Posted this before, but tried a few more things to no avail...

89 cherokee 4.0 - recently started having the dash lights / air / headlights / dome lights all flicker after putting key to start (not cranking over, just the battery running). After about 10 seconds, it will start doing it once every few seconds, the air will cut out, dash lights, head lights as well (for a split second each time) - you can even hear the dash light bulb striking when it does this.

This does not happen once rpm's go up even just a bit - happens again once idled


Edited......I think I found the issue (below)

 

Well - as soon as I typed this up, I had a thought...

The wiper motor I redid awhile back with a remanned Cardone...was working fine for a few months...started going intermittent.

Checked out the plug the other day -






Not sure if I can delete this thread, but this is definitely the problem - I already scraped all the corrosion off and it didn't seem to help - without it plugged in - no issues, with it plugged in - flickering, and wipers don't work - power is shooting good to the plug, but perhaps the harness or motor itself is shorting out....ugh.....

 

A1 Cardone is your problem.

 

I know.... after buying it a guy I work with (that used to work at Cardone) told me most of the time they're just spray painted junkyard parts. I'm going to be sending it back (still under warranty from their Amazon store).

Not sure what other options I'd even have other than a JY, though - A1 Cardone is still the only option I'm seeing anywhere.... pretty lame. Might try my luck with a replacement when I send it back. Ugh.

Definitely seems to be shorting internally in the motor, I don't see how it could be a wiring/plug issue.

This is definitely the issue, btw - no electrical issue whatsoever now that it's been unplugged.

 

Keep in mind that the ignition switch circuit that the wiper motor is on, is a weak one.

Brown wire at the switch.

 

What if I'm getting good voltage at the plug at the wiper motor, though?

Also, the electrical flickering is only happening with that plug plugged in, wouldn't it be happening regardless if it was a problem in the column?

I know my column is a bit wonky, the high beams for example are a bit annoying to activate, that whole "switch" thing is a bit old and you have to do it just right.

Any idea what the easiest way to run the motor straight from the battery to test it would be without frying something?

 

I'm just saying to be aware of that connection. It's weak to begin with, and it sounds like it got some extra duty with the spray painted junkyard wiper motor.

 

True, good point...

I should really get inside the column to check it out regardless, as I've seen tons of issues stemming from what you just posted anyway. Want to make sure nothing is out of the ordinary.