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- Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ 1993 to 1998 How to Replace Headlight Switch
Step by step instructions for do-it-yourself repairs.
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dimmer switch/headlights/parkinglight switch removal?????
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Caguas, Puerto Rico
Year: 1987
Model: Wagoneer
Engine: 4.0L
Ok folks, this is a straight ghetto repair job, but it is effective for now just to show that it can be done without replacing the entire dash assembly. Now remember this is a 35 minute patch job in the junker, so making it pretty was not a concern right now. I will fab up a more attractive panel for repairing this problem and will have it posted in the XJ tech write up section.
So to start, the problem is with the plastic dash that the headlight switch mounts in. It is weak and will break easily. The center section indicated by the green arrow has broken out and this is where the retaining screw goes for the switch. The area circled in yellow must be removed for the repair panel to mount flush.
Attachment 5926
I used a 1 3/8 hole saw to remove this part of the dash to create a flat surface for the repair panel.
Attachment 5927
I peeled the trim cover off of the dash to trace it onto a piece of sheet metal.
Attachment 5928
The green arrow in this pic shows the notch I had to file into the hole for the locating tab on the headlight switch. The yellow arrow indicates an area where I need to clearance for the dash trim to reinstall properly.
Attachment 5929
This pic shows the switch reinstalled with the trim panel back in place as well. Like I said it is ghetto and ugly but I will fab up something better. This was just an exercise for me to find another way to save someone else a lot of money and headaches.
Attachment 5930
So to start, the problem is with the plastic dash that the headlight switch mounts in. It is weak and will break easily. The center section indicated by the green arrow has broken out and this is where the retaining screw goes for the switch. The area circled in yellow must be removed for the repair panel to mount flush.
Attachment 5926
I used a 1 3/8 hole saw to remove this part of the dash to create a flat surface for the repair panel.
Attachment 5927
I peeled the trim cover off of the dash to trace it onto a piece of sheet metal.
Attachment 5928
The green arrow in this pic shows the notch I had to file into the hole for the locating tab on the headlight switch. The yellow arrow indicates an area where I need to clearance for the dash trim to reinstall properly.
Attachment 5929
This pic shows the switch reinstalled with the trim panel back in place as well. Like I said it is ghetto and ugly but I will fab up something better. This was just an exercise for me to find another way to save someone else a lot of money and headaches.
Attachment 5930
You can tell, because the switch looks outward like in yours
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Good post but that stupid nut isn't cooperating. Should I continue increasing force at the risk of breaking things or is there another suggestion? This is typically the way it goes for me on things. I haven't broke anything yet but the patience is running low.
Last edited by meandyb; Apr 21, 2010 at 08:35 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
I started my jeep to warm up in the morning. I turned my head light switch side to side to get my dash lights on. (Normal) When I tried to pull **** out to turn on my head lights, I had to pull harder than usual. No lights came on but smoke rose from my dash above where my switch is located. I know how to take the switch out, what can I expect? and what can I do to have interior and head lights again? I need to drive to work in dark and home in dark too. P.S. I'm a poor family man. cheap fix is best. Thank you.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
What do you think would cause smoke? All I can picture is melted wiring harness. what color wires power head lights? I can just buy a relay toggle switch. Keep in mind your talking with a guy who took a zip cut to his fenders to fit 31in. mud tires.
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
the switch prob broke inside the simple fix and safe fix is buy new switch and plg it in if the connector is melted go to junk yard pull one from other xj and splice wires from truck to donor plug electrical connections you do not cheap out with them you will cause more probs than you have now or take it to some one with electrial savy and get them to help
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Thanks for the info, I just pulled the switch. the ground wire is burnt, and after disconnecting the wire plug from the switch I noticed the switch has melting damage. New switch sounds like my best bet. I don't like to wait. I would rather spend money then waste time splicing in an old junk switch. Thanks again.
Even I can afford to brake the bank and spend 20 bucks on a new switch.
Even I can afford to brake the bank and spend 20 bucks on a new switch.
Last edited by Bonehead; Nov 7, 2010 at 02:59 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Just my luck, what do you know. Wiring harness that plugs into switch is also fried. Flashlight, cold ,tired after work, hands going to break dash cuz no room to move. I got my wife to buy me a new switch . now I need a wiring harness
Last edited by Bonehead; Nov 9, 2010 at 10:03 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
O.K. All my wife could come up with was a 91 cherokee head light switch and wiring clip. How Do I connect the wires from my 88 to the 91 switch or can I? PLLEEASSEE HELP!!what color wire goes to my tail lights?
Last edited by Bonehead; Nov 11, 2010 at 10:03 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
ok,ok,ok I'm a bonehead alright! I got the proper switch and harness plug. I can work my headlights dash lights interior lights. I'm trying every night after work to get this to work There must be a Jeep Guru somewhere that nows the wiring color code for this. I'm die hard to make this work. Too bad i'm such a bonehead.
