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Old Mar 21, 2012 | 07:47 AM
  #1  
a_shirey's Avatar
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From: Baltimore, MD
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6 HO
Default Headlights

My headlights are temperamental to say the least. They dont turn on when i pull the switch usually and they go on or off randomly when the switch is pulled. I just installed open beam headlights for my HIDs, but thia was happening before the new lights. Any ideas?
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Old Mar 21, 2012 | 08:42 AM
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From: Bowie, MD
Year: 2000
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Engine: 4.0L I6
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Your headlight switch needs replacing, or your wiring has a break / fray in it somewhere.
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Old Mar 21, 2012 | 09:41 AM
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From: Baltimore, MD
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the switch seems fine since it work for the blinkers and tail lights?
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Old Mar 21, 2012 | 09:49 AM
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From: Aberdeen, MD
Year: 1995
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Engine: 4.0L HO I-6, 703 Injectors, Brown Dog Super Engine Mounts
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mine was doing this (flashing) a little while after I installed my conversion headlights and high wattage bulbs. What's happening is you're overloading the switch. Your fix is to install a relay (one for high beam, one for low beam) in the wiring harness for the headlights. Thay way the switch is only responsible for just activating the relay (< 1 amp), and the relay handles the load.

I chose to just buy a upgrade harness - came complete with relays and heavier gage wiring, and was 100% plug and play (literally). As a bonus your headlights will get brighter too!

This is the one - I think it's 10% or 20% off if you mention code "jeepforum"
http://www.eautoworks.com/Putco-H4--...s-PRD7540.aspx
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Old Mar 21, 2012 | 09:50 AM
  #5  
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From: Aberdeen, MD
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but your switch may be too damaged already if they don't even turn on. Common issue with the switch burning out with headlight upgrades
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Old Mar 21, 2012 | 10:52 AM
  #6  
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He said the problem existed before he installed the new lights.
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Old Mar 21, 2012 | 11:00 AM
  #7  
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Open the back of the factory plug that the headlights plug into. The ground wire in mine was intermittent, but it was a ***** to figure it out. When realized what was happening and ran a new ground, everything worked.

Also, considering using one of those harnesses with a relay, the difference in light output from the factory harness to the battery directly with a relay is like night and day, sorry for the pun
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Old Mar 21, 2012 | 07:10 PM
  #8  
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any ideas on a new switch? upgrade...? get it at...? price...? idk what to search.
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Old Mar 21, 2012 | 07:51 PM
  #9  
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im trying the headlight switch from advance auto parts tomorrow. anyone done it before?
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Old Mar 21, 2012 | 11:00 PM
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From: Nor-Cal Coast
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I don't think I've done ether of my Cherokee's, but I can tell you it's shirly no fun. Pretty sure there is a button, maybe on the top, or on the bottom of the switch you push in that releases the **** so you can pull it out. There is no room and it seems imposable, just work at it easy. Check the plug, it might be your problem. Guess I'd clean it well and apply dielectric grease. It passes allot of current if you don't go with a relay.

We don't have Advance auto parts here, I usually go to Napa. I'm not sure but it seems they maintain a higher level of quality. Your life might depend on that switch not leaving you with no light with a cliff or something right there!
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Old Mar 22, 2012 | 09:41 AM
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From: Baltimore, MD
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Originally Posted by DFlintstone
I don't think I've done ether of my Cherokee's, but I can tell you it's shirly no fun. Pretty sure there is a button, maybe on the top, or on the bottom of the switch you push in that releases the **** so you can pull it out. There is no room and it seems imposable, just work at it easy. Check the plug, it might be your problem. Guess I'd clean it well and apply dielectric grease. It passes allot of current if you don't go with a relay.

We don't have Advance auto parts here, I usually go to Napa. I'm not sure but it seems they maintain a higher level of quality. Your life might depend on that switch not leaving you with no light with a cliff or something right there!
nahh. live in the suburbs with plentt of light. i just dont wanna get pulled over.
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