Dashboard fuse question
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2017
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Model: Cherokee
Dashboard fuse question
I just bought a 1996 Cherokee and I've already had to replace the dashboard fuse 3 or 4 times. I think it blows when I turn my headlight switch on but I have no clue. Any ideas?
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 233
Likes: 4
From: Maryland
Year: 1996
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
That fuse is used by:
Data Link Connector
Body Control Module
Auto Headlamp Light Sensor/Security System LED
Instrument Cluster (except ABS light)
Radio Amplifier
Data link connector... Wouldn't imagine that would be it unless you accidentally kicked it, and damage would probably be obvious.
Body control module... You'd probably have other noticeable issues.
Since you mentioned your lights, maybe it is the headlamp light sensor/security system light? You can disconnect those fairly easy to test.
Instrument cluster. Could be. Wouldn't really expect anything in there to draw enough power to blow your fuse, but that's another fairly easy one to pull out and inspect. Does the high beam indicator come on when you first turn the key? Not sure if it normally does or not, but if it does come on in yours then that makes this seem less likely.
Amp draws the most power out of all of these things. My bet would normally be there, if you hadn't mentioned a connection with your lights.
Data Link Connector
Body Control Module
Auto Headlamp Light Sensor/Security System LED
Instrument Cluster (except ABS light)
Radio Amplifier
Data link connector... Wouldn't imagine that would be it unless you accidentally kicked it, and damage would probably be obvious.
Body control module... You'd probably have other noticeable issues.
Since you mentioned your lights, maybe it is the headlamp light sensor/security system light? You can disconnect those fairly easy to test.
Instrument cluster. Could be. Wouldn't really expect anything in there to draw enough power to blow your fuse, but that's another fairly easy one to pull out and inspect. Does the high beam indicator come on when you first turn the key? Not sure if it normally does or not, but if it does come on in yours then that makes this seem less likely.
Amp draws the most power out of all of these things. My bet would normally be there, if you hadn't mentioned a connection with your lights.
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 233
Likes: 4
From: Maryland
Year: 1996
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
By the way, that is supposed to be a 20A fuse. Make sure that's what you're putting in there. For troubleshooting, I'd do the following:
1. Disconnect headlamp sensor/VTSS light. Disable radio. Turn lights off.
2. Disconnect battery, replace fuse.
3. Reconnect battery. Start your engine. Watch for high beam light on instrument panel.
4. Turn on lights, first running lights, then headlights, then high beams.
5. If it is still good, turn off high beams and turn the headlight to 'auto'.
6. Still good? Turn on radio, crank up the volume a bit.
7. If that doesn't do it, shut off engine, disconnect battery, connect headlight sensor/VTSS, then do steps 3-5 with the sensor/VTSS connected.
Hopefully that can help isolate the problem.
1. Disconnect headlamp sensor/VTSS light. Disable radio. Turn lights off.
2. Disconnect battery, replace fuse.
3. Reconnect battery. Start your engine. Watch for high beam light on instrument panel.
4. Turn on lights, first running lights, then headlights, then high beams.
5. If it is still good, turn off high beams and turn the headlight to 'auto'.
6. Still good? Turn on radio, crank up the volume a bit.
7. If that doesn't do it, shut off engine, disconnect battery, connect headlight sensor/VTSS, then do steps 3-5 with the sensor/VTSS connected.
Hopefully that can help isolate the problem.