Airbag light comes on and speedometer glitches at the same time

MARAT

MEMBER
1998 JEEP WRANGLER TJ
2.5L
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

Good day, I was going to ask the Habanainn user as I am having exactly the same problem as she/he had back in 2009. While driving on the highway the airbag light came on on the dash and right after that came on my speedometer when all the way down to 0 and went back up to 60. The airbag light then turned off. Shortly after that about 5 minutes the same thing happened plus the cruise light came on for a split second and the RPM's shot up to the 3 then came back down to 2. Then he/she said that after taking the vehicle to mechanic the problem was in a 'loose controller switch type thing' which cost $13.00, I just wanted to ask which exactly that part was? I'll appreciate any help, thank you.

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

This sounds like there is a little more than a connector issue. This sounds more like the cluster is going out but to be sure here is a video that will show you how to scan the CAN to confirm the issue. You can get a scanner from Amazon for about $40.00.

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

Here is how to replace the cluster in the diagrams below and a video of the job being done on a similar car:

https://youtu.be/_HEC44xENxw

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

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Saturday, November 9th, 2019 AT 12:25 PM

MARAT

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Good day, thank you for your help. Last weekend was sunny and clear so I took my chance and dismantled the instrument cluster as advised, found two connectors on the back side of the cluster and carefully cleaned those using a tooth brush and a dielectric spay (I used a Liqui Moly electric contact cleaner spay). After cleaning, I used a disposable syringe needle to unbend the socket pins in the two connectors to make them tighter a tad and ensure better contacts between the connectors and the instrument panel. I also got under my jeep, disconnected a speed sensor (located on the back of a transfer case) and cleaned contacts in the connector plug the same way I did to the instrument cluster connectors. Plugged everything back and the problem was gone. But, now my speedometer seems lagging a bit, meaning it is not up to my acceleration tempo by ca. 5 miles maybe, and I think whatever was an original problem, my speed sensor has reached the end of its service life and now needs to be replaced.

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Monday, November 11th, 2019 AT 7:23 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Yep good find and I think you are right it is time for a rebuilt unit. Please give the rebuilder your VIN and odometer readings so they can program it for you. Let me know what happens.

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Tuesday, November 12th, 2019 AT 10:25 AM