Troubleshooting Dead Gauges
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Troubleshooting Dead Gauges
Hi Guys - Pulling my hair out a bit and have been searching without much luck. I have a 99 XJ Sport all stock. I replaced the transfer case last winter and the speedo reader stopped working. This spring I swapped the transfer case again - this time the speedo worked and all seemed well. Shortly after the gauges would die intermittently and I got an airbag light a couple of times. At this point I get no readings - however the gauges light up and the high beam and turn signal indicators light up.
I checked all connectors directly on the T-Case and they look good. I pulled the gauge cluseter and cleaned / applied dialectic grease to the pins. I also read that unplugging the airbag module under the drivers seat can resolve - looked under there and there's just a mounting bracket with a disconnected wire.
Before I go crazy cleaning grounds in the engine compartment - are there any connections to or around the transfer case I might have screwed up with the swap? Is there any specific ground in the engine bay I should check? I'm getting tired of filling up on gas based on mental estimates of miles traveled and MPG!
Thanks in advance!
I checked all connectors directly on the T-Case and they look good. I pulled the gauge cluseter and cleaned / applied dialectic grease to the pins. I also read that unplugging the airbag module under the drivers seat can resolve - looked under there and there's just a mounting bracket with a disconnected wire.
Before I go crazy cleaning grounds in the engine compartment - are there any connections to or around the transfer case I might have screwed up with the swap? Is there any specific ground in the engine bay I should check? I'm getting tired of filling up on gas based on mental estimates of miles traveled and MPG!
Thanks in advance!
#3
Seasoned Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Juneau, AK
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
The airbag module was moved to under the rear of the center console due to persistent corrosion under the driver's seat.
#4
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Sorry to bring this one back up, but I don't think I'll pass inspection at the end of the month without a speedo. I'm not getting a no bus message.
Can anyone tell me which grounds to check? Should I just try a new cluster? Any other ideas?
Can anyone tell me which grounds to check? Should I just try a new cluster? Any other ideas?
#5
Seasoned Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: West Michigan
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l IL6
Have you done the self test on the gauge cluster to make sure it checks out? On 97+ XJs, hold the trip button down and turn on the key. It will cycle through the guages and lights (except 4x4 lights) and verify the cluster is operable.
#6
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I've tried the test Dort suggested and I get no lights. The only lights that work are the high beams and turn signal indicators - other than that nothing lights up.
I unplugged the airbag modules and cleaned the battery terminals. The only other thing I can think to try is getting a new (used) gauge cluster. Any other ideas?
Thanks guys.
I unplugged the airbag modules and cleaned the battery terminals. The only other thing I can think to try is getting a new (used) gauge cluster. Any other ideas?
Thanks guys.
#7
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Ok - so I picked up a instrument cluster at a junkyard that I saw work (at least fuel and voltage, jeep wouldn't start), put it in and same problem. I've been one by one pulling the connectors off the T-case and checking, but no luck.
Any other grounds to look out for? Any other way to test?
Any other grounds to look out for? Any other way to test?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
sluger17
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
9
07-08-2023 07:08 AM
SergeK
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
8
02-27-2023 03:38 PM
LittleRed94
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
5
10-06-2015 08:09 PM
tleed
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
3
10-04-2015 01:20 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)