1989 Cherokee fuse box
#1
1989 Cherokee fuse box
I got a 1989 Cherokee xj here and the fuse box has seen better days, the fuses are loose and wireing going into the box is not so good either. Thankfully the only things that don't work are the radio, dash lights, blower for heat, cigarette lighter and gauges. Everything else seems fine for now. I'm not sure what to do here. I'm curious what other people on here have done. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
#2
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Is it a manual trans? Had fluid from the clutch master leak on it?
May need to replace the fuse box. Perhaps these pics will help you in some way.
May need to replace the fuse box. Perhaps these pics will help you in some way.
#4
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Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Junk yard?
#5
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Year: 1989
Model: Comanche (MJ)
Engine: 4.0
Good luck finding one in good shape at the junkyard! If it's a manual, check that the clutch isn't leaking brake fluid onto the fuse box. That stuff eats up the terminals. Instead of cutting and splicing in a fusebox that may not be any better, consider replacing the terminals instead and have good as new. I did mine 5-years ago (wow, doesn't seem that long ago). They were sloppy, corroded, with a couple of broken pins that had pushed out the back. I'd have to tap the fusebox every once in a while with my foot when the dash lights would cut out.
It's not a difficult job, but you'll need some patience, a crimper and/or soldering iron (I prefer crimped and soldered). A few pictures as you go will help keep track of any wires while working. Being a scrawny contortionist will help, but if you're a big fella you might want to pull the front seat for more room to work. I sat next to the Jeep and leaned in to work. You may have to trim back some rotten wires and splice in fresh, so have some extra wire and shrink wrap handy. I also added terminals to a few of the empty spots for a few accessories to eliminate the previous fuse taps. Here's my posting with some part numbers for the terminals. https://www.naxja.org/forum/showthre...#post246510717
From another post of mine, here's what I bought back in 2017 from Del City. Totals about $25.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/whe...manche-199162/
Here's what I bought back in 2017 from Del City:
(24) 7388520 Single Terminal for ATC/ATO Fuse (I should have ordered a few extra)
https://www.delcity.net/store/1!way-..._11128.h_26861
(4) 7389520 4-Way Terminal Strip for ATC/ATO (Cut down for the 2 and 3-ways)
https://www.delcity.net/store/4!way-..._11129.h_26968
It's not a difficult job, but you'll need some patience, a crimper and/or soldering iron (I prefer crimped and soldered). A few pictures as you go will help keep track of any wires while working. Being a scrawny contortionist will help, but if you're a big fella you might want to pull the front seat for more room to work. I sat next to the Jeep and leaned in to work. You may have to trim back some rotten wires and splice in fresh, so have some extra wire and shrink wrap handy. I also added terminals to a few of the empty spots for a few accessories to eliminate the previous fuse taps. Here's my posting with some part numbers for the terminals. https://www.naxja.org/forum/showthre...#post246510717
From another post of mine, here's what I bought back in 2017 from Del City. Totals about $25.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/whe...manche-199162/
Here's what I bought back in 2017 from Del City:
(24) 7388520 Single Terminal for ATC/ATO Fuse (I should have ordered a few extra)
https://www.delcity.net/store/1!way-..._11128.h_26861
(4) 7389520 4-Way Terminal Strip for ATC/ATO (Cut down for the 2 and 3-ways)
https://www.delcity.net/store/4!way-..._11129.h_26968
#6
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Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Note from DJ here is another writeup on repairing the one that you have.
Renix-Era Fuse Box Terminal Replacement write up on 3-20-17
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1138721
OP by Francesco
Hey all, I had the dreaded terrible PO who let the slave leak all over the fuse box, and just finished replacing ALL the damn terminals in the POS box. I could find barely ANYTHING on the internet, so I'm going to do a write up for anyone who has this similar problem, as it can all be done in the car and isn’t a terrible job, probably a 8.5/10 on the pain in the *** scale. I will take pictures and everything tomorrow.
Renix-Era Fuse Box Terminal Replacement write up on 3-20-17
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1138721
OP by Francesco
Hey all, I had the dreaded terrible PO who let the slave leak all over the fuse box, and just finished replacing ALL the damn terminals in the POS box. I could find barely ANYTHING on the internet, so I'm going to do a write up for anyone who has this similar problem, as it can all be done in the car and isn’t a terrible job, probably a 8.5/10 on the pain in the *** scale. I will take pictures and everything tomorrow.
#7
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Year: 1989
Model: Comanche (MJ)
Engine: 4.0
That's a nice writeup with pics too! You can pickup a cheap version of those connector release tools for a few buck on eBay. Not nearly as nice as the set, but good enough for something you only need a few times. Most of my terminals were pretty bad and popped right out with a thin bladed screwdriver.
Last edited by lawsoncl; 11-01-2022 at 11:38 PM.
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