Strange instrument cluster problem,late cherokee

Posted By: OzHemi

Strange instrument cluster problem,late cherokee - 02/26/09 04:16 AM

Anyone heard of anything like this and a possible cure ?

My sister called me to say her '98 Cherokee instruments have stopped working intermittantly..more often now then when it started. The fuel gauge and speedo both stop working (the rest are idiot lights) but it runs/drives fine and she drives it daily. It's just a 4.0/auto 2 wheel drive with not many options.

Any ideas I might be able to check on it ?

(not that I really feel like it

)

Thanks

Posted By: moparsquid

Re: Strange instrument cluster problem,late cherokee - 02/26/09 04:40 AM

check to see if it is plugged in at the back or i cant remember if there is a istrument cluster relay.

Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Strange instrument cluster problem,late cherokee - 02/26/09 05:42 AM

I'll have to get her to stop by over the weekend and see if I can reach up under there to check the connection..

Posted By: dart67

Re: Strange instrument cluster problem,late cherokee - 02/26/09 11:56 AM

Probably doesn't help,but......I had a 98 Wrangler that ,within 1 year of buying new, would be driving and suddenly all instrumentation would stop working. Hit a bump might come back on. Put up with it til I wanted a truck instead. Needed to fix so I could have an easier time selling.

Took out the insert? and found everything just sort of plugged in as you put the insert back. It rested in the plug. The plug itself wasn't staying in the insert. Put some cardboard on each side of plug to take up slack and "push " it toward insert. Fixed.

Posted By: sharpie

Re: Strange instrument cluster problem,late cherokee - 02/26/09 03:11 PM

Oz, I'll do a Jeepforum search when I get to work this morning. I'm sure I can find something.

Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Strange instrument cluster problem,late cherokee - 02/26/09 03:22 PM

Quote:

Oz, I'll do a Jeepforum search when I get to work this morning. I'm sure I can find something.

Thanks

Thanks too dart67... could be a loose connector like you mentioned

Posted By: AINTNRT

Re: Strange instrument cluster problem,late cherokee - 02/26/09 05:53 PM

Chrysler TSB 08-15-99, You need part # 05016261AA. New cluster connector. Airbag light may also be on.

Posted By: dart67

Re: Strange instrument cluster problem,late cherokee - 02/26/09 08:28 PM

You're welcome. Would like to be able to help somebody, as much help as I've gotten here.

Posted By: sharpie

Re: Strange instrument cluster problem,late cherokee - 02/26/09 09:11 PM

http://jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=619506&highlight=gauges+stop+working

http://jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=191087&highlight=intermittent+gauges

Quote:

Your troubles are caused by the connector that joins the instrument cluster to the rest of the dash wiring harness. On the later style dash, these develop intermittent connections, and give all sorts of fits.

The fix is to remove the instrment cluster, clean the contacts on both halves, and use a dielectric grease in the connector to prevent corrosion.

I actually remember doing this on my 98 now that they mention it.

Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Strange instrument cluster problem,late cherokee - 02/26/09 09:16 PM

Quote:

Chrysler TSB 08-15-99, You need part # 05016261AA. New cluster connector. Airbag light may also be on.

Thank you

I'll try cleaning it first, if not will order the part and do the fix that way

Posted By: OzHemi

Re: Strange instrument cluster problem,late cherokee - 02/26/09 09:17 PM

Quote:

http://jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=619506&highlight=gauges+stop+working

http://jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=191087&highlight=intermittent+gauges

Quote:

Your troubles are caused by the connector that joins the instrument cluster to the rest of the dash wiring harness. On the later style dash, these develop intermittent connections, and give all sorts of fits.

The fix is to remove the instrment cluster, clean the contacts on both halves, and use a dielectric grease in the connector to prevent corrosion.

I actually remember doing this on my 98 now that they mention it.

Thanks Brian

Guess I will get her to bring the Jeep by so I can have a play around with it