sometimes the airbag wrning light will come on for five seconds or and some of the gauges will temporally stop,usually the speedo and tach but sometimes even the oil preasure and temp gauge also.any ideas

You don't mention what year it is, but as far as the gauges go that is a pretty common problem. In fact the new models (97-01) have an updated plug design available from a Jeep dealer to correct this problem. I have the same problem on my 93 though. It is random and sometimes will only do it for a few seconds or like it is currently may do it for months. Then one day it will come on and be fine for months. I have thought about putting aftermarket gauges in so they would work better and look better.

Prerunner is exactly right

I have the exact same problem. It only happens once in awhile. i just tap the plastic gauge cluster cover and they all come back just fine. From what ive heard its not worth fixing.

Unfortunately mine does not response as yours do... I think I have cracked 2 of the mounting tabs for the gauge cluster from hitting it and the dash trying to get them to come on.

Sometimes some of the gauges will work, sometimes none of them will. Typically my tach and speedo are the ones that don't work. Which is fine I can usually tell how fast I am going by the sound of the engine/fuel pump (that's another story).. but when the gas, oil pressure, and temp gauge go out I get a bit uneasy driving it. I do know that with my normal driving route I can go a week between fill ups.

By the way.. the gauge clusters are made in Japan. So even our beloved Jeeps aren't completely American made.

Does your CEL come on as part of this process? Mine did. Gauges would be at zero with AB light on, then gauges would work, AB light off, but CEL on. Didn't really care until it was smog-time, then I had to do something about it or I couldn't get my tags. It's a long story, so if anybody wants to know, post up and I'll tell you.

my 98XJ has the same problem, I just push it in on all 4 corners and it comes back on, problem is I've done that so many times it only works 1/4 of the time

When all my gauges quite none of the indicator lights work (shift, parking brake, etc, but dash lights to see gauges always work)..when some of the gauges work then the indicator lights work (parking brake, shift, etc).