1996 Jeep Cherokee RE: Auto headlights

STUBAGS

MEMBER
1996 JEEP CHEROKEE
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
144,025 MILES

I recently had a VIPER remote start system installed in my Jeep grand Cherokee Laredo. The headlights and interior lights would start flickering when I had the light switch set to AUTO but would be fine when switched to MANUAL mode. I had the lighting switch replaced and all seemed to be working well. Last night while I was driving the headlights lights and internal display lights freaked out again in AUTO mode, the only I was doing different was that I had my GPS plugged into the 12V output. Am I overloading something somewhere? What can I do to resolve this problem?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,913 POSTS

I don't think you are overloading anything. Something tells me when the system was installed, power was supplied from a circuit they shouldn't have used. I'm not an expert on aftermarket components, but I feel they need to get power from a different place.

I would take it back and see what they say.

Joe

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Monday, February 8th, 2010 AT 8:33 PM

STUBAGS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi Joe:
Thank you for your very helpful comment on my problem. I hope you don't mind if I run this past you please?
Last night I remote started the car and the lights were set to AUTO, the car was running for about 10 minutes before I got in. I put the ignition key in and turned it to the on position(as you're meant to do) without actually turning the engine over. I put my foot on the brake to move into drive and as soon as I touch the brake pedal the lights went crazy again. So, I switched the lights to the MANUAL on position and all was fine, as I drove I switched between AUTO and MANUAL mode on the lights and for the first 2 minutes the lights continued to go crazy each time I went to AUTO mode. Then after a couple of minutes they were fine in AUTO mode, which to me would suggest something had charged up while I was driving the car and enough current was now there to stabilize the lighting system. What do you think?

All the best,
Stuart.

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Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 AT 9:46 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,913 POSTS

Stuart:
I'm glad to help, and thanks for choosing 2carpros. Com for auto repair question.

It sounds like you have the same type of luck I do. If it can go wrong, it does. As far as the lighting, I hate to say it, but I'm not an expert on Viper systems. However, Something tells me they took power from where they shouldn't have and it is causing the problem. I would request that they recheck their work, and ask where they took the power from for the system.

As far as allowing the system to power up, the lights only require 12 volts. That should be there all of the time as a minimum. I understand what you are saying, but still feel they wired into something they shouldn't have and it may be causing the system to react.

You are welcome to ask any questions you have and I look forward to hearing from you. Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Joe

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Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 AT 7:57 PM

STUBAGS