Extended Idle Switch
#1
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Hudson, FL
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
![Default](https://www.cherokeeforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Hey guys,
So I've been poking around for information on the Extended Idle switch for 97+ Jeep XJs. I have found a lot of information, and finally, after about 2 years of searching, I found on on Ebay and bought it (lucky I guess).
![](http://i61.tinypic.com/64jpl1.jpg)
Now it looks like my Jeep doesn't come equipped with the plug for this switch, but the Ebay seller was nice enough to include part of the connector for me:
![](http://i62.tinypic.com/287dkqg.jpg)
Now here's the thing. After extensive research, I found this thread here:
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/e...actory-610688/
The thread references the XJ FSM, which notes:
So my question is, there are 4 wires coming off of that switch. Which ones have to go to A12 and which ones have to go to ground? And more importantly, where is A12?
Thanks to anyone who has input on this!
So I've been poking around for information on the Extended Idle switch for 97+ Jeep XJs. I have found a lot of information, and finally, after about 2 years of searching, I found on on Ebay and bought it (lucky I guess).
![](http://i61.tinypic.com/64jpl1.jpg)
Now it looks like my Jeep doesn't come equipped with the plug for this switch, but the Ebay seller was nice enough to include part of the connector for me:
![](http://i62.tinypic.com/287dkqg.jpg)
Now here's the thing. After extensive research, I found this thread here:
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/e...actory-610688/
The thread references the XJ FSM, which notes:
To do it yourself, simply check your specific year wiring diagram ( i checked mainly 93-98), and my 96, get a factory rocker switch from junkyard or parts store, one side gets wired to a ground, the other to pin A12 going to the ECU. That's it. the ECU will take care of the rest .
Thanks to anyone who has input on this!
#3
Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
![Default](https://www.cherokeeforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
My guess would be orange to A12 and black to ground. May have to hook up ground, turn switch on, and test each wire.
I know someone has used a factory switch for the extended idle, so do some searching on here, jeepforum and google.
The extended idle bumps your idle up to around 1,000 rpm's in park and neutral, when toggled on. Comes in handy in the north east winters, warms XJ up faster, helps take the load off the battery when winching and if you run off road lights or heavy electrical draw items, it helps when you stop and idle for any length of time.
I have it on mine, in michigan winters my XJ warms up alot faster.
http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums...e-switch/page3
Half way down, how 1 guy wired 4 wire plug.
A12 will be on the plug closest to front of XJ, 2nd row down, left side,(when you unplug it each connector is marked, may need magnifier) should be a grey wire, just tap into it with a connector, don't cut it in 2.
I know someone has used a factory switch for the extended idle, so do some searching on here, jeepforum and google.
The extended idle bumps your idle up to around 1,000 rpm's in park and neutral, when toggled on. Comes in handy in the north east winters, warms XJ up faster, helps take the load off the battery when winching and if you run off road lights or heavy electrical draw items, it helps when you stop and idle for any length of time.
I have it on mine, in michigan winters my XJ warms up alot faster.
http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums...e-switch/page3
Half way down, how 1 guy wired 4 wire plug.
A12 will be on the plug closest to front of XJ, 2nd row down, left side,(when you unplug it each connector is marked, may need magnifier) should be a grey wire, just tap into it with a connector, don't cut it in 2.
Last edited by Little Red XJ; 01-22-2015 at 03:56 PM.
#4
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Hudson, FL
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
![Default](https://www.cherokeeforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I just got this done today...
OMG what a pain in the ***!
Black wire went to black wire in the foglight harness, orange wire went to orange wire in the foglight harness, blue wire with white stripe went to the blue wire with the white stripe in the AC/Heater power line, and the gray wire went to the gray wire in the computer, which was cut in half – one half gets grounded to the body while the other half goes into the computer.
Everything works! Woo!
Will post pictures of my crimped/rednecked installation tomorrow.
OMG what a pain in the ***!
Black wire went to black wire in the foglight harness, orange wire went to orange wire in the foglight harness, blue wire with white stripe went to the blue wire with the white stripe in the AC/Heater power line, and the gray wire went to the gray wire in the computer, which was cut in half – one half gets grounded to the body while the other half goes into the computer.
Everything works! Woo!
Will post pictures of my crimped/rednecked installation tomorrow.
#5
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Andover, VT
Posts: 3,008
Received 260 Likes
on
198 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 L
![Default](https://www.cherokeeforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I just got this done today... OMG what a pain in the ***! Black wire went to black wire in the foglight harness, orange wire went to orange wire in the foglight harness, blue wire with white stripe went to the blue wire with the white stripe in the AC/Heater power line, and the gray wire went to the gray wire in the computer, which was cut in half – one half gets grounded to the body while the other half goes into the computer. Everything works! Woo! Will post pictures of my crimped/rednecked installation tomorrow.
#7
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Hudson, FL
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
![Default](https://www.cherokeeforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The colored wires I'm referring to are on the pigtail in my original post in this thread.
I had to tap into a lot of factory wires to make this work. I'll have pictures tomorrow when it's light outside.
I had to tap into a lot of factory wires to make this work. I'll have pictures tomorrow when it's light outside.
Trending Topics
#9
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Hudson, FL
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
![Default](https://www.cherokeeforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Well, the Foglight switch pigtail was already in my Jeep. so used the power and ground from that pigtail to power the lights inside of the EXT idle switch.
I used the switched power from HVAC to power the switch since the foglight switch power only works when high beams are off.
The final wire went through the firewall and into the computer's 12th pin.
I used the switched power from HVAC to power the switch since the foglight switch power only works when high beams are off.
The final wire went through the firewall and into the computer's 12th pin.
#10
::CF Moderator::
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,971
Received 1,559 Likes
on
1,263 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
![Default](https://www.cherokeeforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Well, the Foglight switch pigtail was already in my Jeep. so used the power and ground from that pigtail to power the lights inside of the EXT idle switch.
I used the switched power from HVAC to power the switch since the foglight switch power only works when high beams are off.
The final wire went through the firewall and into the computer's 12th pin.
I used the switched power from HVAC to power the switch since the foglight switch power only works when high beams are off.
The final wire went through the firewall and into the computer's 12th pin.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Zerocyde
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
45
06-29-2022 05:51 PM
Calikingcrawler
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
8
09-07-2021 07:14 AM
Tcq192
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
7
10-23-2015 09:25 AM
Bankerburt
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
0
09-08-2015 10:29 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)