Engine won't shut off with headlights on

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Feb 12, 2018 | 12:04 PM

Cannonfodder

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 18

Likes: 0

Model: Cherokee

Engine won't shut off with headlights on

Good afternoon, all. So this weekend my 91 XJ Laredo 4.0 4x4 started doing this weird thing when I shut off the key, the engine stays on until I push my headlight switch in. I recently had to replace the switch as the connector burned up, so I put in a new switch, de-pinned the connector, and put the connector in from a parts rig using pictures I took as I disassembled the old connector. The pins looked good, so I reused them. Pins and wires went back in the same place the came out of. Jeep did fine for about 2 months before this. Anyone experience this before? Thanks!

Feb 12, 2018 | 02:03 PM

greynolds17

Member

Joined: Jul 2017

Posts: 115

Likes: 0

From: Aurora CO

Year: 1996

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

does it start with the headlights off?

Feb 12, 2018 | 02:46 PM

Cannonfodder

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 18

Likes: 0

Model: Cherokee

Quote:

Originally Posted by greynolds17

does it start with the headlights off?

It will start with headlights off or on.

Feb 12, 2018 | 03:07 PM

greynolds17

Member

Joined: Jul 2017

Posts: 115

Likes: 0

From: Aurora CO

Year: 1996

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cannonfodder

It will start with headlights off or on.

but it wont stop with them on, i know that some xjs the lights would stay on for a bit after you turn off the engine when the headlights are switched off after shutting off the engine. if yours does that there could be a short in the delay circuit somewhere, but i have never heard of this problem before, i have heard that on grand cherokees there would be some random electrical issues like lights turning on and power loss and no start issues and disconnecting the battery for about 30min usally reset all the issues. but i would check for shorts on the switch first. thats about all i can say about it right now.

Feb 12, 2018 | 06:33 PM

whatscooking

Junior Member

Joined: Jan 2018

Posts: 59

Likes: 2

From: S\E Indiana

Year: 1996

Model: Cherokee(XJ)

Engine: 4-0

Don't let the magic smoke out.

Feb 13, 2018 | 08:31 AM

greynolds17

Member

Joined: Jul 2017

Posts: 115

Likes: 0

From: Aurora CO

Year: 1996

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by whatscooking

Don't let the magic smoke out.

if you dont remember anything else from electronics class remember that

Feb 13, 2018 | 05:42 PM

bad_idea

CF Veteran

Joined: Apr 2016

Posts: 1,820

Likes: 60

From: Pasquotank, NC

Year: 1990

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

I wish someone would bottle and sell magic smoke. They would make a KILLING. Would save me a bunch of money replacing electronics.

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Feb 13, 2018 | 06:21 PM

JeepingDan

CF Veteran

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 18,786

Likes: 14

From: CT.

Year: 88

Model: Comanche (MJ)

Engine: 4.0 HO

Does this have a aftermarket alarm or remote start?

Feb 13, 2018 | 09:09 PM

Cannonfodder

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 18

Likes: 0

Model: Cherokee

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeepingDan

Does this have a aftermarket alarm or remote start?

No, regular key entry. Power windows and locks, though. It does have the courtesy lights option that keeps the lights on for 1 minute after shutdown, which normally works as advertised. No blown fuses or melted connectors that I can find.