So, I'm in the process of an interior rebuild and while I have the dash taken apart I figured to fix my dash lights...seeing as they went out about 2 weeks ago and the running lights are out as well.

First off, what I know/tryed...
1) all fuses are fine and not blowing/poping (though i took out my antenna fuse because some other minor problem)
2) since the dash backlights don't work, neither do my running lights
3) headlights work fine (got them HIDs for 60$ shipped )
4) my shifter lights are also out.
5) I've referenced/used these threads for help already...
a) https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/dre...-sizzle-17743/
b) https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/ext...elp-me-100289/

Second, what I want to know...
1) do I need a new switch?
2) could it possibly be that they don't work because my lp light is out?
3) where are all the grounds located for the dash/shifter lights etc.?
4) how do i find if it's a short/ check continuity?

I've done the checks so far by myself (with what experience I have with circuits from building air traffic control systems), but I would like some more ideas before I ask the old man to help seeing as he refuses to work on cars anymore...

 

No body?? I need to get this done by monday in order to get to a job site an hour away. at least where are the grounds? that's the main thing I havent checked...

 

My dash lights went out also. It ended up being the headlight switch now they work great.

 

x2 on my old '88 (R.I.P.)

 

X3 just replaced my switch yesterday

 

This is what I'm hoping is wrong with mine too ...planned to go to the JY today, but my ride fell through since my XJ is not in commision right now. I'm going tomorrow though and I'm gonna meep my fingers crossed. Thanks y'all!

 

You didn't by chance connect what looked like two disconnected wires in the lift gate, did you?

 

It does sound like the switch, Lemme know if you need any help.

 

I've already gone through that whole fix part and nothing has worked ith that.

Well I went to the Crazy Ray's in Edgewood today, got a switch outta there and still nothing... i looked at the connector for my harness and it's kind of melted but doesn't seem to be what the issue would be... And if it is i got another one just incase and will have to solder the wires together for it but that one is missing a connector..

 

well i decided i would switch the 4x4 and trans light to see if by any way that was the problem...still nothing, in fact just before i did that i tryed the switch I picked up today from the JY and the both headlights were flickering like strobe lights.

then i shut them off, tryed again and heard a clicking noise and this is what i found to be the source...

and then took a picture to show y'all the headlight switch connector...


What the h3ll is going on with my XJ?!?!

 

Looks like you have some wiring issues.

 

how to I trace/pinpoint them?

 

Do you have access to wiring diagrams thats about the only way to trace circuits. When exactly did the issue with the lights begin, did you install an alarm or stereo just before?

 

the lights happened now about 2 weeks ago...worked the night before, drove up to the county fair and when I left and it was dark...no bueno.

and no I havent, the stereo has been in since before I bought the xj and there is no alarm system. I have a hayne's manual but can't decipher it too well. :/

 

If your tale-lights and dash and shifter lights are out I doubt its the ground since they share power but likely have more than 1 ground.

The fused power wire to the switch powers both dimmed and non dimmed lights?

Is there power at that fuse and did you triple check it.

Can you jump power to a headlight switch wire and have dash lights?
Can you jump power to a headlight switch wire and have tale lights?


And the other issue. Do (Did) the headlights work OK with the original switch. I think they are on a circut breaker but don't know. Mine maybe is a small box low on the fuse box. That melting looks like a short drew extra current in that circuit that overheated the connections. Check whatever you can see under the hood.