when i turn the key forward as if im going to listen to the radio all my gauges read good but when i turn on the jeep i get no signal in other words as if the jeep is off....any opinions on what the issue could be....any help would deeply be appreciated

 

So the Jeep starts but all the gauges are dead while it's running?

 

yup it runs with guages dead

 

Did it just start doing this? Does the ignition switch work good?

 

good question it has been giving me problems and have to turn it on manually but i think its the starter that gave out already and batt is also giving me problems the thing was it sat for 2 months because i went to work and came back and all these issues started ruining my week it was working fine oh not to mention also got a leak on the air conditioner damn it!!!

 

Wow, I've never heard of that issue before with the gauges, but just wanted to say sweet lookin' XJ man. I like the Mickey Thompsons.

 

thank you for your good comments Ender

 

Your engine runs and the Jeep is drivable - right? If so, then that's a good sign that your PCM is functional at the critical control level, but don't rule it out just yet. Another possible cause for your described condition is a loose wiring issue. Does the condition change if/when you jiggle/jostle the under-dash cable harnesses?

If you have the Factory Support Manual (FSM) for your '98 then run the "Instrument Cluster - Actuator Test" for your High-Line Instrument Cluster. Instructions and expected response to test pattern located in the FSM within Group 8E "Instrument Panel Systems".

If you do not have access to a FSM then perform the following:

1. Press and hold trip odometer reset button.
2. Key "On" to run position - Do not start engine.
3. Release trip odometer reset button.
4. Observe all indicators and gauges as they step through sequences.

NOTE: It is okay to perform this test sequence more than once. If no indicator/gauge stepping sequence is observed then you may have either a simple dirty connection issue at the PCM, your instrument cluster or CCD Bus is defective. {FYI: The CCD Bus is a twisted pair (two wires only) serial data communication bus between the PCM and Instrument Cluster.}

Simpler (i.e., low-/no-buck) solutions include demate/mate each of three connectors (gently) at the PCM and demate/mate Instrument Cluster connector (difficult under-dash location).

 

ill try these steps and keep posted thx guys

 

do you guys think that the ignition switch has anything to o with the gauges because when the ignition switch works the gauges work and when i turn the jeep manually the gauges are dead???

 

bump bump