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Headlight switch isn't working right. Help!

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Old 08-02-2011 | 12:40 PM
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Deanxj97's Avatar
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From: Hebron,KY (cincinnati area)
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Default Headlight switch isn't working right. Help!

So I have a 1997 and I pulled the headlight switch **** out the other day and now I went to go replace it with a new switch and now the lights aren't working right. I'm sure most of you know there are the 2 settings on the switch one is parking lights the other is the headlights. Well in the first setting nothing happens and in the second position only the headlights come on no taillights or dash lights or anything. But when you pull the switch out just a little the parking lights come on, dash lights, everything comes on, but headlights. Any ideas
Old 08-02-2011 | 10:15 PM
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From: Hebron,KY (cincinnati area)
Year: 1997
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Engine: 4.0L I6
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Anybody, I'm up for any ideas
Old 08-02-2011 | 10:20 PM
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From: DuPage, IL
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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I'm not sure if the headlight switch is the same on a 95, but I had a similar problem. I replaced the switch (sounds like you already did that) and that fixed mine. Maybe take it back and swap it out for an other one? Sounds like a faulty switch, or maybe some wiring came loose when you put the new one in? I know mine had 3 plugs to plug back in, one for the dimmer, one to turn on the interior lights (turn all the way to the right), and the last big one to control the different functions of the switch.
Old 08-02-2011 | 11:15 PM
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From: Hebron,KY (cincinnati area)
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That's what I thought. I tried 4 different switches and they all do the same thing. And I figured it can't be a fuse or loose wire because it all works just not at the right time.
Old 08-03-2011 | 01:03 AM
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From: DuPage, IL
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Wiring could be crossed. It's pretty crammed up there, I know I had my fingers crossed when I tried my new switch. Try cleaning the female plug that goes into your new switch? If four different switches did the same thing it might be time to pull out the old wiring diagram. If your handy with wiring, you can cut the wires one at a time and run an outside wire to the individual components to narrow things down. I would definitely do that as a last resort tho.
Old 08-03-2011 | 09:50 PM
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From: Hebron,KY (cincinnati area)
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Alright thanks for the help I'll check all the wires
Old 08-03-2011 | 09:56 PM
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From: Yuma
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Laredo
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Do ur gauges lights turn on or no?
Old 08-03-2011 | 10:12 PM
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From: Hebron,KY (cincinnati area)
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They do but not in the right position though
Old 08-03-2011 | 10:44 PM
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Its gonna be wiring, I would change the fuse to make sure. And look to see if anythin is wrong.
Old 08-09-2011 | 03:18 PM
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From: Hebron,KY (cincinnati area)
Year: 1997
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Engine: 4.0L I6
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Wiring seems fine all fuses have been checked! This is driving me insane, it has to be the switch cause it all works just not at the right time!!! Iv bought switches from advanced auto parts, auto zone, and parts plus. Could it be the fact I just need an OEM switch.
Old 08-09-2011 | 04:54 PM
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From: dedham, ma. 10 min. south of boston
Year: 1996
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Engine: 4.0l H.O.
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I'm currently going through the same exact problem. haven't figured it out yet, but I'll let you know what i come up with.
Old 08-10-2011 | 05:05 PM
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From: dedham, ma. 10 min. south of boston
Year: 1996
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I go it fixed. After checking all the fuses before I replaced my switch, i took the working switch out of my girlfriend's 96 xj, still same problem. said screw it, replaced all the fuses under the dash and hood. pulling out 5amp fuse for dash illum. the fuse wasnt blown, but it was slightly off color, tested with DVOM, wasn't flowing enough current to work properly.
Old 08-12-2011 | 01:49 AM
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From: Hebron,KY (cincinnati area)
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Well I'm working on it tomorrow, and if it works my friend you are my hero!
Old 08-13-2011 | 10:49 AM
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From: dedham, ma. 10 min. south of boston
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l H.O.
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i noticed when i replaced my fuses, some that didnt involve the light looked kinda crappy, i suggest getting the mixed pack and do all of them. good luck buddy
Old 08-13-2011 | 02:57 PM
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Default headlights

Same problem,

On my 2nd switch......first one from Napa, this one from AutoZone. Headlights work, running/parking lights no go.

Anyone?


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