What did you do to your Cherokee today?
Moderator of Jeeps
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 21,029
Likes: 3
From: Frederick, MD from Cleveland, OH
Year: 1993 YJ Wrangler
Engine: 4.0 I6
It doesn't sound like a big deal, but that switch is a huge pain to replace, and it isn't expensive or difficult to preventatively install a harness with relays.
He's serious, bud. Even with the factory low wattage lights, the switch is likely to melt at some point. The harness will give you more light output by reducing the amount of energy being wasted as heat. It'll also take the current out of the headlight switch so it won't melt.
It doesn't sound like a big deal, but that switch is a huge pain to replace, and it isn't expensive or difficult to preventatively install a harness with relays.
It doesn't sound like a big deal, but that switch is a huge pain to replace, and it isn't expensive or difficult to preventatively install a harness with relays.
Moderator of Jeeps
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 21,029
Likes: 3
From: Frederick, MD from Cleveland, OH
Year: 1993 YJ Wrangler
Engine: 4.0 I6
I hear ya, from what I scanned it looked like guys were upgrading harnesses to get more power/light.... I'm new to this XJ thing having owned grands.. thought I was going a safe route actually vs IPFs etc etc... so in short what I've just purchased and showed ya, I've set myself up for failure? Hate to hijack this thread.. got a good link?... i'll keep searching in the meantime...
Putco:
Amazon.com: Putco 230004HW Premium Automotive Lighting Wiring H4 100W Heavy Duty Harness and Relay: Automotive
eAW: Can't find the link...
When you go with the harness you get two benefits. One brighter lights yes. Two you get the current draw away from the switch and put on the relays. So its a win win situation.And you get it all for around 30 bucks.
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,004
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington,NC
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 8,272
Likes: 1
From: Baltimore, MD
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6 HO
You haven't done anything wrong at all with Sylvanias. Adding in a harness will only compliment them and make your electrical parts last longer. Many people favor the Putco harness, and there's another popular one from eAutoWorks.
Putco: Amazon.com: Putco 230004HW Premium Automotive Lighting Wiring H4 100W Heavy Duty Harness and Relay: Automotive
eAW: Can't find the link...
Putco: Amazon.com: Putco 230004HW Premium Automotive Lighting Wiring H4 100W Heavy Duty Harness and Relay: Automotive
eAW: Can't find the link...
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4,104
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio, TX
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I was just trying to replace OME with off the shelf aftermarket "a touch better than OME".... I think it'll be just fine... not running outlandish wattage lights...
Still haven't seen anyone explain the issue... we all know the xj's wiring setup has plenty to be desired... i understand that... but burnin up **** from an OME replacement design for a "FLEET" vehicle headlight makes me wonder....
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy input.. that's why we're all here
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 12,692
Likes: 4
From: Mercer County, NJ
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 HO
I've seen it.. great setup!
I was just trying to replace OME with off the shelf aftermarket "a touch better than OME".... I think it'll be just fine... not running outlandish wattage lights...
Still haven't seen anyone explain the issue... we all know the xj's wiring setup has plenty to be desired... i understand that... but burnin up **** from an OME replacement design for a "FLEET" vehicle headlight makes me wonder....
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy input.. that's why we're all here
Moderator of Jeeps
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 21,029
Likes: 3
From: Frederick, MD from Cleveland, OH
Year: 1993 YJ Wrangler
Engine: 4.0 I6
Its inevitable. Ny switching melted once. Had no headlights driving home. Had to use highbeams and hold the lever. Its a poor design. That's about 9-10 amps being pulled through that switch. Thrill terminals wear down over time. With thwarting harness, power goes straight to headlights from battery and bypass the switch
Finished putting the TC drop on "Babe the blue jeep" 3.5 RE super-flex lift is done. Now I have to start chasing down vibes and noises that weren't there before I started. It is vibrating when I give it the gas but not when I slow down. I'm sure that something isn't aligned right.