Hey everyone,

I noticed yesterday on my '96 XJ that my turn signals and hazards weren't working. I found the 20A fuse in the distribution box under the hood had blown (see photo below). I replaced it and the problem was solved... at least for a few minutes until it blew again. Replaced it one more time and the same thing happened. It seems to blow after a minute or so on it's own (without brakes or signals on) when the vehicle is running.

I obviously have a short somewhere, but I don't know if that fuse is responsible for more than the turn signals, hazards and brake lights. I suspect the short is somewhere else, so I'm hoping this may be a common problem and maybe someone can help point me in the right direction where to begin looking. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.



Thanks!

 

Do you happen to have the owner's manual for you 96?

I have a 96 as well, and it turned out that the owner's manual was the only document that actually provided accurate information for the layout of the PDC. (The 96 FSM from pacific coast manuals actually covers a 97 - so it didn't help).

If you don't have one, let me know, and I'll walk out to the parking lot and look for you (I have mine in the vehicle).

btw, I'm from MT as well. (Way up northeast by Plentywood/Scobey/Wolf Point). Don't live there now though.

 

Hey Jordan,

Good to hear from a fellow Montanan!

No, I don't have the original manual. I hate to ask you, but it sure would be appreciated! I read in another thread that the multifunction switch on the steering column is a possible culprit since the signals, hazards and brake lights all run though it. I'm surprised that the brake lights go through the column though, so I'm a little skeptical about that. Maybe you can confirm?

Thanks!

 

Ok, just got back with it.

20 Amp Yellow - Stop Light Switch & Combination Flasher. (that is all that is listed as being on the fuse).

The good news is that there are not too many things to check.

There is a 20 amp yellow on the internal fuse block for the turn signal Flasher. You might try pulling that fuse and see if the PDC one does/doesn't blow. If it continues to blow, your next stop would probably be the brake switch on the brake pedal.

(There should only be 2 20 amp fuses on the internal junction box, one for the turn signals, and the other for the power door locks).

Time to dust off the multimeter!

 

That definitely helps narrow it down. I'm thinking I'll find the problem in the brake switch or multifunction switch on the column. Thanks for your help!

 

You're welcome. Good luck! Let us know how it plays out.

 

Problem solved! It was the brake switch.

Thanks for your help, Jordan!

 

Bam! Good work.

 

So I am having this exact same problem. Seriously, the exact same thing. 96, same problems... I have been reading everywhere what might be the issue and then I find this thread

If you would be so kind though, could you please explain what exactly was wrong with the brake switch? If I dont hear from anyone, this was still a huge help. thanks

 

I'd like to share my experience and the solution I was pointed towards. Maybe it'll help you folks as well. Take a second to click the link. Another forum member saved me a lot of hair pulling.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/showthread.php?t=231916

 

didnt work