Long time lurker, first time poster. Got myself possibly a big problem. I have a '91 Jeep Cherokee Laredo that I picked up for 600$.

The problem i'm having is my exterior and interior lights flicker and radio cutting out.

1) Headlights turned on - causes the lights to flicker and the engine to sound "bogged" also when the brake is pressed, horn is honked, or blinkers turned on everything cuts out for a second.

2) Heater turned on w/out the headlights on will cause the same issues.

3) With the headlights and heater turned off when pressing the brake, no issue happens but when i still honk my horn the radio cuts out for a second.

Really need some help, appreciate any help and suggestions since this is my daily driver at time being.

**update** 01/16/2015

Fixed the issue, for the most part, it was a bad body ground ( crazy that can cause so many issues )

Along with the issue, the gauge cluster never worked besides the RPM's, now for the most part i believe its working, but the speedometer isn't working

Any suggestions how to test the speedometer?

Thanks again

 

Start with cleaning up all the electrical grounds.
For your new ride, FSM = $7.95
http://www.pacificcoastmanuals.com/1...ce_manual.html

 

Thanks!

 

Second the grounds check. If you can't check yourself, take your ride to autozone, advance auto, etc, and have them test your battery. Might be time for a new one. Or perhaps your alternator is starting to go. Had that issue with mine. Good luck, keep us posted!

 

You might also check the stud/nut on the starter where the bat cable and the feed wire for all the electrical is located. If it's not tight, some of the things you describe may be traced to that....
The negative battery cable may be bolted to the engine block (?) good thing to check out/ clean etc....like mentioned....

The Service Manual like Turbo X_J mentioned is the way to go, if you plan on doing all your own work....

 

Thanks so much for the advice!! Will definitely keep everyone updated

 

**update** 01/16/2015

Fixed the issue, for the most part, it was a bad body ground ( crazy that can cause so many issues )

Along with the issue, the gauge cluster never worked besides the RPM's, now for the most part i believe its working, but the speedometer isn't working

Any suggestions how to test the speedometer?

Thanks again