headlight problems 96 xj
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Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 30
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From: Colorado City
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
headlight problems 96 xj
i have a 96 xj sport my headlights wont work, when I turn them on my parking light work but not my headlights. click the switch and hold it and my brights come on. let go of the switch and they go back off?? I was told it had a new switch but im not sure! anyone have this problem?
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 243
Likes: 3
From: Traverse City, MI
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I had the exact same problem. I replaced the switch and it solved the issue for a couple of weeks, but then it returned. Turns out the connector (the plug that connects to the switch) was the problem. It had melted, which I didn't notice from underneath, but when I pulled the gauge cluster to start tracing wires, it was very obvious from the top of the connector. The repair of splicing in a new replacement was not to difficult with the cluster removed. I found most of the auto parts stores carried it, but ended up saving a few bucks by ordering it from rock auto.
Best way to avoid a repeat of this, is to add an upgraded headlight harness so the headlight switch is only responsible for signaling a relay. Right now, the full power for the headlights runs through the switch, which creates a ton of heat, and is a common problem on the XJ
Best way to avoid a repeat of this, is to add an upgraded headlight harness so the headlight switch is only responsible for signaling a relay. Right now, the full power for the headlights runs through the switch, which creates a ton of heat, and is a common problem on the XJ
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,381
Likes: 6
From: SoCal
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I had the exact same problem. I replaced the switch and it solved the issue for a couple of weeks, but then it returned. Turns out the connector (the plug that connects to the switch) was the problem. It had melted, which I didn't notice from underneath, but when I pulled the gauge cluster to start tracing wires, it was very obvious from the top of the connector. The repair of splicing in a new replacement was not to difficult with the cluster removed. I found most of the auto parts stores carried it, but ended up saving a few bucks by ordering it from rock auto.
Best way to avoid a repeat of this, is to add an upgraded headlight harness so the headlight switch is only responsible for signaling a relay. Right now, the full power for the headlights runs through the switch, which creates a ton of heat, and is a common problem on the XJ
Best way to avoid a repeat of this, is to add an upgraded headlight harness so the headlight switch is only responsible for signaling a relay. Right now, the full power for the headlights runs through the switch, which creates a ton of heat, and is a common problem on the XJ
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