I have had intermittent use of my turn signals (actual lights and dash turn indicators), rear wipers (front wipers sill operate) and my airbag light staying on while my 1998 Cherokee 4.0 is running. This lack of functionality is becoming more common as of late. Today my air conditioner, radio and windows also quit working. My fix to this point is to turn the vehicle off and restart it. This fix is happening less and less though. Also, all functionality works as it should when the ignition is in accessory and on, but any/all quit working at start. I was leaning toward a bad multifunction switch until the windows and air stopped working today. The ignition switch was replaced about 5 years ago. Might the ignition be the issue since everything works in the non-start setting? Thanks in advance for any corrective course of action needed.

 

Update... I have replaced the multipurpose switch and the same issues remain - signals don't work, airbag light stays on, radio won't turn on, climate fan doesn't change speeds. Headlights and hazard lights function properly and all dash gauges function correctly. Everything works correctly when the Jeep ignition is in switched to accessory but does not work once the Jeep is running. Maybe ignition related?

 

Since you first listed the turn signals being your primary concern, here's the Factory Service Manual's diagnostic section. Sounds like multiple issues, but maybe not. Always good to take a methodical approach to solving the problem.

 

Since you have this issue intermittently, and things seem to stop working when the engine is running, the issue could easily be a faulty ground (as discussed in Step 8). The engine running causes vibrations and heat, two things that can mess up old circuits.

 

Verify you have a good ground from the battery to the body. Also take apart, clean and reinstall all the ground wires that connect to the engine block near the dipstick.

 

@Jantharr Toss that Haynes and get the real FSM here (and the parts manual)

https://archive.org/details/manuals_...y=xj+jeep+1999

 

Your Ignition switch could be the culprit.

I don't know of source for a '98 FSM, but the '99 linked above should be close enough.

 

Thanks for the response, but I can't get your link to open.

 

I have checked and cleaned all of the grounds under the hood (two on the driver's side inner fender, engine to firewall, dipstick, and negative post) and checked and wire brushed mild corrosion/dirt off of any related fuses. Still no luck. I was leaning toward a faulty ground being the issue, but due to the fact that everything works correctly when the Jeep ignition is ON and quits when the Jeep is started, I believe that replacing the ignition switch is my next step. Anyone have any different guidance or recommendation against this logic? Thanks for the assistance provided so far.

 

Try this but add the HTTPS:// before and drop the quotes "archive.org/details/manuals_contributions?query=xj+jeep+1999"

Perhaps the shortening in the post had an effect (although it still opens for me)

Here's the tinyurl as a backup https://tinyurl.com/237sz2a6

 

It is the real FSM, but thanks for the link. I've been looking to add the parts manual to my collection

 

My apologizes. Hope you grabbed the FSM as well since it's searchable.

If you take the 1999 out of the query, you'll find other model years as well.

 

Good news! Replacing the ignition switch did the trick. I decided to leave the new multipurpose switch installed as well, as I had broken off my hazard switch a few years ago. I appreciate everyone's help and support.

 

fsm link attempt