Jeep Cherokee 1984-2001: Why Won't My Turn Signals Work?

This article applies to the Jeep Grand Cherokee XJ (years 1984-2001).

Electrical problems can be pesky to deal with, but when they affect vital parts like your turn signals, it's important to fix them with urgency to avoid unsafe driving conditions. If you are suffering from faulty turn signals, you must do a couple of troubleshooting steps to diagnose the problem. Some reasons for faulty turn signals could be relatively simple, and others could be a little more complex. Here is a compiled guide with the most common reasons why your turn signals aren't working.

Step 1 – Check fuses

They could be burnt.

A fuse's job is to regulate and deliver stable power to all of your Jeep's components. If a fuse is burnt, damaged, or has simply stopped working, it will fail to do so and it will most likely deliver no power to the particular component. Sometimes, a burn fuse can send a high surge of power to your turn signals and even fray the wiring or burn the light bulb.

• Access the fuse panel located to the left of the driver's dash panel.
• Locate fuse numbers 10 and 12.
• Use needled nose pliers to remove fuse.
• Inspect fuses for burnt marks and other signs of damage.
• Replace fuses if needed.

Step 2 – Check bulbs

They could be out or faulty.

The idea of your light bulbs being out as the reason why your turn signals may not work sounds pretty straightforward, but it actually goes beyond that. Even the turn signal light bulbs that are in fact working could be causing your other turn signals not to work. Why? If one of the four light bulbs is faulty, it could throw off the power output to the rest of the system. For example, a rear turn signal light bulb that is about to go out could be drawing more power than needed and rob the front turn signal bulb from power, making it useless.

• Replace all four light bulbs to diagnose the problem.

Step 3 – Check turn signal lever

It could be faulty.

The turn signal lever is the control stick mounted to your steering column which is operated to activate either the L or R turn signal. This lever contains a switch inside which signals the rest of the system to activate or deactivate the turn signals. This part is subject to severe wear and tear and could eventually fail. Follow these steps to inspect and possibly fix the lever.

• Use a Phillips screwdriver to undo the top steering column and lower dashboard cover.
• Unscrew the turn signal lever.
• Disconnect the switch connector and inspect for gunk or burnt marks, etc.
• Clean switch connector with a cleaning rag and test switch again; if it does not work, replace the switch.

Related Discussions

• Turn Signals in Jeep Cherokee Aren't Working - CherokeeForum.com
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