

Father, Surgeon, Cantankerous Grouch
Steel Soldiers Supporter
Supporting Vendor
3,814
3,926
113
Location
Brooklyn, NY
Tried disconnecting the plug on the PCB box under the dashboard. If your vehicle stops, then the problem is possibly the cut off on the IP.

Check my signature line on how to properly rebuild a Nartron box. It’s easy.

Feel free to contact me via private message for instructions. I’ve helped many people rebuild their boxes.
 

86humv

Well-known member
Steel Soldiers Supporter
1,733
542
113
Location
Texas
2 wires to Inj. pump....569 to cold advance, and 54A to fuel solenoid....make sure there not switched.
 

hawk-aggie

Member
99
58
18
Location
College Station, Texas
Tried disconnecting the plug on the PCB box under the dashboard. If your vehicle stops, then the problem is possibly the cut off on the IP.

Check my signature line on how to properly rebuild a Nartron box. It’s easy.

Feel free to contact me via private message for instructions. I’ve helped many people rebuild their boxes.
Interesting. If I disconnect the under dash PCB plug while it's running, the engine very well may shut off. I'm not certain that would point to a bad shut off solenoid. The shut off solenoid clicks whenever I plug and unplug the 54A lead when it has power. The clicking is an indication that the solenoid is working, is it not?. In addition, the IP was professionally rebuilt within the past year and has been sitting on the shelf until I installed it last week. However, I will perform your test. I think the Natron box is working properly.
 

Milcommoguy

Well-known member
Supporting Vendor
1,753
2,399
113
Location
Rosamond, CA
2 wires to Inj. pump....569 to cold advance, and 54A to fuel solenoid....make sure there not switched.
He's right on the swapped wires. A cold truck would start, but once warmed up to temperature, would shut down when the cold advance switch opened up. Would have to wait for temp to drop back to a cold start condition. The Packard connectors for cold start has the ribs on it.

All of those circuits are a simply controlled by the ignition switch RUN circuit. Battery 11A at switch out to 29A RUN. I am getting a feeling, MY guess and you say you have been all over it ?? that there is a sneak voltage / current either at the SRS switch, Lots of corrosion in either the body or engine connector or alternator leads sense-AC are messed up. Another Guess test. Pull the output lead off the alternator and see if that allow normal shutdown?

There is really no treatment - action - in the box from the switch. The RUN goes in and right out of box. It has to. That's how the truck turns off with the switch. This is why I asked to observe the fuel cut off solenoid voltage in all states. It will pull in at the 24 volts, But can hold at 10 volts... full release at 0 Volts.

Definitely a strange one. And all six boxes too. I have had 40 plus bad one here. Nothing smart about that.

Electrons can be hard to catch, CAMO
 

Mogman

Moderator
Staff member
Moderator
Steel Soldiers Supporter
7,460
10,467
113
Location
Papalote, TX
We are in agreement regarding the smart box. It is my buddy who went down that trail. I keep veering away from an issue with the regulator, because the voltage output is right on the money. I will try your suggestions. Thanks.

BTW, what will pulling wire 29A prove/suggest?
29A is power to the run circuit.
 
Top