smlytle

Hello... This is my first post and I tried to do some searching on it but wasnt very successful.

I have a 1997 Grand Cherokee and when I bought it form my mom a few years back the VIC constantly said there was a rear light out though we could never identify which one (We even check all three lights on the top brake light)... Recently it started acting up and not keeping time. Then it showing red lines across the display and finally square green blocks. After about a week of that it died, which I was almost thankful for given the intermitent issues I coudln't identify.

With that being said is this a common issue or could it have just finally died after 15 years? If so does anyone know a reputable site for replacement VIC's? I tried searching online, but it seems the best I can find is Ebay, no real Jeep sites or anything.

Thanks for all your help. This jeep has been great and I want to keep it running strong, electrical and all.

ol"blue

Welcome to CF. Most issues I've heard were either improper coolant readings, or that it stopped working all together. Here's a write-up w/pics, for fixing the VIC's coolant issue. Maybe a similar problem as your issue. >->http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f13/c.../#post11719192

smlytle

Here is a pic of when it randomly "works"... Any thoughts anyone?

ol"blue

Sorry, I never had that happen on my '97, and when I looked through the FSM it only tells hows to do the "Initial Set Up" for the VIC as far as changing the info it displays. Maybe if you try: Depress and hold the VIC "SET" button while turning the ignition to "ON". Release SET" button. It will display current language setting. Depress & release the "SELECT" button to toggle through the available choices until the desired language setting is displayed. Depress & release the "SET" button to choose the displayed language setting and advance to the next VIC set up.
Continue on using the "SELECT" and "SET" buttons to finish setting up the clock, and service reminder intervals. After setting the service interval, the info will be stored. Turning "OFF" the ignition before completing the process will abort "Set Up", and nothing will be saved.
Don't know if this will do any good, but it can't hurt to try.

smlytle

Thanks. Resetting it really isnt an option since it doesn't turn on when the jeep turns on, it just randomly will light up then turn off again. Even if i dont think it would work since the only thing it shows is squares (I have tried pushing buttons when it is on to no avail).

ol"blue

Well maybe it's shot. You might find one cheap on here: North American Grand Cherokee Association. >->http://www.nagca.com/forum/

ZeeJay95

yank-it-yourself yard? I got tired of mine blinking and beeping and everything else while rock crawling so I just yanked it out. I think I chunked it, otherwise I'd give it to you

basegrinder

I had a 95 GC that had the (false) tail bulb out now and then. Now I have a 93 GC that has the (false) Coolant sensor bad ALL the time. I would not be sad if it died. I looked at the fix for the coolant sensor issue but haven't gotten to the point where I care.

besides it still gives me the all important Wiper Fluid Low warning. ..and it did alert me to a radiator leak when the low coolant warning came up

smlytle

Thanks for the help. I'm hesitant about a pull yard for the sole reason I can't tell if it will work when I grab it. It was almost worth it being out all together but I do like the notifications when it works.

basegrinder

think of it this way...if it's dead, that is a perfect place to stick your GPS or ipod/phone/etc holder...nice big flat piece of plastic the suction cup will stick to. In fact I like that spot better than on the windshield...your power cord is right near the cigarette lighter then