Panel Lights Flash When Headlight Switch Is In Auto

**bandanaboyz** · 12-10-2009, 07:53 PM

THE JEEP
1998 5.9L ZJ

PROBLEM
When my headlight switch is in the auto position, the instrument panel lights do not light up; headlights work fine. If I engage the turn signal (left or right) while in auto mode the lights all flash. If I am driving and touch the brake, the lights all flash. WTH! It's like a circus.

Also, the fog lights do not turn on while in the auto mode when you press the button).

REPLACED
I tried a new headlight lamp switch and the problem is still there. I was going to try a new turn signal switch tomorrow.

Has any person experience this before? If so, what did you do to fix the problem? Any suggestions?

tpirocz · 12-10-2009, 08:04 PM

my 97 does this too

**WiCkeDuDe** · 12-10-2009, 08:05 PM

The darkness sensor that controls the headlights when set to auto has gone out. Replace it and you should be good.

JesseOR · 12-10-2009, 08:34 PM

Just don't use auto. Lol. Is it that hard to turn the switch?

**bandanaboyz** · 12-10-2009, 08:39 PM

Switch turns fine. I even tried a NIB headlight lamp switch and the problem was not resolved. I just want to get all those annoying things that stopped working ... working again.

**bandanaboyz** · 12-11-2009, 10:44 AM

I just realized that my daytime running lights do not come on. Can my problem be all related to the DTRL module?

**bandanaboyz** · 01-26-2010, 07:48 PM

I changed the DTR module and it did not resolve the problem. I tried a new Headlight switch and it did not solve the problem. Do we know for sure it's the darkenss sensor? My headlights come on at night in the auto mode, just the dash flickers when foot is on brake or signal is on.

Anyone have a part number for the darkness sensor? Is this the real problem? Is it a sentinel module or daylight sentinel sensor or solar sensor ... someone out there has to have a solution to this crazy problem. BTW, my headlights DO NOT flicker like in some other posts.

JS97ZJ · 01-26-2010, 09:41 PM

I looked up the section that controls the auto sensing head lights, dimmer curcuit, fog lamps, interior warning system etc..etc...,and it all leads back to the B.C.M. (Body Control Module) The BCM is located just under the dash to the left of the steering wheel. There are many connectors going to this module, hopefully one might be loose.

**SpeedyCat3** · 01-26-2010, 10:09 PM

The Auto lights switch is known for developing solder cracks.
Do a search for "headlight switch solder" and you will find a very recent write up with lots of pictures of a tear down and re-soldering of the auto headlight switch.
It is a very informative write up for a very common problem.

Edit..
I found it for you.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f13/r...-heavy-702703/

**bandanaboyz** · 01-27-2010, 08:18 AM

I am going to solder the Headlight Switch today and see what happens. Then I am going to the dealer to locate a good wiring diagram.