Gauges, windows and locks stopped working?

EYEVEE

MEMBER
1996 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
4WD
AUTOMATIC
185,000 MILES

About a week ago on a long drive I noticed all of my gauges randomly dropped to zero. I also noticed my windows and power locks weren’t working when this happened. Throughout the drive and anytime I've driven it since, the gauges come up when my car first comes on and then drops down and will periodically come on for about 10 seconds and drop back down. I looked it up online and it seemed other people had similar issues, so I did what was recommended and took the dash off and cleaned the connectors with an electrical spray. That didn’t fix the issue, so I took my car to a mechanic to look at it and he confidently diagnosed the issue to be my ignition switch. I went in and replaced what he said to me, but the issue still isn’t fixed. I’m not sure what else to do at this point as I don’t have the money to get an electrical issue fixed at a shop.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

Hi,

There are a couple of grounds under the dash that can be weak, but it's odd if both failed at the same time. In this case, the cluster itself may have failed. However, before we jump to conclusions, I need you to check a ground location behind the driver's seat. (See pic below.) It is mounted to the floor. I suggest this because this ground is used for both the cluster and power windows. You will need to lift the carpet.

Try running the self-test on the instrument cluster when the problem occurs. To run the self-test, begin with the key in the "off" position. Press the trip reset button. Continue holding the trip reset button and turn the key to the "on" position. Do not start the engine. Release the button. Observe the gauges and see if they run through the self-test. The gauges should sweep, and the various warning lights should turn on and off. If the cluster will not run the self-test, it is likely at fault.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)