Had an intermittent problem that now is persistent.

No dash lights/tail lights. Put in a 20 amp fuse in the 15 amp slot... the dimmer for the gauge lights seems to blow it?

Is this common, or do I need to chase wires?

My 16yo hates not being able to take the mighty jeep out after dark.

 

Check tail light wires sounds like a dead short.

 

That's what I am thinking... I'll check the tail lights.

How would you recommend? Popping out the bulbs and putting them back one at a time, or is there a trickier/better way?

 

pulling the bulbs isn't going to do anything. That's about as worthless as putting a bigger fuse in. You need to pull the tail lights and check the wires. Also if it has a trailer harness check that as well. A crappy trailer harness install can cause dead shorts if the wires have been rubbed through. If you have a trailer harness I would check it first then go check the actual tail light wires.

 

When ever you start blowing fuses that is telling you that there is a short and you need to find that short and not put in a bigger fuse. If you put a bigger fuse and it doesn't blow that is even worse because it will cause the wires to heat up and can cause the wires to melt and could catch fire.

 

It turned out to be two fuses were bad.

I pulled the bulbs... all of them, and then put in the proper fuse.

I also inspected the wires and none were chafed and appeared to be in order.

One of the bulbs was difficult to remove, upon inspection, the lead tabs were skanky and I believe shorting out. A new bulb fixed the tail lights.

The dash lights took a little more diagnosing. :P A 25a fuse made the short glow for a second.

I'll yank the cluster tomorrow and should be able to find it pretty easy.

 

Is the radio stock or aftermarket? If it's aftermarket take a look at the wiring.

 

They might be different between 87 and 2001. (it's always good to fill out your info). On my 90 the same fuse does the dash and tail, as well as the shifter lights in the consul. Fair bet an 01 has six if them! (maybe a separate for the radio light as well!). Sounds like you found it...

 

Dome lights most likely same circuit.

 

it's a 91.

 

25 amp never install a higher rated fuse then shown on fuse box .Id also check headlight switch for issues ..

 

Does the Jeep have a hack-job of a trailer wiring harness on it?