headlights
10-09-2012, 11:57 PM
#5
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 I-6 <200k
I have a Hella H4 kit we installed 13 years ago. About $110-120. Much better illumination than stock. If one goes, you only have to replace the bulb instead of the entire lamp.
10-10-2012, 12:22 AM
#6
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Model: Cherokee
The lighting system on the XJ's is pretty primitive. The current for the bulbs flows through the headlight switch and many feet of too-small gauge wiring.
Some drop quite a bit of voltage by the time it gets to the bulbs, resulting in low output.
The aftermarket harnesses' add load carrying relays and heavier gauge wiring, routing the lamp power away from the headlight switch (which is then used only to operate the relays). You get more power to the bulb sockets, brighter lighting and a more reliable system.
I might suggest doing the harness first. You may find the lighting has improved enough to not go any further.
Some drop quite a bit of voltage by the time it gets to the bulbs, resulting in low output.
The aftermarket harnesses' add load carrying relays and heavier gauge wiring, routing the lamp power away from the headlight switch (which is then used only to operate the relays). You get more power to the bulb sockets, brighter lighting and a more reliable system.
I might suggest doing the harness first. You may find the lighting has improved enough to not go any further.
10-10-2012, 12:58 AM
#7
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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10-10-2012, 02:26 AM
#8
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Originally Posted by Radi
The lighting system on the XJ's is pretty primitive. The current for the bulbs flows through the headlight switch and many feet of too-small gauge wiring.
Some drop quite a bit of voltage by the time it gets to the bulbs, resulting in low output.
The aftermarket harnesses' add load carrying relays and heavier gauge wiring, routing the lamp power away from the headlight switch (which is then used only to operate the relays). You get more power to the bulb sockets, brighter lighting and a more reliable system.
I might suggest doing the harness first. You may find the lighting has improved enough to not go any further.
Low beam before
Low after
High before
High after
Sorry if the photos are side ways I forgot to turn my iPod in the correct direction.
10-10-2012, 02:43 AM
#9
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO Straight Six
Originally Posted by PNWjeeper
Yes. I just did the harness last night and its a significant improvement at $40.90 it's worth it.
Low beam before
Low after
High before
High after
Sorry if the photos are side ways I forgot to turn my iPod in the correct direction.
10-10-2012, 02:49 AM
#11
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO Straight Six
Originally Posted by NorCalJeep
I should do this, eventually. I can't see **** at night.
10-10-2012, 03:08 AM
#14
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
so this kit is really an easy install for a novice on electrical if so I may look into it after I fix my coolant smell,leak ???
10-10-2012, 07:01 AM
#15
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Cruiser’s Headlight Upgrade Harness Instructions
Absolutely plug and play. Remove grille and headlamp bulbs. I fed my harnesses from the passenger side starting between the battery and the back of the headlamp housing, over to the driver side. Plug the driver side bulb into the new harness. Attach the new harness's ground wire under one of the small bolts on the radiator support after scraping the paint off under it. Attach the harness to the existing harness behind the grille working toward the passenger side. . Plug the new harness plug into passenger headlamp. Plug original headlamp plug into receptacle on new harness. Attach the ground for the passenger side just like you did the driver side under a radiator support bolt. Attach relays with provided bracket on the passenger side inner fender. Connect power wires to battery.