ok so i have finally gotten my 1995 cherokee registered. my friend parked it because it overheated a couple of years ago, and i have replaced the thermostat. we have had it running a few times and it hasn't overheated, but my problem is with the idiot lights in the dash. with chevy's, when you turn the key to run before actually cranking the engine, all the bulbs in the dash come on as a bulb check. do jeeps do the same thing? i don't see the bulb come on during this check, and i've checked the bulb itself(not burned out). i don't want to drive it until i know i won't be overheating or can at least see if i am. i plan on putting gauges in asap, but his tool selection is very limited, and i would rather get it home so i can do everything i want to it.

i'd put in an aftermarket gauge so you know the exact temp

I think all lights should turn on when you first turn the key to the on position, before cranking it.

Do the others come on?

the oil light comes on, and the check engine and brake lights come on. also i don't seem to have dash lights. my headlights and parking lights work, but not the dash. is this on a certain fuse(or fuses)? i haven't had the chance to do much in the way of electrical checks. was more concerned with the overheating at first. when i asked my friend he said it never came on until it overheated on him. of course when i said the dash lights didn't work, he didn't think they had ever come on before either.

so tonight i went and did some electrical checks. i unplugged the connector for the sensor and shorted it to ground and the light in the dash came on. does anyone know how the bulb check i done?