Problem: radio goes out when headlights go on
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Can y'all help me troubleshoot this? I am challenged when it comes to automotive stuff. But basically, my problem is that when I have my radio on and I turn the headlights on, the radio goes off. The radio also turns off if I turn it up too loud.
Any help would be great as I would like some music so I don't kill myself on my six hour trip coming up here.
Thanks!
Any help would be great as I would like some music so I don't kill myself on my six hour trip coming up here.
Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 718
Likes: 0
From: Miami,Fl
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L6 Srt
hello,
Thats a tricking one you got there.. havent heard of this one yet. But i would start by pulling out the radio.(factory or after??) and check all the connections making sure they are secure with no open wires.. it seems to me like you illumination wire for the radio is touching something.. since that is incorporated with the lights..
Thats a tricking one you got there.. havent heard of this one yet. But i would start by pulling out the radio.(factory or after??) and check all the connections making sure they are secure with no open wires.. it seems to me like you illumination wire for the radio is touching something.. since that is incorporated with the lights..
"CF Moderator"
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,045
Likes: 3
From: N.J. Shore Area
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: l6 HO
Can y'all help me troubleshoot this? I am challenged when it comes to automotive stuff. But basically, my problem is that when I have my radio on and I turn the headlights on, the radio goes off. The radio also turns off if I turn it up too loud.
Any help would be great as I would like some music so I don't kill myself on my six hour trip coming up here.
Thanks!
Any help would be great as I would like some music so I don't kill myself on my six hour trip coming up here.
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
It is a Sony Xplod that was installed by the previous owner. The illumination on the radio is the same in night as it is in day. This never used to happen until a few months ago...
Member

Joined: May 2010
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Newport News,VA
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L I6 H.O.
Check the fuse panel under the driver's side dash.
When I put in my head unit, the power line to the unit killed itself, so I had to wire it to one of the open fuse slots. Which of course has to do with lights, so when I turn my lights on, my head unit resets. Still works while the lights are on though.
the po probably did the same.
When I put in my head unit, the power line to the unit killed itself, so I had to wire it to one of the open fuse slots. Which of course has to do with lights, so when I turn my lights on, my head unit resets. Still works while the lights are on though.
the po probably did the same.
Last edited by AbsoluteAggressor; Oct 30, 2010 at 08:04 PM. Reason: forgot point
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 4
From: Glen Burnie, MD
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 H.O. K&N, Borla headers, custom down pipe, magnaflow hi-flo cat, flowmaster to turn down tip
Can y'all help me troubleshoot this? I am challenged when it comes to automotive stuff. But basically, my problem is that when I have my radio on and I turn the headlights on, the radio goes off. The radio also turns off if I turn it up too loud.
Any help would be great as I would like some music so I don't kill myself on my six hour trip coming up here.
Thanks!
Any help would be great as I would like some music so I don't kill myself on my six hour trip coming up here.
Thanks!

sry i just realized that you have a 1998...well here is what your wires are and just match them up with the new ones. the new wires are all the same color if you have an aftermarket radio.
Car Radio Constant 12V+ Wire: Pink/Yellow
Car Radio Switched 12V+ Wire: Red/White
Car Radio Ground Wire: Black
Car Radio Illumination Wire: Orange/Black
Car Radio Dimmer Wire: Black/Light Blue
Car Radio Antenna Trigger Wire: N/A
Car Radio Amp Trigger Wire: N/A
Front Speakers Size: 6 1/2″
Front Speakers Location: Doors
Left Front Speaker Wire (+): Dark Green
Left Front Speaker Wire (-): Brown/Red
Right Front Speaker Wire (+): Purple
Right Front Speaker Wire (-): Dark Blue/Red
Rear Speakers Size: 5 1/4″
Rear Speakers Location: Rear Deck
Left Rear Speaker Wire (+): Brown/Yellow
Left Rear Speaker Wire (-): Brown/Light Blue
Right Rear Speaker Wire (+): Dark Blue/White
Right Rear Speaker Wire (-): Dark Blue/Orange
Hope this helps you. here is the website for future reference of where i got my info from. has listings of over 10000 vehicles on there!
http://www.modifiedlife.com/1998-jee...iring-diagram/
Last edited by trans_am7935; Oct 30, 2010 at 09:49 PM.
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