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no head lights on a cross country trip

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Old Nov 20, 2011 | 07:33 PM
  #1  
birdnerd's Avatar
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From: Edmonds WA
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default no head lights on a cross country trip

So ok driving from Seattle to Baltimore this week. Today after an eight hour run from salt lake to Denver my headlights stopped working. I have the running lights and I can flash the high beams but they won't stay on. The relay for the factory foglights has power going in but no power at the fog lights. I'm in Denver and I need everyone's help. And advice would be appreciated. Its a 90 4L I6 with a 5spd.
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Old Nov 20, 2011 | 07:53 PM
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LeRoy90laredo's Avatar
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From: Tempe, AZ
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: l6 242
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check the multifunction switch or the light switch itself.

the brights dont stay on when you try them?
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Old Nov 20, 2011 | 07:56 PM
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From: Edmonds WA
Year: 1988
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The high beams will flash but not stay on.
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Old Nov 20, 2011 | 07:58 PM
  #4  
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From: Moorcroft, WY
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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I have the same problem with my 1989. I think it is the rely for the head lights. On mine I play around with the two relays by the fuse box. I tap on them and operatebthe head light switch and the lights turn on. I haven't dived into it any further.
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Old Nov 20, 2011 | 08:58 PM
  #5  
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From: Harleysville, PA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 Powertech
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check relays and fuses, then jimmy around the headlight switch. these jeeps are very simple in this kinda thing!
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Old Nov 20, 2011 | 09:03 PM
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From: Edmonds WA
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Originally Posted by truckntractorhick
check relays and fuses, then jimmy around the headlight switch. these jeeps are very simple in this kinda thing!
Were are the relays located and how do I test them? My manuel doesn't have a diagram for this system.
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Old Nov 20, 2011 | 09:13 PM
  #7  
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From: Oroville, CA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
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It could be the high beam switch.
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Old Nov 20, 2011 | 09:42 PM
  #8  
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From: Bettendorf, Iowa= Quad Cities
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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I've had to replace the multifunction switch twice in my 98
when I had no headlights, not a bad job,
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Old Nov 20, 2011 | 09:53 PM
  #9  
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From: Edmonds WA
Year: 1988
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Engine: 4.0
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Got the switch out. And it looks like the boot that has all the wires in it has melted at bit. I will get the switch in the morning from a parts store, but what about the boot. Can I use the lightly melted one? If not were can I get one? I have to be in Baltimore by Thursday morning.
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Old Nov 20, 2011 | 10:05 PM
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jp 91 XJ's Avatar
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Year: 1991
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Originally Posted by birdnerd
So ok driving from Seattle to Baltimore this week. Today after an eight hour run from salt lake to Denver my headlights stopped working. I have the running lights and I can flash the high beams but they won't stay on. The relay for the factory foglights has power going in but no power at the fog lights. I'm in Denver and I need everyone's help. And advice would be appreciated. Its a 90 4L I6 with a 5spd.
Check the daytime running light relay located passenger side on inside fender wall in front of shock tower. Check to see if it fried
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Old Nov 20, 2011 | 10:29 PM
  #11  
birdnerd's Avatar
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From: Edmonds WA
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Originally Posted by jp 91 XJ

Check the daytime running light relay located passenger side on inside fender wall in front of shock tower. Check to see if it fried
I will check it in the morning. But the boot to the head light switch is melted on the center post. I did smell melting plastic right before the went out so I'm 90% sure that the boot is the part of the problem and I need to know were to get it in the Denver area.
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Old Nov 21, 2011 | 05:21 AM
  #12  
cruiser54's Avatar
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From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
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There are no headlight relays. Typically the switch overheats internally and melts the connector.

Good reason to do a headlight upgrade harness aside from the other benefits such as brighter headlights etc.
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Old Nov 21, 2011 | 02:52 PM
  #13  
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From: Riviera, Texas
Year: 1998 Sport
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Originally Posted by cruiser54
There are no headlight relays. Typically the switch overheats internally and melts the connector.

Good reason to do a headlight upgrade harness aside from the other benefits such as brighter headlights etc.

Turn on your head lights and and after a few mins Reach under and feel the headlight switch and see if it is getting hot. If so more then likely it time to replace the switch. If it get really hot it can cause the plug to melt.
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