Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

headlights dim on a '98

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-09-2015, 10:14 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Colnajoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Joliet, IL
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default headlights dim on a '98

When I first turn on my headlights, they kick on dim, drivers side is worse than passenger side. As I drive around a bit, they both get brighter. Obvious issue would be the alternator, but that checked fine today. I'm guessing a switch or connector my be corroded, but have no idea where to look after the bulb plug in. Any suggestions?
Old 06-09-2015, 11:05 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
SG Mason's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Iroquois Ontario Canada
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Not sure about the dimming problem, but I would suspect the switch.

While farting around with that look to upgrading your harness and do the H4 or other headlight conversion. You will love the improved light output.

I found my stock headlights to be the worst I have ever had, I bought the Putco H4 harness and a set of Hella E-Codes and haven't had any lighting issues
Old 06-09-2015, 11:13 AM
  #3  
CF Veteran
 
Fred/N0AZZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Monett, MO.
Posts: 7,554
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 14 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Upgrade harness first that should take care of the problem, its a win win a better harness and you check/clean all the connectors at the same time. Your headlights will be brighter with the new harness over the stock one anyway.


Then if you want a headlight upgrade your ready for it also.
Old 06-09-2015, 12:50 PM
  #4  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Colnajoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Joliet, IL
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I found a number of Putco H4 harnesses, with diff Part numbers, I'm gunna search but if you know the correct part number, awesome!
Old 06-09-2015, 02:24 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
SG Mason's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Iroquois Ontario Canada
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

230004HW It is really for a Chevy I think, but plugs right into the existing headlight connectors. Some people have had problems with the relays that come with it, but relays are cheap so just have a couple on hand for when the ones that come with it die.

Right now all the power for your headlights goes through the ****/switch in the dash. What the harness does it only uses the ****/switch to trigger a relay and then the harness takes power direct from the battery allowing more current for the headlights. The harness with OEM headlights in an improvement. The harness with aftermarket headlights is amazing.

There is no change in how you operate the lights, the output changes big time.
Old 06-09-2015, 03:34 PM
  #6  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Colnajoe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Joliet, IL
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I've never messed with wiring issues before and I did just order a shop manual. I came from the FJ40 world, first XJ. We're does the harness connect on the other end? Easy enough to just follow the wires?
Old 06-09-2015, 06:27 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
cpttuna's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: napoleon ohio
Posts: 642
Received 43 Likes on 38 Posts
Year: 98, 00, 01 and another 01
Model: Cherokee
Engine: both 01 jeeps have viper coil pack
Default

LMC truck also offers a headlight harness(36-3580) $29.95 or about $40 UPS to your front door.
Old 06-09-2015, 07:36 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
SG Mason's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Iroquois Ontario Canada
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by Colnajoe
I've never messed with wiring issues before and I did just order a shop manual. I came from the FJ40 world, first XJ. We're does the harness connect on the other end? Easy enough to just follow the wires?
It is super easy and even some one with modest mechanical skills can do it

Old 06-09-2015, 10:01 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
Cheddarnut's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 734
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

20 bucks, free shipping, Cruiser approved. I put mine in and the original lights are much brighter.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/171559005371?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_ref=http%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1%252F711-117182-37290-0%252F2%253Fmtid%253D1588%2526kwid%253D1%2526crlp%253D53601919689_324272%2526itemid%253D171559005371%2526targetid%253D87946134249%2526rpc%253D0.21%2526rpc_upld_id%253D50322%2526rlsatarget%253D%2526device%253Dt%2526mpre%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.ebay.com%25252Fitm%25252Flike%25252F171559005371%25253Flpid%25253D82%252526chn%25253Dps%2526adtype%253Dpla%2526gclid%253DCK2GtviRhMYCFQqGaQod5wcAtg%2526srcrot%253D711-117182-37290-0%2526rvr_id%253D845930971054

Last edited by Cheddarnut; 06-09-2015 at 10:04 PM.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SergeK
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
8
02-27-2023 03:38 PM
ZJBeachRunnerGC
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
18
03-10-2021 05:52 PM
Basshark7
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
2
09-28-2015 02:28 PM
BluJay
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
4
09-26-2015 10:38 PM
Brandonrcm
Miscellaneous
0
09-25-2015 11:55 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: headlights dim on a '98



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:48 AM.