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.

Lighting Issues: Rear Tails, dash lights--HELP!!!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-28-2011, 01:43 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
lostinmiself's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Spokane,Wa
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Angry Lighting Issues: Rear Tails, dash lights--HELP!!!

I have been tearing into my 1989 xj trying to get some stereo **** figured out. As i was reinstalling all the dash components ready to go test out my deck and what not the dash lights and rear tail lights are no longer working. The Turn signals in the rear work and on the dash, as well as when the brights are clicked on you can see the brights indicator on the cluster working. I have checked all fuses under the panel and replaced any that looked "fishy" still no help. I have no power going to the rear tail lights (checked with a test light) im at a standstill....any ideas would be awesome and hopefully fix my problem.
thanks
Ken
Old 08-28-2011, 02:43 PM
  #2  
Junior Member
 
steelyglint's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Altrincham UK
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5 TD
Default

Hi Ken,

I'm a newbie here myself but I've got a similar issue, do a search up top there's quite a few threads regarding this I spent ages reading through them today, loads of possibilities !

Martin
Old 08-28-2011, 03:01 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
99FreshenedCherokee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Laredo Texas
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l
Default

I had the exact same problem, it came out to being a blown fuse in the engine bay.I had alreeady checked the fuses a few times but missed it, i found it when i just decided to remove all the fuses in the engine bay and put them back with the owners manual.Hope this helps
Old 08-28-2011, 03:33 PM
  #4  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
lostinmiself's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Spokane,Wa
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

i cant seem to find fuses in the bay...maybe im blind maybe...but where do they hide.
Old 08-28-2011, 04:42 PM
  #5  
THE Admin

 
Outlaw Star's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lantana, Fl
Posts: 34,036
Received 231 Likes on 187 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.Slow
Default

Yours is a renix and the fuses are under the dash on the drivers side.
Old 08-28-2011, 06:00 PM
  #6  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
lostinmiself's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Spokane,Wa
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

all fuses are good underneath, ive done lots of reading and the only thing i can come up with is the switch, but it seems impossible to remove from the dash and i cant see any sorts of relays underneath there for it, i have pics as soon as they are uploaded....untill then im just gonna leave the dash apart and drive her as she sits
Old 08-28-2011, 06:52 PM
  #7  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
lostinmiself's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Spokane,Wa
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default







Old 08-28-2011, 06:53 PM
  #8  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
lostinmiself's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Spokane,Wa
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

Sorry about the size....but i cant see how to remove the light switch thats what im looking at so hope it helps!!!
Old 08-28-2011, 07:09 PM
  #9  
CF Veteran
 
DFlintstone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Nor-Cal Coast
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes on 17 Posts
Year: 90,84
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0,2.5
Default

Is this one of those where the switch has a button, maybe ontop you push to release the **** to pull it out? Then the nut and the switch comes out. I think it is.
Old 08-28-2011, 07:22 PM
  #10  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
lostinmiself's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Spokane,Wa
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

its flush under the blue cluster pack, im close to pulling out all my hair at this one
Old 08-28-2011, 07:34 PM
  #11  
CF Veteran
 
4x4cherokeexj's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Oregon
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: i6 HO
Default

Here do this, look underneath the switch, look for a spring loaded button, Push it and pull the plunger out. take a large flat head and twist the little screw and then it will fall down, push the clips in and pull the headlight switch out. Ta da! re-install in reverse order.
Old 08-30-2011, 05:18 PM
  #12  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
lostinmiself's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Spokane,Wa
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

after installing an new switch, the lights on the dash and tails worked...then stoped. The fuse poped and so i replaced it, yet another fuse poped. I threw in a 25 just for ****s n giggles....poped and was extreamly hot(couldnt use fingers to take out). So where do i go next? Grounds? I just replaced leads on the terminals, as well as cleaned the starter and ground wire, new coper leads heat shrunk and E wraped, (finally above 10v on the dash). When the lights were on the dash the drivers side blinker light was quite dim compared to the others. Thanks for all the help so far. Aftetr i get this **** figured out, my stereo installed, its off to pull and save for a junk yard lift. Ill keep you posted, but im thinking dakota rears, f150 fronts, there is some ranchero shocks on a xj out there, unsure of the quality left...till then
Old 09-01-2011, 05:17 PM
  #13  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
lostinmiself's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Spokane,Wa
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Default

any help...any ideas....please
Old 09-01-2011, 06:15 PM
  #14  
Junior Member
 
steelyglint's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Altrincham UK
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5 TD
Default

Does your jeep have a towing hitch have you checked for shorts on that? Clutching at straws but possible ?
Old 09-01-2011, 09:05 PM
  #15  
THE Admin

 
Outlaw Star's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lantana, Fl
Posts: 34,036
Received 231 Likes on 187 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.Slow
Default

Originally Posted by lostinmiself
after installing an new switch, the lights on the dash and tails worked...then stoped. The fuse poped and so i replaced it, yet another fuse poped. I threw in a 25 just for ****s n giggles....poped and was extreamly hot(couldnt use fingers to take out). So where do i go next? Grounds? I just replaced leads on the terminals, as well as cleaned the starter and ground wire, new coper leads heat shrunk and E wraped, (finally above 10v on the dash). When the lights were on the dash the drivers side blinker light was quite dim compared to the others. Thanks for all the help so far. Aftetr i get this **** figured out, my stereo installed, its off to pull and save for a junk yard lift. Ill keep you posted, but im thinking dakota rears, f150 fronts, there is some ranchero shocks on a xj out there, unsure of the quality left...till then
First NEVER put a larger fuse than what its rated for in. The extra current will cause something else to fry. Might have been that you got a defective switch. Take back to parts store and exchange for another. If still having the problem. Then we'll take it from there


Quick Reply: Lighting Issues: Rear Tails, dash lights--HELP!!!



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:07 PM.