Electrical problems?

[jeepgirl1980]

ok, so let me start by saying that i am NOT a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination, but i'd really like to try to fix this problem by myself if it's just a simple fuse problem. my 1998 jeep wrangler is having problems with the lights going out intermittently as i'm driving. it started with my dash going out and back on every so often, and now it has turned into my lights going out somtimes. sometimes it happens when i put my blinker on- then my headlights will go out, but the lights in my dash are still working. if i put my brights on they will usually stay on though. i've taken my glove box out and located the fuse box. ok...so what exactly am i looking for? do i pull them out and look at them? how do i know if they're shot or not? what do i look at if it's not a fuse? (please speak english!)

[MOPARMAN01]

Originally Posted by jeepgirl1980

ok, so let me start by saying that i am NOT a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination, but i'd really like to try to fix this problem by myself if it's just a simple fuse problem. my 1998 jeep wrangler is having problems with the lights going out intermittently as i'm driving. it started with my dash going out and back on every so often, and now it has turned into my lights going out somtimes. sometimes it happens when i put my blinker on- then my headlights will go out, but the lights in my dash are still working. if i put my brights on they will usually stay on though. i've taken my glove box out and located the fuse box. ok...so what exactly am i looking for? do i pull them out and look at them? how do i know if they're shot or not? what do i look at if it's not a fuse? (please speak english!)

This is not a fuse problem. With the experience I have with Chrysler products and going by your information given, I would say that your dash lights and headlight problems are not related.
The headlights working on bright only after they go out more than likely is a headlight switch. Ive had them go out before.
The dash light issue sounds like the instrument cluster (gauge cluster unit). Does your gauges act erratic when this happens? When they go out, simply "smack" on the dash directly over the cluster to check for a lose connection.
Sometimes they lose connection on the back plug.
THESE ARE VERY EXPENSIVE ITEMS SO YOU REALLY SHOULD GET SOMEONE EXPERIENCED TO CHECK THEM OUT!!!!!!I prefer a Dodge Dealer , but you make the choice.

[jeepgirl1980]

yeah, the dash does act erratic- some things will go out, and some will stay on. sometimes the speedometer and gas gauge and stuff will go out and then my airbag light and check engine light will go on. The lights will go out, and then if i jiggle the turn signal thing they'll sometimes flicker back on, and most of the time they'll come back on if i just switch it to brights. I'll try the smacking the dashboard thing (although I've prob already been doing that since I'm beginning to get seriously irritated with this problem!) Thanks for the advice!

[snorkled tj]

Ive experienced same problem with my 98 tj automatic two yhings cauing problem moisture in speed sensor plug back left of transfer case also main dash plug back of speedo plug clips loose dirt in plug clean both tigten clips on back of dash plu no problems again

[scoobytuff]

The plugs that are on the back of the gauge cluster actually have a recall and a fix. Don't do it! Just pull the gauge cluster out and gently twist the wires (make them snug). That has fixed 100% of the gauge clusters I have dealt with. As far as the headlights go it does sound like a switch. It could also be a short in the dimmer switch or the steering column. Try messing with the dimmer switch and see if you can make the lights go out again. If that doesn't work play around with the headlight switch. The best way to figure out the problem is to make the Jeep do what it's doing again, except this time you want to make it happen and not that bump in the road. It's kinda like the science experiments you had in school. You want to eliminate as many of the variables as you can.

[dugan50]

The post previously is somewhat correct. Here is a link to the exact recall and repair instructions for your vehicle's problem. also I've enclosed the parent link for the company that has lots of airbag problem answers available to owners and shops. Check it out!

http://www.airbagsolutions.com/docs/jw.pdf


http://www.airbagsolutions.com