coyote kid Posted May 31, 2013 Share Posted May 31, 2013 my 88 Comanche has no dash lights on anything, they did work at one point but for some reason now they don't, the fuse checked out visually but I replaced it anyway, could it be a hidden ground strap or something??? :dunno: :hmm: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheDirtyJeep401 Posted May 31, 2013 Share Posted May 31, 2013 Have you tried turning the knob for the headlights that dimms the dash lights? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coyote kid Posted May 31, 2013 Author Share Posted May 31, 2013 yes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpace6a Posted May 31, 2013 Share Posted May 31, 2013 my 88 Comanche has no dash lights on anything, they did work at one point but for some reason now they don't, the fuse checked out visually but I replaced it anyway, could it be a hidden ground strap or something??? :dunno: :hmm: Same problem with my 86...checked fuses, bulbs, replaced my dimmer switch, still nothing. I'm told theres a ground wire, near the ebrake(?) or brake pedal...I'm not sure though, havent been able to find out anything more on it...Check the ground first, unless you have tiny hands and an extra joint in your forearm, the dimmer switch is a royal pita to replace Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheDirtyJeep401 Posted May 31, 2013 Share Posted May 31, 2013 my 88 Comanche has no dash lights on anything, they did work at one point but for some reason now they don't, the fuse checked out visually but I replaced it anyway, could it be a hidden ground strap or something??? :dunno: :hmm: Same problem with my 86...checked fuses, bulbs, replaced my dimmer switch, still nothing. I'm told theres a ground wire, near the ebrake(?) or brake pedal...I'm not sure though, havent been able to find out anything more on it...Check the ground first, unless you have tiny hands and an extra joint in your forearm, the dimmer switch is a royal pita to replace I think its by the brake, If I remeber corretly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coyote kid Posted May 31, 2013 Author Share Posted May 31, 2013 I will take a look in the morning. I had to replace the head light switch on my 86 xj and it was a royal pain in the rear Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpace6a Posted May 31, 2013 Share Posted May 31, 2013 my 88 Comanche has no dash lights on anything, they did work at one point but for some reason now they don't, the fuse checked out visually but I replaced it anyway, could it be a hidden ground strap or something??? :dunno: :hmm: Same problem with my 86...checked fuses, bulbs, replaced my dimmer switch, still nothing. I'm told theres a ground wire, near the ebrake(?) or brake pedal...I'm not sure though, havent been able to find out anything more on it...Check the ground first, unless you have tiny hands and an extra joint in your forearm, the dimmer switch is a royal pita to replace I think its by the brake, If I remeber corretly. Saw a wire on the brake...but I'm 98% sure thats for brake lights...i'll have to look again tomorrow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted May 31, 2013 Share Posted May 31, 2013 Improving the Instrument Panel Ground The ground point for the complete instrument cluster on your XJ or MJ is located up under the driver’s side dash. If you lay on your back and look up under there with a flashlight, without wearing a hat, you will see a black wire attached to a shiny piece of metal almost directly above the hood release knob. The screw will have either a ¼” or 5/16” head on it. This ground point is responsible for handling the ground circuit for the following items: Dome lamps, Seatbelt and key warning, trans comfort switch, wiper switch, headlamp switch and delay module, fog lamp switch, cargo lamp switch, all instrument panel grounds and illumination, power windows and door locks, cruise control dump valve, and a few more things. The problem is that where the ground point is located does not have a good contact with the chassis where the ground should be. The solution is simple. Make up a jumper wire with #10 gauge wire about 10” long. On one end, crimp on a ¼” round wire terminal. On the other end, crimp on a 3/8” round wire terminal. Remove the screw from the existing ground wire and attach the small terminal of your jumper so that the original wire and your new jumper share the same attaching point, one over the other. Look above the driver’s side plastic kick panel just forward of the top of the hood release knob. You will see an 8mm stud there. Attach the large terminal end there with a washer and nut over it tightened securely. **Special note for Comanche owners: Make your jumper wire 12” long and attach it on the driver’s side kick panel close to the fusebox on the 8mm stud.** Revised 11-29-2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmoore1031 Posted May 31, 2013 Share Posted May 31, 2013 Could be a bad headlight switch. the dash lights did not work until the switch was replaced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajohnson928 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 Not to thread jack, but do the HVAC controls even have lights on an 89 MJ? My dash is fine but there is just darkness from the middle. Is that the way they were built or do I have another thing to add to my list of needed repairs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpace6a Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 Not to thread jack, but do the HVAC controls even have lights on an 89 MJ? My dash is fine but there is just darkness from the middle. Is that the way they were built or do I have another thing to add to my list of needed repairs? x2 Tried the ground today...still no lights. Tested lights, new switch, still nothing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87MJTIM Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 Not to thread jack, but do the HVAC controls even have lights on an 89 MJ? My dash is fine but there is just darkness from the middle. Is that the way they were built or do I have another thing to add to my list of needed repairs? Sounds like you just need to replace a bulb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coyote kid Posted June 3, 2013 Author Share Posted June 3, 2013 :agree: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
01yellowxj Posted October 26, 2013 Share Posted October 26, 2013 I just bought a 90 that has no dash lights as well. Will try the ground and see. My ebrake is all jacked up as well so maybe the PO knocked it off messing with the ebrake. Will mark this thread and post if I figure out mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lurch Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 Would love to find a solution to this problem as well. On my '92, all dash lights, minus turn indictors, fuel and upshift light, went out after I pulled my carpet. I assumed that I had knocked something loose, but have checked multiple times and I can't find anything wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ComancheKid45 Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 Never mind, i didnt read enough......my bad. :doh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MtnClimber Posted November 2, 2013 Share Posted November 2, 2013 Sounds like the headlight switch is bad. It has a rheostat type switch for the dimming the instrument panel lights. They usually go bad in Jeeps. Yes they're a PITA, but if you like dash lights, I'd replace it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87MJTIM Posted November 2, 2013 Share Posted November 2, 2013 Get a continuity tester for the switch. Test the power in and then test all the plugs out. The switch on my CJ went out. That is how I tested it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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