99 XJ gauge problems

Metal Man

Member
Joined
May 1, 2015
Location
Garner
Ok, I've checked fuses, body ground under the dash, connections behind the cluster, and connections at the PCM just to start this off. I have no gauge readings and no CEL light, only the airbag light. Every once in a while the cluster will come back to life, when it does it gives the CEL (I have a cut up stream O2) abd the airbag light goes away. Working or not, all safety lights (gas, airbag, seat belt, and CEL) cycle on when the key is first turned as they are supposed to. Open to surjections at this point guys.

99 XJ base model, former Ohio Fire vehicle, Auto trans, yes it has some rust.
 
I had a gage issue on my 98 and we pulled it cleaned the contacts and then put it back together with dielectric grease. Working fine sense we did that.
 
That was the first thing I tried too. Going to add a new ground to the dash this evening and see if that helps, Had to add a fresh ground to the radio so maybe they are related. Anyone have a wiring diagram for the cluster?
 
Did you just check the ground or did you clean it too? I'd honestly clean all the grounds. I recently had my 98 die. We cleaned all the grounds and it has been running fine sense then.
 
Metal Man said:
I will be cleaning all of them, like I said this thing came from Ohio to the NC coast...rust never sleeps LOL.
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There are three ground mounts on the passenger side of the engine and one main one on the back to the firewall. Just incase you didn't know. GL!
 
Thanks bud. I'll let you know what I find tonight if I get to it. Doing some hood vents and running wires for the speakers too. Got all the common XJ things to do to this new build before I can really start building LOL.
 
Well, I'm lost. Cleaned all the grounds, pulled all 3 junction boxes under the dash and checked for corrosion, I still got nothing. :bronco::sniper:
 
Metal Man said:
Well, I'm lost. Cleaned all the grounds, pulled all 3 junction boxes under the dash and checked for corrosion, I still got nothing. :bronco::sniper:
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I'd try and find a replacement to try or actually look in that cluster. Or maybe the ECM. Have you put a scanner on it yet?
 
Swapped clusters, (I have a known good one from a friends 99 XJ), have swapped PCMs, and I own a Snap-on Solus Untra. On the Solus I can see all readings, RPM, Fuel, Amps, Oil, and Temp.
 
Well I have ruled out internal cluster issues but I think I am going to get the upgraded connectors. In the middle of rebuilding the front axle now so it will be sometime next week before I get to it now. Got a lot of irons in the fire on this Jeep at the moment LOL. Welding in new floors, venting hood, new ball joints, wheel bearing, axle U joints. Got to get all the simple stuff done so I can have fun.
 
I've replaced literally hundreds of those connectors over the years. Never had an instance where it was anything else.
Let me know if I can help.
 
Thanks Jody, I have my doubts because the pins look good, no corrosion. But as cheap as they are and the issues they have had with them it's not a waist even if it isn't the current problem. I hope I'm wrong and that takes care of it, need to spend my time on other mods and be done with the standard XJ issues LOL. JEEP LIFE!
 
:bling:Well, after 4 months of no gauges, cleaning every ground and connector in the Jeep, swapping clusters and ECUs all with no results, I take the thing to Uwharrie for 3 days of bouncing around on the rocks and BOOM. All the gauges have been working for 3 days now, longest stretch since the problem started. Don't ask me why but I'll take it. Makes me sure there is a connection or ground problem and I'm sure it will come back but I'll take what I can get for now.
 
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