Wiring Harness with Stock Bulbs
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Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 8
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From: Kansas City
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO AMC L6
Not sure if this is the right location for this thread, sorry if it isn't.
I've seen wiring harness upgrade threads for H4 bulbs, but is there a way to upgrade to a new, better harness without switching from OEM style bulbs?
I'm so tired of replacing my headlight switch every three months.
I've seen wiring harness upgrade threads for H4 bulbs, but is there a way to upgrade to a new, better harness without switching from OEM style bulbs?
I'm so tired of replacing my headlight switch every three months.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 255
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From: North Carolina
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Liter L6
Simple way to take the load off of the switch would be to consider running the draw of the headlights through relays. I have heard of this on the older Dodge Ram trucks as they had some headlight switch problems too. Would also be easier than trying to run a new harness
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 6,098
Likes: 250
From: DE
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0
Yes. The putco harness, I did it recently and immediately noticed a difference with my silver stars. Don't recall the part number but with some searching it is easy to find, only cost about $30 if I recall as well.
Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 242
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From: Dayton, Ohio
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
yes, the H4 bulbs and OEM sealed beam lights use the same plug. A harness upgrade will increase your stock light output and later if you decide you want even more light output you can drop in some H4 housings and bulbs.
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Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 8
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From: Kansas City
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO AMC L6
Awesome. All the posts I saw made it seem like you had to switch to the new bulbs. I just wanna stop having to replace my switch for now, upgrades will have to wait til I get my exhaust header.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,152
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From: Minnesota
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
x2 I have the putco harness and it is GREAT for the price! Super easy to get wired in... A 12 year old could do it
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 8
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From: Kansas City
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO AMC L6
I'm actually studying automotive electronics in starting in the fall, doing my own studying now. This'll be my biggest project yet for the Jeep. (wiring/electronic-wise at least)
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,152
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From: Minnesota
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 150
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From: Woodstock, GA, originally from S. CA.
Year: 1987 149k, original owner
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I bought a harness from www.rallylights.com. Hella relays, US wire, made in USA.
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,050
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From: Roanoke, VA
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I just don't understand why everyone wants to cheap out on a headlight wiring harness! Build your own with quality wire, connectors, and relays. Read some of the reviews on Putco on Amazon. Great experience to lose your headlights in the middle of bumf@#k Egypt.
I bought a harness from www.rallylights.com. Hella relays, US wire, made in USA.
Side note, you can also do it without the whole harness if you understand how relays work. I ended up going with led (yes, led, not hid) h4s, but will be actually doing the upgrade eventually
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 122
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From: Southern Utah
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Sure, I could order a bunch of thick silicone wire, heat shrink, and wire wrap from Hobby King, and then wait a month for it to get delivered. Then I still need to order relays, fuses, holders for both, and then connectors. By the time it's done, I've spent way too many hours on something I could have bought for much less and got it done quickly.
The problems with the Putco harness and easily be remedied quickly and for much less than building my own high end harness.
That said, I'm going to build my own harness for my light bar. I still bought a harness though, one that's like all the other ones out there with wiring that I think is too thin, but I bought it because building a harness the right way requires ordering a bunch of parts, and I don't want to bother with it yet, and certainly don't want to be kept waiting when there's a harness that I could install right now...and would, but my FJO brackets aren't expected to ship until the 20th.
The problems with the Putco harness and easily be remedied quickly and for much less than building my own high end harness.
That said, I'm going to build my own harness for my light bar. I still bought a harness though, one that's like all the other ones out there with wiring that I think is too thin, but I bought it because building a harness the right way requires ordering a bunch of parts, and I don't want to bother with it yet, and certainly don't want to be kept waiting when there's a harness that I could install right now...and would, but my FJO brackets aren't expected to ship until the 20th.
Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 150
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From: Woodstock, GA, originally from S. CA.
Year: 1987 149k, original owner
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Should have said "build your own, or if you don't want to, buy a quality one" I paid $108for a quality harness, but if you wanted to spend the time, you could build it yourself for less.
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 2
From: Roanoke, VA
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
2 relays- 10$
Box o spades- 5$
10ga spool- 5$
Really not that bad. That is, if you have the soldering iron, solder and tape already (you own a jeep....You should lol)
Box o spades- 5$
10ga spool- 5$
Really not that bad. That is, if you have the soldering iron, solder and tape already (you own a jeep....You should lol)


