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96 Cherokee Sport - Lights won't come on

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Old Sep 29, 2013 | 09:11 AM
  #1  
crisstyd's Avatar
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Default 96 Cherokee Sport - Lights won't come on

We have a 96 Jeep Cherokee Sport. The lights stopped working a few days ago. After messing with the switch for a while, was able to get them on again then yesterday they stopped completely.

Checked fuses, removed bulbs, replaced ignition switch and the turn signal/dimmer switch on steering column. The high beam indicator light stays on in the dash (but high beams are not on) but lights are very dim. Someone broke in a few months ago to try and steal the radio. He pulled the dome light from the ceiling. The radio stopped working, but after replacing fuses yesterday, radio works again. Does anyone know if the wiring for the dome is somehow connected to the headlights? Any suggestions on what to try next?
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Old Sep 29, 2013 | 09:48 AM
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From: Long Island, New York
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 (The best engine ever made)
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I know there's a relay for the headlights and he fog lights. I encountered it when I was trying to test the electric fan relay, I was testing the light relay instead
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Old Sep 29, 2013 | 09:50 AM
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OK I will check for that. Thanks. Christina
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Old Sep 29, 2013 | 12:55 PM
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I think I am getting close. I got one headlight working. There seems to be an issue with the hazard/blinker relay (not sure the exact name). If I take the hazard relay out, I can get one light to work. If I put it in, the hazards come on, but no lights. Anyone ever experience this? I am not very schooled with working on cars, but I try

Thanks,
Christina
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Old Sep 29, 2013 | 03:28 PM
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Figured it out.. it was a ground wire
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Old Sep 29, 2013 | 06:42 PM
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CONGRATS to ya,Christina!!
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Old Sep 29, 2013 | 09:47 PM
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Originally Posted by crisstyd
Figured it out.. it was a ground wire
Good job! BTW, I believe that most lighting issues on these vehicles are caused by poor grounds.
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