Hello Jeepers!

I recently bought a Jeep Cherokee XJ (the old type), and the cluster is not working properly.

The speedometer and the tachometer is always at zero, the temp and oil gauge move slightly when the ignition is turned on. I suspect that the voltmeter and fuel gauge work.

I have tried checked the fuse, checked for continuinity on the wires, checked the grounds, changed the cluster itself and the pcm. I've also driven the vss around with a drill, but it still would'nt work. The vss looked squared as well. I have spent countless of hours on this problem, so I'm asking you guys for any help

Also, my english is not that good, but I hope you understand what I write😁

Thanks in advance!

 

well my speedo and tach isn't working either, I have found out that these Xjs have two vss one is an input and one is an output. They both are connected to the transmission. I found out that the output sensor is generally responsible for the accurate data and the controller of the speedometer and the tachometer. It's located on the rear of the transmission, and is connected to the speedometer drive gear. They are not expensive at your local parts store, but when it is changed the vehicle needs to be flashed or programmed by the dealer to be accurate on the cluster. It is closest to the drive shaft

 

First of all, thank you so much for taking your time to help me, I was so lost! I will check for the sensor! As I have understood from your message is that it is an extra sensor besides the one on the transfer case? If so, that's probably the problem! Note: The speedometer is electric, not wire driven. Will check out, and again, thank you so much😁

I don't know, but maybe it could be the transmission sensor you are talking about?

Greetings from Norway🇧🇻🇧🇻

 

Since you have the 96, I believe yours is on the TC. I have a 97, and mine is on the TC. Depends on the year and configuration of your drivetrain...just got my replacement yesterday, does your transfer case have one that looks like this?








Oh, and UFF DAH!!!

😁

 

Uff dah😂

Mine is on the transfer case, and that is the same that I have😁

But wait, I tried to turn the sensor with a drill bit, but it didn't work... I think i have just switched things around in my brain to believe that it worked.
I will order a sensor today😁 Where did you buy it from? Not too many local parts stores around here😅
Maybe the tachometer is also depending on the vss to work?🤔
If you still have the broken one, could you test if there is resistance going through the sensor? I have this strange thing that the tachometer wire and the speedometer wire going up into the cluster has a lot of resistance. With wire I mean electrical wire.

 

Is your cherokee an automatic? Because I suspect that the other one maybe has something to do with the pcm knowing when to change gears. I don't know, but at least by the wiring diagrams I've looked at, the vss is the only one going into the cluster. Again, I'm no expert, so you can be right😁

 

I'm not positive about automatic vs manual, but I'm gonna guess that it depends on which one you have, and if it's a 2wd/4wd difference...I've only owned my 97, so unsure about other years, maybe someone with more experience than me can chime in....


As far as the tach not working, that is probably a separate issue. Only my speedo is having the issue. Also, I'll check out the resistance when I get around to changing it out. I'll let you know...

I purchased mine on Amazon, around $20 US

 

For your consideration

 

Thanks again for answer😁
As I said I'm not sure either about the manual vs automatic, I was just guessing as I haven't seen any connection from any other sensors going into the speedo wire😅

You don't have to test the resistance on the harness behind the cluster. Just test the broken one😁 Also thank you for the picture, it guided me to find the right one: 917-654, as yours is suitable for the newer Jeeps😁 The only issue with that on is that the original harness on the Jeep doesn't fit, but I will probably find a harness sold separately😁

Also, today I'm going to borrow a speed sensor to check, you will hear from me😃

Did the sensor fix your problem?

 

I won't know for a while, as I'm leaving for a camping/fishing trip tomorrow. I'll post up when I get around to it, but it might be a bit 😁

 

That's alright!
Borrowed a vehicle speed sensor today, but with no luck... A little bit frustrating, since it's the last thing to get it through the EU control :/
Thanks for the answers so far😁

 

I am curious on what your solution may be. My 96 also has a tach/'speedo that doesn't work. I replaced the speed sensor as well with no luck. I even swapped out the gauge cluster with a spare that I had. Hope you can figure it out!

 

Sent you a pm👍👍

 

Did anyone solve the issue? My 96 is doing the same.

 

Did anyone solve this issue. I just inherited a 1996 4wd aw4 with 4.0l xj. My oil pressure, volt, and temp work. The odo, speedo, tach, and fuel do not.
this thing is going to be a lot of work. But bc it was my uncles jeep it will be a blast to get it back to 100%