GREAT ! Remember TM's are written at less that high school level. All the design and engineering as been done over 40 years (generally). All (most all) we want to do is straighten out some of the dents, blow on some paint, work out some rattles or leaks, make it safe and go... and on the cheap as in hobby cheap. (That's a big $$ variable) Tons of other reasons to ownership. What's Yours ?? to the group.
Simple truck, drawings and text. Most repairs simple with simple tools. Patience and a box of band aids are money in the bank as to "take it to the dealer"
If there was a dealer nearby (no offence to RWH) I would be in the poor house (dog house too!) forever. So the hobby keep me under the hood or out on the trail. For the FUN FACTOR as in owner, operator, chief mechanic and driver.
Electrical problems in the Hmmwv can trip up the best. Be careful and logical. Visual inspection coupled with the mechanical connections, pay close attention to details. One of the most common failure points is the grounding thing.
I have researched this and the ground is a floating ground and is not directly referenced to frame ground as in old school system. IMPORTANT Note: NO engine ground strap to frame, NO body to frame straps, NO battery negative to frame. This is due to they wanted to incorporate electrical diagnostics (STE-ICE) into the the Hmmwv.
The actual ground is the grounding stud on the starter. From there individual ground leads find their way to key components, engine block, alternator, and body. Battery negative, shunt and big negative wire connecting to starter are slightly above system ground. If and a BIG IF... all connections are clean and tight it works.
Any of the above grounds become corroded , loose or broken then a serious ground loop is in effect and voltage and currents are going in directions you don't want. Put the Smart Box in the middle of it (it is) and now stray currents make it thru the 600 dollar fuse. Lights flicker, don't work right, truck won't start, CPU logic gets hung-up and glow plugs lock on and you don't know it till its to late. Add another 100 dollars and time.
DAMM... disconnected battery, replaced blown glow plugs, hooked back up (couldn't wait) and now it works. Your lucky Day... Till?
So that's why the recommended ground kit works. CHEAP insurance. DIY
When I did mine I didn't have the "Sticky" GROUNDING NOTE.
I did this after the first and last "Not So Smart Box" BBQ. I don"t need and have STE-ICE tester. Dumped the shunt. ADD, BIG fat ground strap from starter to frame, BIG short ground strap frame to body, one front and one rear, smaller ground 8ga from battery negative to battery box / cabin, done and DONE!
Many ways to nip it in the bud.
CAM
