So, new to the Cherokee world, happy to find this forum!!

Have an issue with a 2000 Cherokee Sport where only the headlights don't come on. I have read several posts on the net and even one on this site to no avail, so....

History:
Shortly after purchasing, blinkers went out except for left and occasional right working. If you held back the high beam switch, you could sometimes get the right side to work. Headlights are working fine at this point.
Replaced the multi-function switch and blinker problem was fixed. Headlights, running lights, turning signals and brake lights all functioning.

Drove at night, all good, reached destination. After starting engine, noticed that only had running lights, turn signals and brake lights.
Replaced headlight switch. No change.
Metered voltage at headlamp connector with lights turned on, no voltage. Vehicle is pretty clean, didn't see any corrosion on connectors of the wiring harness.

So....
What am I missing? I am at a loss as to how turning off headlights would cause this. From my understanding, there is only one 30amp fuse that handles all the lights (could be wrong on this) and it is fine.

Thanks

 

It's possible you burned out the headlight switch....again! The XJ's lighting system leaves much to be desired. All the power for the headlights goes thru the headlight switch and the multifunction switch. There are no relays to handle that power. You should check into a headlight harness upgrade which puts the power to the headlights directly from the battery and just uses the stock wiring to trigger relays that do the heavy lifting. They are about $20 on Amazon or Ebay. Plug&play, about an hour to install if you're slow. I installed Sylvania Silverstar sealed beam halogen bulbs and they are bright enough for me!

 

Thanks Dave!

I was wondering that myself, thinking that the aftermarket parts aren't as capable of handling the 12 VDC as the stock parts were so might have blown right when I tried to turn on the lights.
I read all about the wiring harness and had decided to do that but now looks like I have to do that first and then replace the headlight switch and maybe even the multifunction switch although the blinkers are still working at this point.
And if that doesn't work.....I'll hook up a damn toggle switch and wire them straight to the battery LOL......

 

That circuit's wired at 40 amps. Without a relay, you'll burn the toggle switch! My original car was a 37 Dodge with a 6v system and the headlights were like candles! A trucker friend suggested relays. The difference was like day and night! Pun intended! LOL! That relay box was as big as a voltage regulator for a generator.

 

Been awhile but like to let everyone know the outcome just in case it helps anyone out.

So.....

I purchased the harness upgrade, multifunction switch and the headlight switch.

Installed harness and multifunction switch and the headlights worked!! ....... but the blinkers didn't.
I can't describe the feeling I had at that moment.

I had trouble installing it this time, seemed to be a tighter fit then the last one, so was worried I broke the switch during the install. Tore it apart again and found the upper connector had come out of the switch. Plugged that back in and now only the blinkers work Now I had been removing the battery connection each time I was doing this so it was loose. Thought that since the headlights now get their power from that completely loose connection I should tighten it up. Now everything works great!

Bottom line is every time I installed the steering wheels top cover, I was pulling on the connector wires to the multifunction switch and unplugging it. The first time I replaced it, I pulled the bottom connector out (headlights). The second time I pulled out the top connector (turn signals). I could only get the bottom connector to "click" into the switch so the top one may already be busted.

I am fully confident that I threw away a perfectly good multifunction switch....and a good headlight switch since I replaced that after the bottom connector was already disconnected from the multifunction switch.

Hope this helps someone
Spline64

 

Well, it's fixed now and that's what's important. Good job on resolving this and thanks for the super descriptive resolution! I'm sure it will help someone down the line.