cewyattjr

My 18 y/o daughter has a 96 Jeep Cherokee Sport. Suddenly the headlamps have stopped working on either default low or high beam settings. If you pull the dimmer stick toward you it will high beam, but you have to HOLD it.

I've checked the lines right at the lamps themselves with a VO meter, and it's true that they aren't getting power unless the switch is held as described above. Also have checked fuses under the dash, #11 and #17.

Probably the headlamp delay relay or the dimmer switch?

Thanks for any wisdom, experience or suggestions!

Chuck

sycoglitch

Chances are you answered your own question. Might need a new headlight switch. Hate installing those.

cewyattjr

I wonder if there's a way to test it -- maybe disassemble the molding around the steering column and touch some contacts together?

sycoglitch

Run a set of wires from battery to bulb terminals themselves. Main test you did was test voltage to the sockets and turn the switch on. You went from each terminal to ground. Try continuity on the socket ground to chasis and make sure you have ground at the socket. Best chance is switch is bad. Had mine go a few years back while driong home from jersey. Only had hi beam from the lever by the steerin wheel. New switch fixed it

freegdr

Isnt arm forward high beams and back flash to pass.?

sycoglitch

It is but arm forward only works when the switch is on IIRC. Been a while since I used it like that but yea arm back is to flash ppl. OP can try to pull switch to first on position and push arm forward and see if high beams come on

freegdr

Exactly...

cjk09

This happened to me in my 94 replaced switch then it was fine...just my experience hope it helps

scottmphoto

I've had this problem on both my XJ's. The switch isn't really designed that well and they burn out a lot. A new switch is @ $20 and isn't really that hard to replace.

sycoglitch

Ans switching to a harness helps take load off the switch moving forward