So I recently had this problem on a 1999 XJ Limited. I worked on the problem for some time, trying to trace electrical wiring as well as a number of other stuff. I searched all over the web, and came across a lot of good suggestions as well as related problems. I'm writing this because not many people have the courtesy to post what the final outcome of their problem is. If you have any questions message me.

THE PROBLEM

Gage Cluster Not Working=NO GAGES NONE WORKING - Codes P1698 & P1694 = Loss of comunication between the PCM & TCM both ways.

So there are a number of issues that can cause your cluster not to work.
1-Very common for loose connections at the back of the cluster or at any of your electrical connections. USE DI-Electrode Grease when re installing.
2-Throughly check fuses. I cant remember which number fuse it is but my Cluster died in my 2001 XJ and it was just a fuse.
3-Cluster is toast=easy test is to take a cluster out of another similar year XJ and swap them, try both the good cluster in the bad XJ and bad in the good XJ. IMPORTANT CLUSTER TEST=If I remember correctly=HOLD the Odom reset button in while you turn the key to the ON position then release after a few seconds. The gages will start to cycle as the computer tests for a connection to each or the corresponding sensors, e.g. Oil Pressure, Engine Temp, Tach, ect. I think this only works in '96-'01 XJs. In Grand Cherokees Ive heard the cpu will actually flash the codes of problems at the end of the cycle.
4-Could be a bad CPS=Crank Position Sensor or CAM Sensor, though I dont think the Gages die on a bad CAM sensor, though very common on a CPS.
Two things with a CPS, the Voltage and Oil pressure will usually still work and if the CPS is cooked you wont be able to start or barely be able to. Also in the Key On position the Gages often will work if you push the brake a couple times and hold it, somehow it makes the connection for the CPS. Often a CPS Sensor issue will allow you to start the engine for a few seconds then die.
5-Could be a combo of two of these issues, specifically in combo with a bad fuse. I had a bad CPS in a 1999 SE XJ and did some tests that should have proven it was a bad CPS i.e. Unplug the CPS at the intake connection at the back of the intake and the Cluster Should work again, except it didnt so I assumed it might be another issue. WRONG the CPS was bad but in the process of going bad had blown a fuse as well so the gages should have come on to confirm my test but didnt.
6-MY PARTICULAR ISSUE AFTER ALL TESE TESTS.
It was in this 1999 XJ LIMITED I was fixing for a neighbor-I had heard of this issue way back when I had the Cluster die in my 2001 Sport XJ but couldnt remember or find the link to the helpful post from someone else and at the time wasnt relative to my XJ. 2 WORDs, Overhead Console. ONLY LIMITED XJs have them. There is stupid electrical engineering oversight that put a relay board in the Overhead Console, because of the MPG features in that display. I even purchased the factory 1999 XJ Catalog to see the wiring diagrams. My friend and I tested all the applicable wires from the Powertrain Control Module=PCM aka ECM E=Engine. Finally I broke down like a ***** and sent took it to a dealer, F dealers, but they are the only ones with the right diagnostic machine to test these issues. It took them a couple hours of tracing but they found it up there. It costs like $300-$400 for the new board, BUT you can get the cluster to work again by just unplugging the board in the ceiling. If I remember correctly from that way back post a simple way to tell if its that board or its fuse, I think theirs a fuse for it, the overhead lights wont work in the overhead console. Now this problem is particular to the LIMITEDs and I'm not sure if there is even a factory catalog specific to the Limited but we gave the lady over the phone at Mopar the exact make model year and VIN and the corresponding catalog we got did not seem to have a diagram that included that particular crossover between the Cluster and Overhead Console. The book doesn't say Limited on it and since XJs are so similar between each model I'm guessing theres only one book.

I hope this helps the next poor soul that runs this gamut of wiring chaos!

ALOHA

 

check your pm

 

Can I get paid to do this stuff? LoL, but seriously or do I need to start my own website? I have 2 XJ, I want a third to try and make into an electric XJ and I work on 3 friends XJs. I love XJs! I convince every one to buy them because, though they arent good on gas, repairs are cheap and they are one of the most if not the most reliable vehicles in the market that you can get at an extremely affordable price. If you dont make a lot and need an affordable vehicle that wont break all the time well XJs' your Huckleberry! LoL