every now any then all my gauges stop working and the odometer reads "no bus." not all the time, usually just when the engine is cold (not sure if those 2 things are related, its just what i have noticed). also, my driver's side front speaker isn't working. its not the speaker, i installed a new one last night to make sure. again, im not sure if those issues are related or not, i really have no idea what im doing when it comes to anything electric. any ideas on how to fix this no bus problem?

 

1. A no-bus where the engine continues to run is almost always a cluster issue. You will need to remove the cluster, thoroughly clean the electrical connector by spraying electrical contact cleaner (widely available), then add a generous dab of dielectric grease and reconnect. Search for a write up. A no-bus where the engine does NOT run is usually caused by a shorted crankshaft position sensor, but that is assuredly not your problem here.

2. The speaker issue is extremely common. It is usually caused by the wiring harness being stressed over the thousands of times the doors are opened and closed. That's why a new speaker didn't resolve it. The problem is in the wiring. If it makes you feel any better, my drivers side speaker isn't working right now either. Just haven't gotten around to fixing it yet.

Good luck.

 

I will add on to the speaker part. You should be able to pull back the rubber boot connected to the door the wires go through and look and tug on the wires (PROBABLY THIS). If those are alright, check the driver footwell on the door side. That is where the connectors for the speaker are.

 

I think every XJ has these two problems at some point or another.

No bus. Quick fix when it happens. Push against the instrument cluster.

Speaker. Pull the foot panel and boot that protects the wire bundle between the door and chassis. One or both of the speaker wires are severed in the boot. Splice it back together with a splice kit you can get at the parts store. You'll need a crimper/stripper tool to make it easier.

 

thanks for the help. it must be the cluster. i got a "no bus" and dead gauges this morning and when i smacked the top of the dashboard towards the engine they all instantly started working again. im gonna try to fix it this weekend and ill leave a response on how it goes. i appreciate the tips.