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What is this and why is it getting so hot?

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Old Jan 18, 2016 | 02:46 AM
  #1  
MightyMauz's Avatar
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From: Cairns
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4L
Default What is this and why is it getting so hot?

Under my steering wheel there is this little metal "plug" and it is getting hot. I cannot hold it longer than a second, because it is too hot. And my vehicle hasn't been running since 24 hours.


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Old Jan 18, 2016 | 03:10 AM
  #2  
investinwaffles's Avatar
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From: Tarpon Springs, FL / Denver, CO
Year: '98
Engine: 4.0 I6
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Originally Posted by MightyMauz
Under my steering wheel there is this little metal "plug" and it is getting hot. I cannot hold it longer than a second, because it is too hot. And my vehicle hasn't been running since 24 hours.


pretty sure its the turn signal relay (how many pins does the plug have?)

If it is, it might be aftermarket - my 98' has a square one, and I am pretty sure my friends 95' has a square one also.
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Old Jan 18, 2016 | 03:38 AM
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From: Cairns
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4L
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Can I just unplug it? It is not doing anything? I mean it is getting hot
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Old Jan 18, 2016 | 05:33 AM
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From: Racine, WI
Year: 1997
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It is likely the thermal time delay relay for the illuminated ring around your ignition switch (possibly controls something else, too; not sure). It is designed to get hot--that's how it works. It turns on whenever you open your door. It stays on until it reaches a certain temperature at which point it turns off. http://www.jeepersden.com/2889565-th...9-rear-brakes/



Last edited by mschi772; Jan 18, 2016 at 05:47 AM.
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Old Jan 18, 2016 | 05:56 AM
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From: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Year: 2000 WJ
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On my 96, that cylinder gets hot when the interior map lights are on (door open).
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Old Jan 18, 2016 | 07:51 AM
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Originally Posted by MightyMauz
And my vehicle hasn't been running since 24 hours.
Originally Posted by mschi772
It is likely the thermal time delay relay for the illuminated ring around your ignition switch (possibly controls something else, too; not sure). It is designed to get hot--that's how it works.


It's not designed to be hot after the car hasn't been touched for 24 hours.

On the other hand, Mauz, what were you doing when you found it? If you've had the doors open for a while, it will be hot. Close the doors and leave it alone for an hour or so. Then open the door and get under there quickly and see what it's doing.
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