I know there are already a ton of threads on this subject and I've already read most of them. Still not sure what my problem is. I have an 89 XJ (Renix) and I'm aware of the many electrical woes that come with it. Long story short, my gauge backlights are the only lights don't light up. Everything else works just as it should (blinkers, headlights, stereo, clock, and lights for brake, 4wd, seatbelt warning, etc.) I have checked all fuses and replaced the light bulbs as well. I'm certainly no electrician but if I had a bad ground or the relay was bad, wouldn't all other lights on my dash be out as well? I'd love to get this resolved quickly but I'm just not sure what to look for now. Any help would be much appreciated!

 

Welcome ...Is headlight dimmer switch turned off ?

 

No, turning it off and the back on doesn't change anything.

 

I've had cars where the dash lights stopped working because the rheostat in the dimmer had gone bad. A quick test is to jumper across the rheostat contacts and see if the lights come back on.

 

So do your transmission and transfer case backlights work?

If they do, I would check to see if power is making it all the way to the instrument cluster in the first place.

 

Wizard, I'm glad you mentioned that. I forgot to add to my original post that the backlights for the transfer case and transmission also do not work. The backlights on the left of the dash all function properly, only the gauge backlights (and transfer case and transmission lights) do not. Maybe that will clarify the problem for someone?

 

You mean warning lights on left side of dash work ? Still sounds like switch gone bad.

 

I agree. Pull the switch and test both the switch (with a multimeter) and the wiring (with a jumper)

 

Thanks for the help so far guys! I finally got a chance to pull the switch and one look told me it was toast. I put in the replacement and am right where I started. Still no cluster lights. Checked the electrical at the point which also seemed good. I'm out of ideas at this point. Is there a relay specifically for these lights that may have gone bad? I've looked in some manuals and can't find one but who knows? As always, any help is much appreciated!

 

Power confirmed in and out of switch ?

 

Hey guys, I was having this issue and resolved it. Checked the fuses under the hood and an unmarked 25 fuse was blown. Changed it and bingo; dash, 4x4, Ac controls, dome, and running lights all back on.

 

Yes, power in and out of the switch is good. Headlights, taillight sand all interior lighting is fine except dash, transmission, and transfer case lighting. I'm assuming it must be in the wiring direct to those particular lights (I believe they all run off the same wiring). Unfortunately that is an area I do t know much about.
As far as fuses, I've been through all of them and they all appear to be good still and power at that point is good as well. I didn't check them again after installing a new switch which I have read may blow a fuse, so I will do that soon.

 

Confirm power in and out of fuses with headlight switch **** pulled out and turned all way to left just b4 it clicks and turns on dome light. If all checks good next id check plug to cluster for issues.

 

Early xj has no pdc under hood.

 

dang, that's a tough one then. Good luck brother.