Hi everyone,

I recently got my Jeep back, it was involved in a hit and run last year and had to have the back cab replaced and the left rear quarter panel, following the door handles. It blew a fuse “I think at least” and now the brights icon is always on and the blinkers don’t work nor do the make noise or indicate on the dash. I have a very loud squealing noise whenever I put pressure on the accelerator (comes from front). Finally, This Jeep has a brand new engine in it probably 3,000 miles on it. I floored it around an Amish wagon and it picked up speed and then stopped picking up speed popped and then picked up speed again, stopped and then popped. I know this all sounds like a mouthful but anything would help. Thanks.

 

Is it just the blinkers are not illuminating when you try to use them as turn signal indicator lights? Basically, I was wondering if all of the indicator (turn signal lights) flash when they are being used as hazard flasher lights? Did you try the hazards to see if they work normal that way?

For the 1997 ZJ there should be two timers. One timer for the turn indicator function. There should be another totally separate timer which is used for making the hazard lights blink. In the 1997 ZJ they should be located under the dash/glovebox on the passenger side. (I believe in 1996 they were located under the driver side dash)

If the hazards work normal how they should, you can try swapping the two timers around. If the problem switches from being only at the turn indicator function to now make just the hazard lights not to work... This is one way to eliminate the column switch from being the reason, and to know it is because of having a faulty timer.

The column switch could be bad to make the indicator lights not work too. It is less of a likely reason though compared to having a bad timer.

 

I think it would be a good idea to check for having continuity at all of the fuses too. You can use a multimeter set to read continuity for this, and just touch each of the meter lead probes to the metal testing clips at the ends on each fuse. You can leave them all still plugged-in while checking them in this way. It only takes about one minute to check every fuse, and see if any of them may have something to tell you...

 

I had the turn signal fuse tested and it said it was bad so I bought another one but the only thing it did was make my hazards stop working... I’ve fixed the other problems with fuel injector cleaner and a new battery. I really need turn signals where I live!

 

I was wrong when I mentioned above how I thought your Jeep had two separate timers (one for turn signals/one for hazards). I do not know what I was thinking? Only the 1993 and earlier model years had the two relays like that.

I am almost 100% certain the 1997 ZJ Grand Cherokee has a combination flasher. The fact that both, your hazards and the turn signals are not working really makes me think the combination flasher unit is the reason.

For the 1997 ZJ, the combination flasher unit should be located at the passenger side floor area. You know how the fuse panel is located right there on the passenger side. If you take off the surrounding side kick-panel from around the fuse panel, this is where the combination flasher should be located. There are several different relay types situated right there just in front of the fuse panel. The combination flasher is the larger grey square one on the top. I think it should be the only grey one you see there. It is a specific part (it is not a regular type of relay). Costs about $20

If it were me.. this is what I would do, is try replacing the combination flasher unit to fix the problem.

 

If you had the work done someplace as you say you did, call them and tell them to fix it right or you'll call your attorney.
Which, of course, they won't, because they obviously can't. So just call the attorney.