Dash lights not working

[vrrios]

I have a 98 TJ and found out the main gauges are not being lit up when I turn the lights on. All other indicator lights work fine and all gauges work fine. I replaced the bulbs and I also checked fuse 1 in the glove box and the headlight fuse in the engine bay and no issue there. The jeep did have modifications for stereo and extra lights.

I didn't notice initially since I didn't drive at night. Appreciate it anyone has an idea on how to fix this. Just want everything working.

 

[Mac57]

Dash lights can be dimmed / shut off with the headlight switch on some models. Have you tried twisting the headlight switch?

 

[vrrios]

Dash lights can be dimmed / shut off with the headlight switch on some models. Have you tried twisting the headlight switch?

Thanks. Yes I adjusted the switch fully and also have banged on the dash to see if just a loose connection. This model has no cable as the control panel just plugs into the sockets in the back directly

 

[TJ4Jim]

Thanks. Yes I adjusted the switch fully and also have banged on the dash to see if just a loose connection. This model has no cable as the control panel just plugs into the sockets in the back

In the Resource section locate and download the Factory Service Manual for your Jeep and on page 8W-44-6 is the circuit for the dash lighting and switch. Test the terminal off the switch for power since they do go bad.

 

[vrrios]

In the Resource section locate and download the Factory Service Manual for your Jeep and on page 8W-44-6 is the circuit for the dash lighting and switch. Test the terminal off the switch for power since they do go bad.

Thanks. I printed out the pages and having my electrical friend over this afternoon. I am a bit better mechanically than electrically so need his help.

 

[vrrios]

Thanks. I printed out the pages and having my electrical friend over this afternoon. I am a bit better mechanically than electrically so need his help.

Ok, we were able to fix it. There was a short on the cluster between the speaker and one of the illumination lights. It was blowing the fuse. We took off the speaker, cleaned the trace and reinstalled the speaker. We then replaced the 10a fuse, reinstalled the cluster and then everything worked. I am not 100% sure how we fixed the short but for now it works.