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Turn signal indicators won't light up

Old Jan 14, 2012 | 04:33 PM
  #1  
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Default Turn signal indicators won't light up

Hi, I have a Jeep Cherokee from 1990. My problem is that the turn signal indicators in the dash won't light up when I turn my turn signal on. It's not a big problem really, but it would be nice to get them to work. Also the switch on the steering column only "pops" out of the on position when I turn right, if I turn on the left side blinkers i have to turn them off manually. Any idea what could be causing that?
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Old Jan 15, 2012 | 06:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Borgli
Hi, I have a Jeep Cherokee from 1990. My problem is that the turn signal indicators in the dash won't light up when I turn my turn signal on. It's not a big problem really, but it would be nice to get them to work. Also the switch on the steering column only "pops" out of the on position when I turn right, if I turn on the left side blinkers i have to turn them off manually. Any idea what could be causing that?
I'd guess both problems have the same solution. The turn signal lever moves a switch assembly inside the column. Sounds like yours is broken.
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Old Jan 16, 2012 | 06:01 AM
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Yeah, that might be what's causing it. The only problem then is that it worked with my other instrument panel. I did an engine swap and had to change out the panel as well because of different speedo conections. Could it be as simple as just two bad light bulbs?
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Old Jan 16, 2012 | 07:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Borgli
Yeah, that might be what's causing it. The only problem then is that it worked with my other instrument panel. I did an engine swap and had to change out the panel as well because of different speedo conections. Could it be as simple as just two bad light bulbs?
May be. Do the outside lights blink as normal? If they do, do you hear any click click or dink dink or whatever noise your signals make while they blink? Then i'd suspect the indicator light bulbs themselves.
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Old Jan 17, 2012 | 11:21 AM
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Originally Posted by kjc
May be. Do the outside lights blink as normal? If they do, do you hear any click click or dink dink or whatever noise your signals make while they blink? Then i'd suspect the indicator light bulbs themselves.
Yes, the all work properly. I hear a click click. How to I replace the bulbs? Just unscrew the panel and pop them out?
Thanks
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Old Jan 17, 2012 | 11:47 AM
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Originally Posted by Borgli
Yes, the all work properly. I hear a click click. How to I replace the bulbs? Just unscrew the panel and pop them out?
Thanks
That'd be my guess, but i've never had one out
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Old Jan 17, 2012 | 12:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Borgli
Hi, I have a Jeep Cherokee from 1990. My problem is that the turn signal indicators in the dash won't light up when I turn my turn signal on. It's not a big problem really, but it would be nice to get them to work. Also the switch on the steering column only "pops" out of the on position when I turn right, if I turn on the left side blinkers i have to turn them off manually. Any idea what could be causing that?
I was having the same issue with my signal (right turn, in my case) not canceling and while disassembling the steering hub to tighten my tilt mechanism I discovered a spring had fallen out... Here is the thread...

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/omg...-works-115662/

...and here's the spring



It's been working fine ever since I put the spring back where it goes.

Originally Posted by Borgli
Yeah, that might be what's causing it. The only problem then is that it worked with my other instrument panel. I did an engine swap and had to change out the panel as well because of different speedo conections. Could it be as simple as just two bad light bulbs?
It could just be the bulbs, yes. Or, it could be that the harness isn't quite all the way in on the back of the cluster. The bulbs (type 194) are in twist-lock bases, once you have the cluster out they're easy to check and replace. Hope that helps.

Last edited by F1Addict; Jan 17, 2012 at 12:26 PM.
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Old Jan 17, 2012 | 12:37 PM
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Originally Posted by kjc
That'd be my guess, but i've never had one out
yes they kind of screw in and out quarter turn with safety notches that are A gripe
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 05:28 PM
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Thanks for the input, I will check the bulbs before moving on to the disassembly of the steering column. Does anyone have a how-to in that?
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Old Jan 22, 2012 | 07:28 AM
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The bulbs are all fine. So I guess there is an issue somewhere else, no power is reaching the indicator bulbs. I decided to wait until summer for the steering column disassembly after reading that the steering wheel often is very hard to get of.
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Old Jan 22, 2012 | 08:13 AM
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One very easy solution could be the relay. It's a gray block directly below the headlight switch. Just pull the panel below the steering wheel and you can easily get to it. This may not be the overall issue, but it could be a contributing factor.
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Old Jan 22, 2012 | 08:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Borgli
Thanks for the input, I will check the bulbs before moving on to the disassembly of the steering column. Does anyone have a how-to in that?
if the out side lights are blinking dont see the need to tear colum apart
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Old Jan 22, 2012 | 08:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Borgli
Yeah, that might be what's causing it. The only problem then is that it worked with my other instrument panel. I did an engine swap and had to change out the panel as well because of different speedo conections. Could it be as simple as just two bad light bulbs?
worked with other cluster
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Old Feb 26, 2012 | 12:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Borgli
The bulbs are all fine. So I guess there is an issue somewhere else, no power is reaching the indicator bulbs. I decided to wait until summer for the steering column disassembly after reading that the steering wheel often is very hard to get of.
simply requires holding your mouth right & A steering wheel puller that I rent from autozone for 15.00
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