Fix your TJ's dead gauges (write-up) - Page 5

mekkerl · 04-14-2009, 12:47 PM

I tried this just now, and the cluster still does not work. All I get are the lights and the mileage. The gauges still do not work.

Anyone else have other ideas?

Yes, I even checked the fuses and switched a working one with the cluster cavity.

Thanks guys!!

**mhall101** · 04-20-2009, 07:27 PM

im having a sim problem with my XJ, My gages will all stop working and my air bag light will come on... then the light goes out and the gages start working again...i havent cleaned the the plugs yet but will soon... also iv been told that the problem could be the clock spring just an idea

Jeep25 · 04-26-2009, 11:00 AM

After shopping around I found a dash cluster with about 1000 miles less than mine. So I drove my TJ until it got real close.

I have 107807 on mine and the replacement now has 107860. So while I screwed myself out of 53 miles (big deal), I'm hoping that the replacement cluster doesn't have the same problems as the gauges freakin out and the air bag light comes on.

While the cluster was out, I also upgraded to the LED Illumination lights.

Figure I should drive it for about 1 month before reporting back to let you know how it's working. That is unless the same problem happens.

Stay tuned...

MACKINNON4528 · 04-26-2009, 12:29 PM

HERE'S ONE FOR YOU ALL. ALL OF MY GAUGES WORK BUT I HAVE NO LIGHTS ON THE CLUSTER, TOOK APART AND CLEANED AND STILL NO LIGHTS, CHECKED ALL BULBS AND NOTHING, ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT.

iowajeepers2 · 04-26-2009, 02:42 PM

I've had this intermittent problem since I bought my TJ a year ago...actually had the gauges drop out on me when I drove away from the used dealership where I bought it. I immediately took it back and they "fixed" the problem, but couldn't tell me exactly what they did. When the prob came back I started tracking when it would happen, on bumpy roads mostly, tap the dash it'll come back. Now it's doing it whenever.... but I push in on the gauge cluster and it's fine again. For a while anyway. First symptom is the airbag light comes on, then all the gauges flatline then the engine light comes on and I get "no bus" in the odometer. Still have lights and radio. I knew it was a connection issue but had no idea where to start. When I have a dry day I'm gonna try this and see if it works.

Thanks for all the pics!! Being a girl, I'm very visual oriented.... lol. I don't know what all the parts are called but give me a pic and I'm good!!

Jeep25 · 05-07-2009, 08:19 PM

Looks like I finally fixed my screwed up gauges.

The replacement dash cluster did the trick.

nyquiljunkie · 05-13-2009, 04:39 PM

this week they are up there fixing the Hubble space telescope, which is no small job traveling at those speeds dodging space junk.

I find it hard to believe Chrysler cant permanently fix this known issue.

I have to take the cluster out and do that about once a year, or sometimes it ok for longer. It always comes back.

I'm wondering if a brand new OEM cluster would fix it.
I imagine thats no small hunk of cash.

1fastR · 05-13-2009, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyquiljunkie

this week they are up there fixing the Hubble space telescope, which is no small job traveling at those speeds dodging space junk.

I find it hard to believe Chrysler cant permanently fix this known issue.

I have to take the cluster out and do that about once a year, or sometimes it ok for longer. It always comes back.

I'm wondering if a brand new OEM cluster would fix it.
I imagine thats no small hunk of cash.

What year is your Jeep?

mustgooverit · 05-13-2009, 11:17 PM

I had a similar problem with my 98 wrangler. I took the gauge cluster out cleaned both plugs and the terminals on the cluster then loaded the plugs with some dielectric grease and havn't had a problem since!!!!

Kfels23 · 05-29-2009, 08:40 PM

Have a 99 Wrangler 5 speed. For a long time I have been doing the dash slam to get the gauges to perk up again. The other night I was driving and suddenly the radio cut out as well as the gauges. They have not come back on since. I took the dash apart and cleaned the prongs, the plug and still no dice.

Next I checked the power going to the radio. With the Jeep on the 12v constant on the radio cable read ground. I checked all the fuses and they were fine. I took a piece of wire and jumped from the 12v switched on the radio cable to the 12v constant on the radio cable.The radio, gauges and dome light all fired up.

Obviously the connection behind the cluster is fine since it worked with the jump. If anyone has any ideas on what this might be let me know. It seems a bit different then what I have seen in this thread.

aussied97tj · 05-29-2009, 08:47 PM

Another thing to check is the LOD fuse in the power distribution box under the hood.I believe it is a 10 amp fuse if that blows gauges and mileage will not work.

**Steelman** · 05-31-2009, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aussied97tj

Another thing to check is the LOD fuse in the power distribution box under the hood.I believe it is a 10 amp fuse if that blows gauges and mileage will not work.

Agreed...I believe the fuse is #F-17...

bigj1974 · 05-31-2009, 12:51 AM

for those of you that are taking pains to tear apart the dash and still not getting results you can go to the dealership and buy a new oil pressure sending unit, which is found in the engine bay, on the passenger side of the block.

that will help alleviate the problem.

looks like this:

nyquiljunkie · 06-10-2009, 05:00 PM

that makes the whole cluster die?

black71gp · 09-03-2009, 03:35 PM

these things are driving me nuts.. i have cleaned.. wiped, slightly bend.. cleaned, scraped wiggled.. everything that has been said. I have a 97.. they will normally work for around 5 seconds every morning or anytime it sits for a while, then they go off again.. SOMETIMES when i turn the head lights on they will come back for a second or two as well.. I dont know what else to try.. I have found the TSB about replacing the 05016261AA Cluster Connector Patch Harness. I however have not done this yet.. does anyone actually think that could be it? I am wondering if there is a bad resistor or something someplace causing it to work when cooled off but only a few seconds of key on they all go dead.. becoming a MAJOR pain... any advice?

05-29-2009, 08:40 PM	#70
Kfels23 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Whitehall, pa Posts: 2 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Similar problem Have a 99 Wrangler 5 speed. For a long time I have been doing the dash slam to get the gauges to perk up again. The other night I was driving and suddenly the radio cut out as well as the gauges. They have not come back on since. I took the dash apart and cleaned the prongs, the plug and still no dice. Next I checked the power going to the radio. With the Jeep on the 12v constant on the radio cable read ground. I checked all the fuses and they were fine. I took a piece of wire and jumped from the 12v switched on the radio cable to the 12v constant on the radio cable.The radio, gauges and dome light all fired up. Obviously the connection behind the cluster is fine since it worked with the jump. If anyone has any ideas on what this might be let me know. It seems a bit different then what I have seen in this thread.

05-13-2009, 11:17 PM	#69
mustgooverit Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: sacramento Posts: 13 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I had a similar problem with my 98 wrangler. I took the gauge cluster out cleaned both plugs and the terminals on the cluster then loaded the plugs with some dielectric grease and havn't had a problem since!!!!