American Motors: Electrical in Dash, voltage drop test, fusible links

Question
Kevin
I have a 1985 AMC CJ7 which I am slowly attemtping to restore.
I was working on the radio today, and substituted the power supply from the lighter for the radio.
Suddenly, the fuel gage and temp gages stopped working and now the jeep doesnt turn over.
Is there a relationship beteen the fuel gage and the actual starting of the engine ?
Jeff

Answer
No. A bad fuel gauge should not cause the engine not to start. I would check for a blown fusible link near the solenoid, battery or in the starting system. I do not have a wiring diagram for Jeeps, but one would give you a better idea of where the fusible links are located.
Once you locate them, use a Voltmeter to do a Voltage drop test on the fusible links. Let me know if you are unfamilier with performing a Voltage drop and I'll walk you through it.
Kevin