bholt1984

I really don't know where to start with this one...speedo & tach are RARELY working, when they work...sometimes its just for a second, sometimes its for a few miles, and they don't always work at the same time...the ONLY time that they are both GUARANTEED to work is...wait for it...wait for it...WHEN I PUSH MY BRAKE PEDAL!!! How strange huh? as soon as I let off the brake they both drop back to zero. I read a post that mentioned something about the "wheel speed sensor" and how it relates to the ABS system, this is the only relative info that I have found but it never came to a resolution, if anyone has any thoughts or ideas please let me know. I need to get this fixed b/c my odometer isnt working either. Thanks a bunch

Willys55

There is a TSB from Jeep on this very problem
TSB # 08-15-99
I will look for a copy and post it for you.....it referrs to the dash cluster connector miss aligned or partially disconnected

89Laredo

"TSB NUMBER: 08-15-99

GROUP: Electrical

DATE: May 21, 1999

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 08-20-98 REV. A, DATED OCTOBER 2, 1998, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES AND NOTED IN THE BOUND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN BOOK, PUBLICATION NUMBER 81-699-99003. THIS IS A COMPLETE REVISION TO THE PROCEDURE.

SUBJECT:
Erratic, Intermittent Cluster Operation/Intermittent Air Bag Warning light.

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves installing a repair harness containing a revised instrument cluster connector.

MODELS:

1998 - 1999 (TJ) Wrangler
1998 - 1999 (XJ) Cherokee

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Some vehicles may exhibit an intermittent illumination of the air bag warning light or an intermittent tachometer or speedometer drop out. An Airbag Electronic Control Module (AECM) fault code - "No Cluster CCD BUS" message will be present.

DIAGNOSIS:
Using the DRB III(R), read and record all active and stored fault codes in the AECM. This condition is caused by minor oxidation of the BUS circuit terminals at the instrument cluster connector. Electrical terminals will show signs of oxidation, which will appear as darkened lines or marks on the cluster male terminals. These often appear as gray or black marks rather than the appearance of oxidation or corrosion usually associated with higher current carrying circuits. This condition will set a "NO CLUSTER CCD BUS" message. The fault code will usually be stored and not active. THIS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN WILL NOT ADDRESS FUEL OR OIL PRESSURE GAUGE ISSUES. If this fault code is present, either active or stored perform the Repair Procedure.

PARTS REQUIRED:

1 05016261AA Cluster Connector Patch Harness
1 04856975 Electric Contact Cleaner
2 04778570 Heat Shrink Tubing
POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

TIME ALLOWANCE:

Labor Operation No: 08-90-90-91 0.6 Hrs. "

Click here for full TSB and repair procedure: http://identifix.com/tsbfiles/052000/051542.pdf

Willys55

Who was that masked man?

89Laredo

Sorry, kinda stole your thunder..
lol

mike albo

thats Dylan for ya,sneaks in,sneaks out

bholt1984

my XJ is a 96 though, didn't they change the dash/gauge cluster in 97?? Would this still apply in my situation?

Willys55

No original TSB covered XJ from 1996-1999

89Laredo

Totally different...
Now that I re-read your post, I would pull the cluster, clean the contacts, and look for a short somewhere around the brake switch.

89Laredo

08-20-98, Ill look it up.


Edit: not finding the older TSB. I would still pull the cluster looking for a short and clean the contacts.

carsparky

I have had the Erratic intermittent instrument cluster operation/ intermittent Air Bag Warning Light condition with my 99 Cherokee Sport for a few years. In the beginning a couple of taps to the top of the dash used to bring it back to life. I eventually found the Chrysler TSB as described by 89Laredo. So before taking the cluster out, I purchased two new repair harnesses containing the revised instrument cluster connectors. Part No. 5016261aa from the Dealer. They charged me 27.45 each for them. I proceeded to remove the cluster to get at the connectors. the connectors appeared to be in very good condition. So I assumed some oxidation was inhibiting the current flow enough to cause this issue. Next I sprayed the connectors with DeoxIT D5. Then work the connectors in and out a couple of times. Things seemed pretty stable at this time without installing the new connectors. Next, to protect the connection further, I applied a light coating of Ilsco DE-OX oxide inhibitor paste, over the female part connector, wipe off the excess, and put it all back together. Its been working trouble free for over 6 months now. Ideal makes a similar product called NoAlox that you can get at Home Depot. I have been using the Ilsco DE-OX product on all my automotive electrical connection problems. When the connector terminal blocks are carrying some current and burn themselves into an open circuit condition usually using the procedure above will work to restore the flow. If there is visible burnt damage, you can cut some 3/8 long strands of copper from a piece of #14, and fill them into the female end of the connector after the paste has been applied. This procedure has served me well with blower motor resistor harness connector restoration instead of splicing in a harness from the junk yard. Do this to improve current flow wherever problems crop up. I still have the new connectors, if anyone wants them please contact me.

CCKen

I don't recommend using any kind of 'paste' or grease on pin connectors.