Fix your TJ's dead gauges (write-up) - Page 3

jeeptrix · 07-07-2007, 07:26 PM

Just did this and still no luck. My RPM guage is still dead, and my speedometer guage still keeps sticking constantly until I smack it. I got everything taken apart, and cleaned out, and it's still dead. Anyone have any more advice?

ipitythefool · 07-22-2007, 10:44 PM

sorry to jack this thead, but does anyone know of where to go to get the odmeter recalibrated?

thanks

Shinitenshi · 08-30-2007, 04:41 PM

could you just swipe them with alcohol?

cybernutt86 · 08-30-2007, 05:27 PM

oh man... thanks a lot. this is exactly what i needed. i just drove the better part of 300 miles without gauges yesterday...

samuelshoun · 08-30-2007, 07:56 PM

x1000 thanks, been having this problem and the fix seemed daunting until i saw your write-up. it looks relatively easy.

who has dielectric grease? autozone? radio shack maybe?

retroflow · 09-26-2007, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelman

I did get my guages fixed. Found the cause of the problem, almost by accident! It's not a great picture, but you can see where the wires had rubbed through and were shorting out (long story). It's right about where the wire turns up to go under the roll bar padding.

I know it's been a while since you posted this information but I think it's quite significant. I for one, wouldn't think to look that far aft of the dashboard for a fault. I can see how this short could effect the dome light and the courtesty lamps, but affecting the instrument cluster and radio is surprising as they're all on different fuses entirely. Theoretically, one fuse going should have stopped the short there without taking out the other ones as well. Your discovery raises all sorts of questions but, in a positive, thought provoking way.

That being said, I'm wondering now how a short like this, or anywhere else could affect other electrical components of the Jeep as well. My problem is different on the face of it (Airbag lamp) but may not be too far away afterall. I haven't blown any fuses to anything yet but, this doesn't mean there isn't a wiring problem. Just that it hasn't blown a fuse. Whatever is wrong hasn't exceeded the amps the fuse is rated for.

retroflow · 09-26-2007, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samuelshoun

who has dielectric grease? autozone? radio shack maybe?

My local autoparts stores (AutoZone, Advance, Pep Boys) usually have the little packets of Dielectric grease on a small rack at the checkout counters, along with that same companies other products, like anti-seize grease, etc. Usually costs about .90 cents or something. Ask the counterperson for help.

gUanoTJ · 09-26-2007, 01:34 PM

retroflow,

Have you checked the connectors on the clockspring behind the steering wheel. Most likely that is what is causing your problem. This may not be a big deal now, but down the road it may affect many things from somehting as simple as your horn, all the way to issues with rough idle, etc. Do a search for clockspring replacement and see what you can dig up. HTH

**Steelman** · 09-26-2007, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retroflow

I know it's been a while since you posted this information but I think it's quite significant. I for one, wouldn't think to look that far aft of the dashboard for a fault. I can see how this short could effect the dome light and the courtesty lamps, but affecting the instrument cluster and radio is surprising as they're all on different fuses entirely. Theoretically, one fuse going should have stopped the short there without taking out the other ones as well. Your discovery raises all sorts of questions but, in a positive, thought provoking way.

That being said, I'm wondering now how a short like this, or anywhere else could affect other electrical components of the Jeep as well. My problem is different on the face of it (Airbag lamp) but may not be too far away afterall. I haven't blown any fuses to anything yet but, this doesn't mean there isn't a wiring problem. Just that it hasn't blown a fuse. Whatever is wrong hasn't exceeded the amps the fuse is rated for.

The reason everything had quit working is because this short was blowing the F17 (I'm fairly positive that's the correct fuse number...as you've stated, it's been a while!) fuse under the hood. All is still well.

I've mentioned that particular fuse to a number of other folks, and it has solved issues they were having. For instance, sometime when one installs a new stereo, for whatever reason, this fuse goes, and then they are puzzled as to what the heck happened!

retroflow · 09-26-2007, 02:55 PM

I see...Well, all the fuses I have seen, behind the glovebox and under the hood in the PCC are all good. I keep hoping that I'll find a simple solution and haven't.

RobFromRI · 02-09-2008, 01:09 PM

i just did mine this morning, and it now works perfectly! thank you very much!

JeepCrawlin · 02-09-2008, 06:43 PM

Does anyone know wat causes my radio and signal lights to turn off? I always need to play with the ignition key with a slight turn for it to work. Can someone help me with what should i check to correct this problem

Maxwell2001TJ · 05-20-2008, 12:42 PM

Thanks for the info on how to remove gauge cluster. I will be replacing the conventional light bulbs to LEDs.

alexr40 · 05-23-2008, 08:07 AM

Happened to me yesterday. Fixed as write-up specified.

Excellent Write up! two thumbs up

botayota · 07-10-2008, 10:08 PM

Excellent write up, I've had this intermitent instrument cluster thing with my 99TJ for many years, I'll pull the cluster and give this cleaning a try. I also read somewhere that there are some ground screws on the panel that lose contact does anyone know which ground screws these maybe?

Thanks,BY