Jeepster2

1999 Cherokee Sport 4 door, 4 wheel drive. There is a fuse that keeps blowing (labeled IOD 15 amp) which when it blows takes out the instrument panel. I lose all pertinent gauges (i.e. fuel, oil, temp, speedometer, tachometer) as well as the radio/clock. Idiot lights still work such as the seat belt, door ajar etc. I have had the entire dash taken out and every wire checked. we have checked for rust on any near wires and checked connections.

What can I do to fix this?

BlueRidgeMark

IOD = Ignition Off Draw. It's a horrible design. That stupid fuse feeds a lot of circuits - basically everything that needs to operate when the key is off.

You need to first identify everything that is on that circuit (do a search here; I'm sure someone posted a list), then disconnect ALL of it, then start reconnecting things one by one.

There is no shortcut. Electrical troubleshooting takes TIME. Do yourself a favor - take very detailed notes at each step. Otherwise you will get hopelessly confused.

djgrayxj

Note from DJ
My question is do you have a computer or just a smart phone?

Jeepster2

Both, computer and smart phone, phone I use at home mostly. Why?

djgrayxj

Note from DJ
I was hoping that you had a home computer so you look at information in a larger format that’s all.
I’m going to post two schematics the first on will show the different Junction Block Connectors that receive battery voltage through the IOD fuse that is blowing.

The second one will show the location in the JB of the connectors.

You might try unplugging all connectors listed in the first schematic. Then replace the 15 Amp fuse with a new one; the reconnect each connector one at a time while checking the fuse after each connection till you to find which connectors has a shorted wire.

Report back your findings.

Jeepster2

Here's a but more info, I can change the IOD FUSE then drive for a bit before it blows, sometimes don't get out of the driveway sometimes drive 10, 15 miles then blows. It's not predictable, but consistently blows.

BlueRidgeMark

Okay, that sounds like something loose that's shorting to ground. That doesn't really narrow it down much, though. You have to get a manual and start checking circuits.

Look here.

djgrayxj

Note from DJ
I hope the following information that I’m providing will shortcut your solving the fuse blowing problem.

If I’m interpreting the information you have provided correctly this problem only happens while the Jeep is being driven.

So my thoughts are the problem may be with the cargo light internal wiring.

They have a built-in switch that if it is activated the light will not come on even though the hatch is open; this feature was provided so if you have the hatch open for a long period the light will not be on and running down the battery. This switch has been known to brake lose and only be held in place by the wiring; if it bounces just wrong the hot wire can come in contact with the metal part of the light which will case a momentary short and there goes the IOD fuse.

So if it was my Jeep I would open the door of your choice; this will turn on the rest of the interior lights which are on the same power wire.

Walk to the back and open the hatch then make a fist with the hand of your choice; reach into the open hatch with the fisted hand and with the side of your hand bang the area around the cargo light [Not the lens.] Hopefully the other lights will go out and you will fide the fuse blown again.

Post back your results please.

It too bad you don’t have a home computer; if you did there is a link on cruiser54 website that has a link to the complete 99 XJ wiring manual. This is where I have been snooping for information regarding your problem.

I’m also including a schematic of the wiring for the cargo light area.

awg

my white '96 Limited has the overhead console...what a rats nest of wiring!

something kept blowing fuses, it was a light

disconnect the WIRES one-by-one to isolate the fault

replace the globes with LEDs, the Limited has a lot of inside lights

djgrayxj

Note from DJ
I hope you didn’t take my post#8 as a joke.
Looking for more information; what tips you that the IOD fuse has failed.