Instrument lights no workie!

[kemosabee]

So about a week ago I was driving and had no headlights, luckily I had my Hellas so I was able to use those. Anyways I replaced the light switch and as I was taking it off the lights turned on. Weird? So I replaced it anyways and now the instrument lights do not work. I had checked the fuses in the car and replaced the fuse for the instrument lights and it did not work. Still had no instrument lights. I did a search on google and naxja and couldn't find a post directed towards this issue. Any ideas? I'll be checking the wiring this weekend to make sure no wires are exposed.

 

[red91xj]

I'm having the same problem right now as well...

I can't figure out what the deal is...

 

[bajacalal]

If your headlighs or instrument panel illumination isin't working, its probably the (pull type) switch that controls these. Make sure its the right switch and that its hooked up properly and all the plug contacts need to be clean and tight and that the knob is inserted all the way. You might want to check the headlight relay as well.

 

[tetsulo]

I didn't see it mentioned so I'm gonna say it. I troubleshoot computers and it's never failed me (or seriously held me up) to check the obvious first. On my 90 MJ, my headlight switch is also a dimmer for the instrument lights. Make sure it's not turned all the way down (on my MJ towards the right is off) before tearing it all apart again.

Matthew

 

[kemosabee]

I have the right switch, just replaced it with a new one less than a week ago from Napa. it is hooked up, all contacts are touching, I need to check the wiring again because there was some corrosion on the bad switch that I replaced. The dimmer part of it is up all the way so the instrument lights should be at it's brightest. I checked that multiple times too, (I work on PCs as well.) I'll check on the headlight realy later tonight.

 

[Pelican]

I found out the hard way that there is a separate ground wire that has to be plugged in to the switch for the instrument lights to work (at least on the '85). It obviously slipped off without my realizing it while taking the switch out. You might check this if you haven't already done so.

 

[bajacalal]

Oh, yes you jogged my memory. Its the same. Also my 77 powerwagon has the same switch. I looked at mine but still diddn't remember that ground wire. Its on the top of the switch, grounds the housing of the switch I believe.

 

[Zoro]

Are you sure you rotated the knob so that the dimmer is at it's brightest? Do any of the other interior lights come on?

 

[snacob14]

well, depending on the year and depending if your gauges don't work either. there's a 15 amp in your underhood fuses that can burn out. just replaced mine tonight because my gauges and radio quit working.

 

[PapaPump]

this sounds like a trouble area. My switch quit working too. I had to drive home holding back the flash-to-pass and blind everyone. I replaced the switch with a junkyard piece and was good to go the next day. Recently I've had the fuse for the instrument panel burn twice. Also, my headlights sometimes shut off when I flip on the brights. Tonight while driving home with the brights, they shut off and came back on a few times. When I stopped using the brights, they stayed on.

I am not sure if all of these are related issues, because I've also had some speedo surging (electric speedo). All I know is the entire headlight circuit is junk! I tried to install HIDs and they would not even come on. Turns out my headlights were only getting 10v or so. I want to do a fresh wiring setup because the relay kits plug into the stock sockets and so do the HIDs. It would be 3 plugs in a row and be pretty hoky. Anyhow, that ran a little off topic, but thanks for listening. )