fixed! The switch wasn’t getting any power at all which explains it all! Thank you all for the help.

I was going down a dirt road and noticed my headlights started to flicker, a couple more feet and my headlights, tail lights and gauge cluster lights all stopped working simultaneously. What could cause this? I have a 1990 xj

Grounds maybe.
loose fuses, corroded fuses, fuses

I've checked all my fuses and there all fine, unfortunately I think I have to chase a bad wire or ground. I’m just confused as to why my cluster lights went out along with the headlights/taillights but my blinkers still work front and back.

What does volt meter gauge on the dash read. Can you tap fuse box with your foot while driving. Or maybe wiggle steering column and watch for flickering lights

What do all those components have in common?

Headlight switch and it's connector.............

dash reads about 13v, I’ll try tapping the fuse box sometime soon hopefully that gives me something

I think this is solid advice. Many posts on here referring to this as a problem area as full amps are running through the switch causing failure.

Correct. The only "fuse" for the headlamps is the circuit breaker which is part of the headlight switch. tail and instrument cluster lights run through the same switch.

Correct. The only "fuse" for the headlamps is the circuit breaker which is part of the headlight switch. tail and instrument cluster lights run through the same switch.

That was a common problem with pre-war Citroens - & they carried on using, essentially, the same switch until the early 80's at least.

Just as some people never learn - so some things never change.

I am presently going through the same problem as the OP, but my situation is more complicated, as some PO has added 5 relays, with unsatisfactory wiring and labelling

My problem started with one headlight down, then both (intermittently), then could not hold high beam, the no headlights, gauges or taillights

My vehicle is a 96. The FSM for that year does not match my wire colors

I have so far located the following problems;

The headlight switch is now removed, and the "headlight" male terminal dropped off, as the rivet was failed (so I will order another). It appeared to have no continuity between "side lights" & "cluster to +12v terminal when switch moved to any position

After pulling the switch, I discovered a parasitic current draw, AND a major short (********* headlight wiring system somewhere), now disconnected

I have the Jeep bypass loom which I will use to replace his effort

My only real questions are: Could it be the "dimmer switch" (stalk multi switch) ? (as well)

Can this part fail and cause a shorting problem ?

I can pull the headlight switch and stalk out of my spare in the meanwhile

I will order new parts from Rock Auto, and will late put up a pic, as the earth terminal arrangement on those shown is different to mine

Not happy, sob of a job, thx for letting me whine like a *****, cant really drive it till fixed (not at night at all)

I also have a 1996 with what seems like more 1997 bits and pieces.....so I managed to get different service manuals for each year. As far as the dimmer switch, rather doubtful that is the problem. Are you running LED headlights? I had the same problem after installing LED's and the Putco wiring harness. After changing the headlight switch and multi function switch on the steering column I still had hi beams not working and then every now and the one light, if not both would not come on. I was told to remove the key off delayed headlight off relay, that didn't work either. I removed the LED's and replaced them with Slyvania H6054 SilverStar Halogen Sealed Beam Bulbs. I also put the original Multi function switch back on....didn't feel like changing out the headlight switch, but kept the original as backup. Still using the Putco harness... have not had an issue with the headlights since and that has been at least 5 years ago. Some gremlin in the Jeep didn't like the LED headlights and I got tired of messing with them. I installed two LED driving lights on the bumper to a switch in the console for when I need more light. I do drive through the Ocala National Forest at night and early in the morning and the extra lights lets me see "eye" reflections long before I see the animals..... Hope this helps

I dont have LEDs, my original spec are so **** I can (and do) drive on hi beam almost all the time recently, and I dont think anyone has flashed me lol

some PO has installed relays, and must have had lightbars, as there is 5 relays and 2 in-cabin switches. Almost every wire is red or black.

I have no option but to rip out the PO whole shebang, as there is a short circuit, blown fuse that doesnt match 96 fuse diagram, and 2 of the 5 relays are switching on of their apparent own accord

I hate the Chrysler made the headlight switch harness so ****ing short

If the PO did who did this **** work was present, I would garotte him with the crisped wires. kick him in the man ****, and stuff the headlight switch up his XXXX

I have found most in cabin electrics match 95. I have 3 x 96, and a couple of the original "Handbooks". The fuses in each of my 96 was different, did not neccesarily match either of the hanbooks, or the 96 FSM. I do also have the 95/6/7 FSM and Parts Manuals

"I hate the Chrysler made the headlight switch harness so ****ing short

If the PO did who did this **** work was present, I would garotte him with the crisped wires. kick him in the man ****, and stuff the headlight switch up his XXXX "


it's good do let your feelings out...helps with lowering bloodpressure

I have a copy of the 96 FSM for electrical
this is what the table of contents show"


If you want a copy PM me.