Sep 10, 2015, 03:05 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:
Browse all: Lighting Guides
- Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984 to 1996 How to Replace Your Headlights and Fog lights
Step by step instructions for do-it-yourself repairs
Browse all: Lighting Guides
Headlight Upgrades
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,169
Likes: 6
From: York, PA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Newbie here. Just purchased a set of rampage h4 conversion kits. I recently learned of the harness upgrade and how vital it is. Couple questions.
1. Would it hurt to put the h4's in without the heavier duty harness?
2. I definitely am going to be upgrading my harness sometime soon. What brand would you recommend?
1. Would it hurt to put the h4's in without the heavier duty harness?
2. I definitely am going to be upgrading my harness sometime soon. What brand would you recommend?
Honestly, the first mod you should do to your jeep is the Putco harness. Then worry about H4 conversion so then you're not limited.
Herp Derp Jerp
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
Harness before bulbs. Always. Unless your H4s are 35 watts it's just a matter of time until the headlight switch melts.
The harnesses are cheap and effective. The stock headlight wiring shouldn't have left the factory it's so bad. Fast forward 15-25 years of vibration and corrosion and how much current do you think those 18 AWG wires will carry at 14VDC?
(cheat answer: about 2 amps, above that the voltage sags and the conductors start heating up)
The harnesses are cheap and effective. The stock headlight wiring shouldn't have left the factory it's so bad. Fast forward 15-25 years of vibration and corrosion and how much current do you think those 18 AWG wires will carry at 14VDC?
(cheat answer: about 2 amps, above that the voltage sags and the conductors start heating up)
Last edited by salad; Dec 2, 2013 at 11:02 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
It could definitely hurt. It depends on the wattage of the H4's. With the stock harness I wouldn't go any higher than 55/60w lights. If you do, you risk frying your headlight switch.
Honestly, the first mod you should do to your jeep is the Putco harness. Then worry about H4 conversion so then you're not limited.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
i keep seeing this question asked about the factory foglights... i have factory foglights and just bought the new harness is there something i have to do diffrently because i have the stock foglights?
Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Central Frontenac, ON Canada
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Only thing it would affect would be DRLs if you have them.
Herp Derp Jerp
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
Seasoned Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 362
Likes: 2
From: LI, NY
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I think it depends on the year of your xj. On my 2000 I did not have any problems with my light harness upgrade related to my foglights. I had a different problem which was cured by removing the headlight delay module. I thought it was caused by the foglights, and did the mod, but in the end it was my headlight delay module causing the issue. Install the harness and see if you encounter the problem with the high beams getting stuck on. If not, you should be golden. Check out the threads that salad listed to see if any of that applies to you.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I think it depends on the year of your xj. On my 2000 I did not have any problems with my light harness upgrade related to my foglights. I had a different problem which was cured by removing the headlight delay module. I thought it was caused by the foglights, and did the mod, but in the end it was my headlight delay module causing the issue. Install the harness and see if you encounter the problem with the high beams getting stuck on. If not, you should be golden. Check out the threads that salad listed to see if any of that applies to you.
Herp Derp Jerp
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
Sort of. They're certainly cheap, as is the rest of it. The relays do not last if you don't give them a good solid ground. Those that have done diligence and taken the extra steps on installation don't have problems.
You can also apparently pre-order some relays "under warranty" lol. I make no claims as to the legitimacy or morality of this type of behavior
You can also apparently pre-order some relays "under warranty" lol. I make no claims as to the legitimacy or morality of this type of behavior
Thread Starter
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,578
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Sort of. They're certainly cheap, as is the rest of it. The relays do not last if you don't give them a good solid ground. Those that have done diligence and taken the extra steps on installation don't have problems.
You can also apparently pre-order some relays "under warranty" lol. I make no claims as to the legitimacy or morality of this type of behavior
You can also apparently pre-order some relays "under warranty" lol. I make no claims as to the legitimacy or morality of this type of behavior
Seasoned Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 362
Likes: 2
From: LI, NY
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
If youre asking about a different harness other than putco, this is the one I bought.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CERAMIC-H4-HEADLIGHT-RELAY-WIRING-HARNESS-2-HEADLAMP-LIGHT-BULB-SOCKET-PLUGS-7X6/330974040108?rt=nc
Ive had it in since October and its still working great. No relay issues.