91 sidekick JLX w/electrical probs

[Slothman]

Hello all,
I'm looking at purchasing a 91 sidekick JLX. 5 speed manual.
The asking price is $1100.
There are a few problems - the speedometer and the turn signals don't work,and the auto windows & locks have intermittent problems. Says it runs great other than that. That's all the info I have on it, haven't seen it live yet.

1.) Are the speedometer and turn signal problems fairly easy / inexpensive to fix (OR, what would the range of cost for fixing these things be)? I understand that the turn signals could be a fuse, but I have no clue about the speedometer issue.

2.) Is this worth it? I can't afford to put much more into it immediately.

Thanks for your help!

[Slothman]

Oh, and the body and interior look great, no rust or damage.

[ranger88den]

I wouldn't have a problem paying that amount per your description.

[MarkB.NV]

I have the cheaper version (geo tracker, 5spd, manual hubs, manual windows, locks), and its been a very good truck. Has 98,xxx miles on it now and it still runs great. Prudent driving yields about 28mpg, aggressive or off-road driving about 20mpg. In snowy/slushy weather it always get through without any problems (regular street tires). Biggest issue was the O2 sensor (buggered up threads in the ex manifold). Otherwise, just normal maintenance and upkeep expected for a 4x4. Simple and easy to work on. So far its been very reliable and a good investment.

If your prospective Kick runs good, its easily worth the $1,000-1,100.

[hialtitude]

Hi Slothman,

I purchased a similar vehicle, '91 Geo Tracker, also with electrical problems. It has 120,000 miles.

I found a direct short in the harness that runs from the firewall forward, under the intake manifold. The harness had actually worn through on the center loom holder. (It kept blowing the ignition fuse).

None of the engine indicator lights in the panel would work. I found a burned section on the printed circuit plastic, it was a ground path. I soldered a wire in it's place and it is working correctly now. The cause was a defective light bulb allowing a direct short!

Tomorrow I'm working on why it is not getting fuel to the injector. I've narrowed it down to a clogged fuel filter, or a pressure leak at the fuel pump in the tank.

As for the speedometer, I've seen some on e-bay at some prices I consider low.

Good luck with your project if you purchase it!

[jtgh]

smallest list ive seen for any old car.
if it runs , tune it up and change , all fluids.

need a schematic?

the electrical problems can be anything, connections ,wires, components or some PO desided to get creative. (alarm install gone bad. is one common reason)
combo switch , is expensive (blinks), if you need one , you can find a used one.
dont forget there is a classified page on this home page,
post for WTB.

[Slothman]

Thanks for all the info, guys. I was unable to purchase it. I had a chance, but there were more problems than originally indicated (exhaust needed replacing, light front passenger damage, reverse lights didn't work). It did run beautifully, though. I just didn't have the resources to pay the asking price and then fix all the problems. I offered lower, and it was declined. It sold later in the day. I was sad.

However, the result of this little foray into Sidekick-world is that I am completely hooked. It was so much fun to drive, and I even had nice snowy streets to test the 4wd out on. So now I'm saving for one (or a Geo Tracker), hopefully in a bit better condition.

[jtgh]

go for a 96,

[Slothman]

What about 96es make them better?

[lord_galathon]

Originally Posted by Slothman

What about 96es make them better?

X2, why a '96?