antibiotics

Hi there,

Following the suggestion of UNCC_99XJ, I am trying to fix the gauge problem on my 1999 cherokee classic 4wd, 6 cyl as they are quit working from time to time.

Can somebody provide me a write up on this?

Thanks.

Qian

BlueXJ

Try this one it was intended for swapping from idiot lights to a full instrument cluster but will serve your purposes I think.
http://naxja.org/forum/showthread.ph...luster+removal

antibiotics

Thanks for the write up. I forget to mention one thing, while all the gauges quite working, I send the car to emission test. And it turned out the test machine can not communicate with my car through OBD port. Is this normal, will this be fixed after I clean and secure the connection of instrument cluster or there is something else going on?

Thanks.

BlueXJ

You got me on that one. Never had that happen to any of my XJs and my current one has no OBD stuff so no problem for mine. Someone else may want to chime in here.

89xjgrey

Sounds to me like there is a big issue with the communication bus. I'd walk you through it, but that would take me all day. Good luck.

89xjgrey

I would take it to a professional and have it diagnosed properly...Tracing a communication line can be very technical.

antibiotics

It will not be fixed by cleaning the cluster?

Thanks.

89xjgrey

Correct. I seriously doubt cleaning the two connectors on the back of the instrument cluster will fix the problem. I would check fuse number 17 in the power distribution center. That is the main power fuse for the information bus. It also provides power to the data link connector, which spiders into the instrument cluster, SKIM module, transmission module, air bag module, pcm, keyless entry, and trip computer. Give that a shot and let me know...

antibiotics

Thank you, 89xjgrey, will do that. But let me add one more information I just noticed. The gauges were back just now, and I used my OBD scanner to check for code, it seems no problem for the scanner "talking" the Jeep. Does this mean anything?


Thanks.

89xjgrey

Well if everything works sometimes, and then everything quits sometimes...there is definately a short somewhere in the wiring harness. If you can communicate with the Jeep using an OBDII scanner, or code reader then fuse 17 is good.

antibiotics

Could this be a computer (PCM) problem? Thanks.

BlueXJ

Highly unlikely if it starts and runs. Gotta have the ECU for that all the time. Sounds like checking and cleaning all dash connections is a very good place to start. Once the cluster is out and you get a better look you may be able to see the problem. If not clean each connection and reattach the plug and move on to the next until you have cleaned and done all the ones you can see and/or reach. Put it back together and see if the problem has ceased to exist. Let us know!!

antibiotics

I would like to express my sincere gratefulness to all of you for the prompt and knowledgable response.

I found a recall which may be related to my problem, any comments?
Safety Recall No.860
Airbag Control Module

Models
1997-1999 (XJ) Jeep(R) Cherokee

IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer new vehicle inventory. Federal law requires you to stop sale and complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also consider this requirement to apply to used vehicle inventory and should perform this recall on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the DIAL VIP System.

Subject

The Airbag Control Module (ACM) on about 390,000 of the above vehicles may corrode internally due to water intrusion. Internal corrosion could cause illumination of the airbag warning light or cause the airbags to deploy without warning. This could injure a front seat occupant if they are out of position or cause an accident without warning.

Repair

The ACM must be replaced and relocated.

BlueXJ

Unless you have an airbag light then I doubt it is your problem. Get it checked by the dealership. They can run your vin to see if it has already been performed by the PO.

antibiotics

Yes, I did have an airbag light on whenever the guages quit working.