Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Headlights won't turn on but brights and turn signals work

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-04-2021, 09:12 PM
  #1  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
beepingjeep's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Angry Headlights won't turn on but brights and turn signals work

The headlights on my 1994 XJ randomly stopped working and I have no idea why.

My high beams still work when I pull back the lever, but they won't stay on. Turn signals still work.

Does it mean my headlight switch died and needs replaced? Or what else does this mean?

I need to fix this ASAP so I can drive at night.
Old 10-05-2021, 03:00 AM
  #2  
CF Veteran
 
tech's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Santa Clarita California
Posts: 2,138
Likes: 0
Received 278 Likes on 244 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Default

That would be the 1st place to look .
Old 10-05-2021, 06:56 AM
  #3  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
beepingjeep's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Default

Originally Posted by tech
That would be the 1st place to look .
Thank you! I'm gonna try finding the part at Autozone today and replace it. If not I'll have to order it online or something.
Old 10-05-2021, 07:46 AM
  #4  
CF Veteran
 
BlueRidgeMark's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Lost in the wilds of Virginia
Posts: 7,964
Received 957 Likes on 772 Posts
Year: 1998 Classic (I'll get it running soon....) and 02 Grand
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Check the headlight relay first. Only because:
  1. It's a possible suspect.
  2. It's easy to check.
  3. It's easy to replace.
  4. It's much cheaper to replace.

Testing is free. Parts swapping ain't.
Old 10-05-2021, 02:12 PM
  #5  
Newbie
 
Flynn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Alberta
Posts: 12
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4L
Default

It's been many years but I had this issue. I recall it being my day-time running light module. I have a Canadian 90' XJ. I'm not sure when they introduced it into the US market. Your 94' may have this module. Located on passenger side by battery. Simply disconnect.



Last edited by Flynn; 10-06-2021 at 12:52 AM. Reason: typo
Old 10-07-2021, 08:48 PM
  #6  
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
beepingjeep's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Default

Just to let everyone know I replaced my headlight dimmer switch and my headlights work now!

It was a really big pain in the *** to replace it though...
The following users liked this post:
BlueRidgeMark (10-08-2021)
Old 10-22-2021, 07:03 PM
  #7  
Junior Member
 
thelonejourney's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: NC
Posts: 32
Received 25 Likes on 13 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by beepingjeep
Just to let everyone know I replaced my headlight dimmer switch and my headlights work now!

It was a really big pain in the *** to replace it though...
Yeah that was exactly my problem too, but mine was a little more pain in the butt as the wires melted that go to the headlight switch. So I had to wire in a new connector on top of replacing the switch : (
The following users liked this post:
BlueRidgeMark (10-22-2021)
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Whtamidoing
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
0
02-11-2020 04:49 PM
Whtamidoing
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
0
02-02-2020 04:41 PM
HCCAFan
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
17
02-26-2014 04:51 PM
wiknight
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
5
01-19-2014 08:10 AM
MudMann94
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
2
06-28-2012 01:28 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: Headlights won't turn on but brights and turn signals work



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:26 PM.