Dashboard flickering

[Bryanwong1]

Hello,

Good day to all.

I have been having some recent issues with my TJ were my dashboard lights flickers when starting the car. It flickers very quickly and makes sound for like 5-15 seconds, then goes to regular 3 sound warning when starting. This happens only during the night or when its cool temperature. During the day when it’s warm it does not happen. Any idea what this could be? There aren’t any engine code. Thanks!

 

[macleanflood]

How healthy is your battery? Clean the battery terminals? Check and clean the firewall ground between the engine and battery. Check interior grounds under both speaker covers and both kick panels.

-Mac

 

[CharlesHS]

Check the Multi Function Switch wiring inside the steering column (unscrew 3 screws to remove plastic column halves)
Check the G201 Ground which I believe is behind the radio connected to the metal dashboard support.
These schematics for the Instrument Cluster back lighting should assist you in further troubleshooting your problem.

 

[Weasellee]

How healthy is your battery? Clean the battery terminals? Check and clean the firewall ground between the engine and battery. Check interior grounds under both speaker covers and both kick panels.

-Mac

Start here. The ‘02 Luci is driving was acting similarly and has stopped since all new battery and ground connections.
Actually i left the terminal on the alternator because it wasn’t coming loose.

 

[Bryanwong1]

Thanks for the feedback! Am I suppose to see a ground wire here?

 

[GATORB8]

No, G is ground:

I'd definitely check for a weak battery first. Sounds like the starter is drawing voltage down and the battery can't compensate anymore.

 

[Bryanwong1]

This morning, when starting the engine, I experienced something extra. Normally the car starts quickly, but this time there was a fast crank before it started, along with the same issue as before.

Here is the sequence of events this morning:

When I opened the car door, there was no interior light and no dash illumination. After about 10 seconds, the lights and dashboard finally came on.

When I tried to start the engine, it cranked but did not fire. The crank was fast, not slow, which suggests the battery was fine (it’s new and fully charged). I tried again immediately, and the engine started right away.

After starting, the dashboard flickered for about five seconds before the normal warning lights appeared. Everything seemed fine afterward, and the car started normally for the rest of the day. The dashboard flickering only happens when it’s cool outside at night, even after a just drove the car for miles. However, during the day when its warm, everything is fine.

 

[Bryanwong1]

No, G is ground:
View attachment 666738

I'd definitely check for a weak battery first. Sounds like the starter is drawing voltage down and the battery can't compensate anymore.

Thanks, will check battery again, but this only happens when ambient temp is cool. Mostly at night even after driving a lot.

 

[GATORB8]

Thanks, will check battery again, but this only happens when ambient temp is cool. Mostly at night even after driving a lot.

From your last post, I see you've already replaced it. I'd go to grounds next.

If you look at the picture I posted, it has two of the grounds from the diagram Charles posted, G200/201.

 

[CharlesHS]

From your last post, I see you've already replaced it. I'd go to grounds next.

If you look at the picture I posted, it has two of the grounds from the diagram Charles posted, G200/201.

As I posted earlier... there is a ground behind the radio that is attached to the metal framing for the dashboard.