Fix your TJ's dead gauges (write-up) - Page 4

jrs948 · 09-14-2008, 02:46 PM

What is this? Is this a wire attached behind the sterring collumn? If it is, this might answer some of my electrical issues. Thanks. [IMG]

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FL 4.0L · 09-14-2008, 08:43 PM

My cluster quit on me once. I checked the fuse for it behind the glovebox, and it hadn't blown. I replaced it anyway and I haven't had a problem since.

**Divinitous** · 01-05-2009, 05:32 PM

Seems that the guy is banned and click-free is nice.
So...

Quote:

Originally Posted by zach1288

Fix your TJ's dead gauges

Here is a quick write-up on how to fix your dead gauges. I had a problem with them dying, and later found out that it was a common problem. The connection's to the gauges can go bad for many reasons.

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First thing you have to do is remove this piece of plastic on the top of your dash. There are not any screws just pull up on it, and it should pop right off.

Next remove the screws on each side of the steering wheel as shown in the pictures below.

Then pull off that piece of plastic from under the steering wheel as shown in the picture below.

**Divinitous** · 01-05-2009, 05:33 PM

Part Deux!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by zach1288

Next you have to remove the gauge cluster. There will be two screws on the top and two screws on the bottom. Once you take the screws off, gently pull the cluster toward you. It will pop off the connectors.

**Divinitous** · 01-05-2009, 05:34 PM

Part Trois

Quote:

Originally Posted by zach1288

Next you have to remove the gauge cluster. There will be two screws on the top and two screws on the bottom. Once you take the screws off, gently pull the cluster toward you. It will pop off the connectors.

**Divinitous** · 01-05-2009, 05:35 PM

Part Quatre

Quote:

Originally Posted by zach1288

Last you want to clean the connectors on the back of the cluster and on the connectors in the dash. I cleaned mine with rubbing alcohol and q-tips. You can also bend the wires on the cluster with needle nose pliers. After that put the cluster back on and test it out. If it works put everything back together. If it does not work then try cleaing again. If you still dont have any luck post in my forum or jeepforum.com and someone will help you.

mekkerl · 01-09-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL 4.0L

My cluster quit on me once. I checked the fuse for it behind the glovebox, and it hadn't blown. I replaced it anyway and I haven't had a problem since.

So do you figure it was the fuse? Or just luck?

Gauges have been out for over a year now...last I checked the fuses were fine. Going to try the dash board this weekend.

Gotrcks · 01-13-2009, 05:39 PM

I have a 98 TJ and have been having intermitten problems with my gauges off & on for the past three years. I had thought it was something else but since reading the writeup about cleaning the back of the dash cluster I thought it would cure the problem! Wrong! I've taken the dash out and cleaned the cluster pins three times now and it makes no difference. I start the jeep and after it runs for a little while the alt gauge pegs out and stays there. If I turn the engine off then on it will correct itself but will peg out again.

Some times the speedometer will freeze up, along with the tachometer and the other gauges then they start working again. All the fuses are good (glove compartment & under the hood) and I haven't noticed any worn wires that are shorting out.

Can anyone give me another idea?

Jeep25 · 01-13-2009, 07:35 PM

I've been having the same problem for almost 2 years now. Like this poster, I've pulled the dash cluster apart twice to clean and tweak. Sometimes it's good for days and other times could happen 2-3 times within one day.

Plus I also noticed that I'm able to get my gauges working immed when this happens by touching the brake pedal.

hscrugby · 01-13-2009, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeep25

I've been having the same problem for almost 2 years now. Like this poster, I've pulled the dash cluster apart twice to clean and tweak. Sometimes it's good for days and other times could happen 2-3 times within one day.

Plus I also noticed that I'm able to get my gauges working immed when this happens by touching the brake pedal.

That sounds like a ground issue somewhere.
But you might also want to get your alternator checked. Mine was about to die, and starting doing crazy things with the gauges for a bit. Replaced the alternator, and they are all fine now.

Gotrcks · 01-14-2009, 01:00 PM

Thanks for your contribution. It might be a grouding problem. I'm pretty sure the alternator is good. I've checked it and had it checked a few times in the past, while the gauges were dead. Someone on another thread said they held down the trip odometer clear button and turned the ignition to the on position and that checks the gauges. I've done that but I have to take it out driving to check it. It some times takes a few minutes to start its' acting up. I'm heading up to play in the snow for a few days tomorrow so maybe someone will come up with a solution while I'm away. I know, I know but I can always hope.....

black71gp · 03-09-2009, 07:15 PM

ya been fightin this problem for over a year now. .sometimes i can clean/sand them file them whatever down clean.. they work for a few weeks then out again.. this last time.. I can not get them back for more than a min or two at best.. all starts with the air bag light coming on first. so i know its coming.. then wacky gauges then out they go. SOMETIMES, turning on the lights will bring them back for a moment. i just drive around with the dash apart and pull the cluster in and out as I drive to check speed/fuel and such.

anyone have any other ideas? any certain ground wires to check? or anything else?

Jeep25 · 03-09-2009, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by black71gp

ya been fightin this problem for over a year now. .sometimes i can clean/sand them file them whatever down clean.. they work for a few weeks then out again.. this last time.. I can not get them back for more than a min or two at best.. all starts with the air bag light coming on first. so i know its coming.. then wacky gauges then out they go. SOMETIMES, turning on the lights will bring them back for a moment. i just drive around with the dash apart and pull the cluster in and out as I drive to check speed/fuel and such.

anyone have any other ideas? any certain ground wires to check? or anything else?

Legit...sometimes when I hit the brakes they work again. I've been living with this for 2 years.

Right now, I'm looking at replacing the dash cluster with another one to see what happens after 1-2 weeks.

black71gp · 03-09-2009, 07:28 PM

thats what I was thinking...a new dash part

Jeep25 · 04-11-2009, 11:19 AM

The adventure continues.

I did pick up a another dash cluster that has 1,000 miles more than my own and will wait until the mileage is equal for the change. Therefore, "my" mileage will still be acturate.

In the meantime, the gauges today went dead again for over 10 minutes. Longest time ever. Upon hitting the horn, which always works the gauges came back to life.

09-14-2008, 08:43 PM	#47
FL 4.0L Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: FL Posts: 1,301 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	My cluster quit on me once. I checked the fuse for it behind the glovebox, and it hadn't blown. I replaced it anyway and I haven't had a problem since. __________________ '97 TJ Sport, 4.0L, AX-15, D30/35, Dayton Timberline AT 31x10.5x15s, Warrior rack, Silverstars, KC HiLites Replacement Fogs, Optima Yellow Top, EBC Greenstuff pads and Centric rotors, 164K '97 Rodeo, '96 Jetta, '02 Cabrio, '03 E46