No dash gauges
- Thread starter OilSpot74
- Start date
hdbiker1
Member
I just went through this after replacing heater box. Check the 100 way connectors for looseness. My gauges and gauge back lights were inop until I reached under the dash and wiggled the wires.
Super easy to pull the dash gauge cluster and check for corrosion.
Check your grounds.
Clean your battery terminals.
-Mac
Check your grounds.
Clean your battery terminals.
-Mac
Remove and inspect the harness wiring whr the 32 pin connectors plugged into the ECU (attached to the firewall above the battery) looking for oxidation or signs of overheating.
Trace the ECU harness wiring across to firewall which is routed around the threaded head stud (right rear corner of head) and inspect the split wire loom and wiring for abrasions or bare wiring. This is the communications for the sensors and signals for the gauge cluster. IF the wiring is shorted to ground or broken; the instrument cluster gauges will not function.
Trace the ECU harness wiring across to firewall which is routed around the threaded head stud (right rear corner of head) and inspect the split wire loom and wiring for abrasions or bare wiring. This is the communications for the sensors and signals for the gauge cluster. IF the wiring is shorted to ground or broken; the instrument cluster gauges will not function.
I fixed it with the “jeep slap”. Just gave the dash a couple of whacks and everything came to life. *insert joke here*
You may find the problem returns.
There is a known problem of oxidation (black spots) where the instrument cluster plugs into the (2) BUSS connectors; the clips and pins develop microscopic oxidation which interfere with the communications.
In the past I tried cleaning the pins and clips with plastic safe contact cleaner, scuffed clips lightly with Scotch-brite and the problem returns.
My 1998 XJ had this problem and there was a TSB ('98-99) where the dealerships would would replace the BUSS connectors, but in my case the problem returned.
Never was able to get rid of the problem no matter what I did, but when the gauges would go dead and a AirBag light would illuminate; I found that flipping the directions to make a right turn would get the gauges to respond again.
Very good to know. Basically a known issue with a few possible fixes to try. I appreciate the responses. Thx all
KennethS
TJ Addict
There’s a contact cleaner called DeoxIT that is supposed to work really well for that type of issue.
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