dash lights out
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Burien, wa
Year: 88
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.o
ok i just bought my first XJ 3 days ago and i knew of this issue then but now its time to fix it so i can drive safely to work in the early mornings.
headlights, turn signals, and brake lights all work. when you pull the switch out for parking lights and/or headlights the right turn indicator on the cluster glows. i also have no hazards. it looks like there might be a little melty issue with the fuse box under the dash for the hazard fuse slot so i am already thinking i will replace the box sometime down the road. this is on a 88 if that helps any.
i have not dug out my DVM as of yet but i am just basically looking for a few pointers on where to start.
headlights, turn signals, and brake lights all work. when you pull the switch out for parking lights and/or headlights the right turn indicator on the cluster glows. i also have no hazards. it looks like there might be a little melty issue with the fuse box under the dash for the hazard fuse slot so i am already thinking i will replace the box sometime down the road. this is on a 88 if that helps any.
i have not dug out my DVM as of yet but i am just basically looking for a few pointers on where to start.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Aurora, CO.
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L AMC 242/I6 OHV
Most likely the fuse for the dash. Mine did the same thing (except for the melting issues). Was out one night with no dash lights and my left signal indicator had a dim glow.Thankfully a guy pulled up next to me and told me I had no running lights. I pulled over and found the fuse blew out. Replaced it and everything works fine now.
Check fuses 6 & 7.
Check fuses 6 & 7.
Last edited by greendevil303; Sep 21, 2013 at 07:54 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Aurora, CO.
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L AMC 242/I6 OHV
Try pushing in on the hazard switch. Sometimes that will fix the issue. If not, check out the turn signal relay. May need to be replaced.
Last edited by greendevil303; Sep 21, 2013 at 08:32 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Aurora, CO.
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L AMC 242/I6 OHV
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From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
ok i just bought my first XJ 3 days ago and i knew of this issue then but now its time to fix it so i can drive safely to work in the early mornings.
headlights, turn signals, and brake lights all work. when you pull the switch out for parking lights and/or headlights the right turn indicator on the cluster glows. i also have no hazards. it looks like there might be a little melty issue with the fuse box under the dash for the hazard fuse slot so i am already thinking i will replace the box sometime down the road. this is on a 88 if that helps any.
i have not dug out my DVM as of yet but i am just basically looking for a few pointers on where to start.
headlights, turn signals, and brake lights all work. when you pull the switch out for parking lights and/or headlights the right turn indicator on the cluster glows. i also have no hazards. it looks like there might be a little melty issue with the fuse box under the dash for the hazard fuse slot so i am already thinking i will replace the box sometime down the road. this is on a 88 if that helps any.
i have not dug out my DVM as of yet but i am just basically looking for a few pointers on where to start.
Manual or auto trans?
Welcome aboard.
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 12,367
Likes: 23
From: Oroville, CA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix,Arizona
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
Check for bulb issue front and rear on side that's dimly lit . Turn signal indicators in dash light up when theres a bulb burnt/short in that circuit.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Burien, wa
Year: 88
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.o
Some time soon you're gonna want to click on the link in my signature and address the known ground/electrical issues on your Renix Jeep. Might just as well nip them in the bud and save future headaches. Super easy and cheap, if not free to do.
Manual or auto trans?
Welcome aboard.
Manual or auto trans?
Welcome aboard.
Currently its now working on the blower motor that died today. The kid I bought the jeep from wired the blower to a simple switch after he said it quit working. Also found where all my water leaks are coming from and fixed them with some gorilla tape until saturday when I plan on hitting a few wrecking yards with my wife and get the proper rubber plugs as well as a few other things.
My jeep is a 5spd as well, I also need to figure out why the reverse lights don't work. She has her issues but I love her already and have fixed so many problems in the last 2 weeks. I just can't wait until I find a clean carpet and new seats.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Burien, wa
Year: 88
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.o
Thats it, the one side of the terminal in the box is broken, but I was able to wedge it just right to get the reverse lights working.
I think I will be replacing the fuse box since it is crispy for the stop/hazard and blower. How hard is it, do I need to yank the whole dash board and fenders?
I think I will be replacing the fuse box since it is crispy for the stop/hazard and blower. How hard is it, do I need to yank the whole dash board and fenders?


