Odd electrical problem

[jeepfreak32]

I have an 87 XJ 4.0 that has a odd electrical problem. When I pull the lights switch to the parking lights postion the PARKLPS 10 amp fuse blows. I have no gauge, lower dash courtesy and left hand tail lights. I disconnected the tail lights and pulled the gauge cluster lights elec. connector and the fuse still blows. The rheostat does turn on the dome lights when it hits the detent. When I turn on the headlights and then kill the engine, the headlights stay on when I push the switch all the way in. I have to turn on the ignition to the ACC to shut em off. Any ideas would greatly be appreciated.

[cherokee_guy82]

If your model is a laredo, or has the light sentry option, the lights will stay on for 30-45 seconds if you turn the ignition off before the headlamps so that is normal... I would suggest that the other problem may be more commonly related to a bared wire in one of the circuits... do brake lights, etc work? if yes, prob may be specifically to the parking lamps only. I would start at the lamp sockets and any spots where the wires would come into contact and be grounded by the body. that would definately cause the fuse to blow. easiest way to temp fix is to wrap any bared wires seperately with elect tape (available most anywhere) would try that first

[Saudade]

As Cherokee guy said, headlamps sound normal. The option allows people to park in the driveway or garage at night and have some lights to see their way to the door. As long as the lights turn off eventually (less than 1 minute), you're OK.

As for the fuse, I'd suggest getting a repair manual (I have a Haynes), and begin with the wiring diagram. A quick physical inspection is good but you can't see wires inside bundles, panels, etc. Check for shorts using the diagram. If you find a shorted wire and can't locate the actual short, you'll need to pull a replacement wire through.

[bigenoughxj]

ok pop the cover off thats around your gear and/or 4x4 shifter the little wires inside have been pinched so when you turn on you tail light it pops a fuse just tape them and/or make sure they didn't get cut then move them away from the shifter so it do happen again.. and the head lights are normal for laredo

[NWRuger]

I have the same problem with the head lights. I did not know that the lerado had the 30-40 sec light sentry, thingy. mine stays on for 8+ hours. whers is the unit that I need to replace?

[89ltd]

It could be the headlight switch itself, I had to replace mine for the same reason, not sure if yours is the same problem. There is a neg. (ground) that goes to the switch to control the dome light and that could be shorting out.