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1999 Cherokee Sport Headlight Switch Issue

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Old Nov 22, 2017 | 02:27 AM
  #1  
magnan3's Avatar
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Model: Cherokee(SJ)
Default 1999 Cherokee Sport Headlight Switch Issue

This is on a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L Auto RWD.
The other night, when turning on my headlights (pulling the switch out) it clicked out once for fog lights and then would not go to the second click to activate the regular headlights. Pushed the **** back in and tried again, started vehicle first then tried again etc etc etc. I have not checked the bulbs yet. Could this be a possible Fail-safe? Or does the **** not lock in position 1 when bulbs are out?
Possibly just a faulty ****?
Have not had ample free time to check it out.
Any ideas or experience with the same issue?
Fog lights work, and brights can be turned on via flasher, but not left on (handle must be held back to keep them on)
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Old Nov 22, 2017 | 12:38 PM
  #2  
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From: SEMO
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 L6
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I would suspect a headlight switch fault. There is no fail-safe, and it's highly unlikely that both headlamps failed at the same time. Your high beams are operating correctly--they should never stay on unless the headlight switch is in the "on" position.

There is no headlight relay, so all of the current goes through the switch when the lights are on. Eventually the switch fails.
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Old Nov 22, 2017 | 12:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Tbone289
I would suspect a headlight switch fault. There is no fail-safe, and it's highly unlikely that both headlamps failed at the same time. Your high beams are operating correctly--they should never stay on unless the headlight switch is in the "on" position.

There is no headlight relay, so all of the current goes through the switch when the lights are on. Eventually the switch fails.
Is there a good or easy way to test the switch? In other threads I've seen people say testing the ground. Or would it just make more sense to replace it anyway?
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Old Nov 22, 2017 | 01:01 PM
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From: PA
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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Replace the headlight switch (check the connector as a bad connector can fry the switch, and vice versa), and then upgrade the headlight harness. Putco, or one of these > https://www.ebay.com/itm/330997592807

I bought the ebay harness, but didnt care for the relays as the covers popped right off. I bought sealed replacements to use instead. I have not installed it yet tho. Im saving that for Spring.
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