started my 99 classic w 4.0 today and it was about a min until the gauges stated working. I mean nothing no tac oil pres or anything, and the air bag light was on. After that everything came up and the airbag light went off. I have notice the airbag light on recently on and off, and one other time the gauges. Whats going on. Is this a cumputer problem? Truck still runs great even when this happens. Only 98000 miles but I bought it from a couple that told me it sat for a year and was in storage, they forgot they had it. Wish i had that problem.

 

weird, did you notice if the key was stuck in the crank position? Or is the ignition switch hard to turn or really rough operating? I had a similar issue, but not on a jeep. I ended up having to replace the mechanical side of the ignition switch, it was just old and had grit and such in it. Some of that graphite stuff locksmiths use might have helped, but I just went ahead and replaced it.

 

ignition is fine no problems mech. Has 2 b a computer issue.

 

on my 98 it does the same thing. the only way to elminate it temporarily is to take out the gauge cluster and clean the electrical connections. i do it every 6 months and it fixes the issue. so just rip apart the dash and clean it use air in a can or a damp rag/cloth

call jeep it might be a recall. im not too worried about mine right now but call and let us all know

 

Well the gauges stop completely last night and would not come back up so I ripped the dash apart and took out the gauge cluster. Examined the wire and contectors. Everything looks good. pluged it back in and it didnt work. Pulled it out and I cant find anything wrong with the wiring and I am a electician. Put it back in and now it works this time. Dont know what to think.

 

I just got my very first 98 cherokee, and have noticed the same problem. Whenever it happens if I go over a bump it starts working again. Any wisdom would be appreciated. Other than this, the jeep is awesome.