'90 XJ Cherokee

Well i'll start off by sayin i replaced the negative battery cable, and cleaned up the ground on the block where it hooks up. Everything works so far not sure if it starts up as i'm also in process of a radiator swap and power steering swap.

So when i was testing the lights after the cable replacement. When i turned the **** to dim the dash lights i turned it all way to right (clockwise). Dash lights went off and when i went to turn it back the other way they didn't come back on. Blinkers work and so do the headlights. Haven't checked to see if the park lights work with headlights on or not. But the dash lights are even a no go with the headlights on.

Also noticed my fuel gauge sits at 1/4 tank with key off. Not sure if this was like that before or not.

So my question is would this be a bad fuse for park/dash lights not to work but head lights and turn signals work still? Or is this my moment of having a faulty switch?

 

Update to this topic.

Park lights also do not work with headlights on. To add to problems, the tail lights also aren't working since this problem started.

 

Had this problem with our '94 chevy 1500. It ended up being the headlight switch. Btw, if it is the headlights switch, your headlights are next to go.

 

Was it easy to replace and cheap? Also did it have any effect on other items like the fuel gauge?

 

I wouldn't think it would as it has nothing to do with it other than the back lighting (which idle separate also).

I've never replaced one on an xj but have heard its not bad.

 

Still looking for any other answers too. I've checked the wiring diagram in the haynes manual and the park lights/tail lights are on same switch as the headlights, as well as the dimmer for the dash lights.

Anyone else experience this issue with the switch just going bad if you turn it to far one way or another? I suspect i could of broke the little tab that runs along the piece that controls the dimmer part of the switch. But now sure how that would affect the park/tail lights.

If anyone has had this issue is there a part number or recommended brand to get to replace this switch?

 

The switch just randomly dies sometimes... Theyre cheap anyway, buy one, change it. If it doesnt fix the problem, take it back.

 

Check the "tail" fuse in the fusebox.

 

Can't get the electrical connector on the switch off every time i get one side loose and go to work on the other, the previous side will lock back up. not to mention not much room for one hand let alone two.

Anyone have any ideas, as i'm ready to get a can of gas and light this piece on fire.

 

the switch is a major *****... I did it about a month ago when it was 20* out, snowing, in the dark...
Just take your time.

 

Ok after some time inside where its not as cold and where i don't have to feel like a contortionist to try and fit both hands and half my body under the dash to get at this switch.

I finally got it out with out breaking anything. Also WTF is up with that small like 20gauge ground wire off that switch. I about snaped that thing right off. I also pulled both flashers for turn/hazards as the turn signal one is slow very slow.

I also checked the park/tail fuse it was good looking and the instrument panel fuse looked good as well. So i think my issue lies with the switch as i found a metal U Clip thingy thats normally used on dash screws. It was stuck up in where the rheostat for the dimmer is on the switch. I suspect this is what broke that piece cause its pretty loose and feels broken.

Going to replace this switch to see if it solves my problems.

 

Got a new switch was cheap and looks way better than the original. Question about the switch though.

The ground on the back of the switch can I run a bigger ground wire and run it to a different location? And just tape the old ground connector?

 

You could, I dont see it causing a problem
I never even hooked my ground back up...

 

Hooked the ground back up with original wire cause it was easy. Still no park/tail lights. Couldn't tell if the dash lights were on or not cause its still daylight here for atleast another hour and half or so.

Guess now i have to check fuses.

 

Update:

Some previous person put a 10amp fuse in the slot for park/tail lights.

Question: What fuse do I put back in? Manual shows on one page it being a 20A fuse while on the following page it shows it as a 15A.

Anyone have a idea if should go ahead and put a 20A?