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Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go hereXJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.
I had a intermittent turn signal in my 99 xj. I replaced the turn signal switch which did not fix it. So I moved to the turn/hazard relay which looks identical to a bog standard 5 pin relay but...it's not. I got the correct relay from oreillys for 18.99 and thought I'd dig into the 300k oem Mopar one and share with you guys to see why these are 20-50 dollars and a standard relay is like 5 bucks. Here ya go. I'm just a nerd and wanted to know. 🤷♂️
Its 3 relays in one, that's why its pricey. It does three things, flash power to left signal, right signal, then flash both for hazards. I grabbed a Novita relay at the JY I found in an XJ for LEDs.
That OEM relay works for older filament bulbs only, which some prefer. The OEM flasher relays flash speed is all pre timed based off what the older set of bulbs consumed in watts.
The reason for 3 circuits is the left/right circuit use the same amount of load to make it flash, but needing to go to different bulbs.
The hazard circuit has the most load and would increase the speed without additional resistors so it has its own pin as well.
LEDs dont create enough load to make that electromagnetic relay collapse if you wanted to change.
The Novita is 20$ at auto zone usually and has a trim pot or (dimmer ****) with a flathead screw for adjusting the timing to the specific wattage of whatever LEDs you choose. Since flasher speed is based on load & they cant know what LEDs you buy. Just turn it until it sounds right. Decreasing power consumption on the XJs limited alternator & 18/20 AWG harness makes electronics last longer IMHO. Less ground noise.
Edit : My dyslexic self got it backwards. The left/right need the resistors on the OEM relay and the hazards wide open. **Facepalm**
Last edited by DruCanDoIt; Mar 20, 2025 at 12:43 AM.
Its 3 relays in one, that's why its pricey. It does three things, flash power to left signal, right signal, then flash both for hazards. I grabbed a Novita relay at the JY I found in an XJ for LEDs.
That OEM relay works for older filament bulbs only, which some prefer. The OEM flasher relays flash speed is all pre timed based off what the older set of bulbs consumed in watts.
The reason for 3 circuits is the left/right circuit use the same amount of load to make it flash, but needing to go to different bulbs.
The hazard circuit has the most load and would increase the speed without additional resistors so it has its own pin as well.
LEDs dont create enough load to make that electromagnetic relay collapse if you wanted to change.
The Novita is 20$ at auto zone usually and has a trim pot or (dimmer ****) with a flathead screw for adjusting the timing to the specific wattage of whatever LEDs you choose. Since flasher speed is based on load & they cant know what LEDs you buy. Just turn it until it sounds right. Decreasing power consumption on the XJs limited alternator & 18/20 AWG harness makes electronics last longer IMHO. Less ground noise.
Edit : My dyslexic self got it backwards. The left/right need the resistors on the OEM relay and the hazards wide open. **Facepalm**
I just tell people straight out, do NOT fit LED indicator, or most especially, alternator warning lights. I am utterly unmoved by whatever argument they try and use to convince me
Just leave those ones as incandescent, trust me!
(The ONLY possible exception is if you do it 100% correctly, as above...and notate your maintenance records)
Turn signal/hazard relay
