Lights/turn signals/wiper issues

TAYLOR0815

MEMBER
1994 JEEP CHEROKEE
2.4L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200 MILES

My vehicle was running fine drove home from the store all was good. Unloaded bags went back out turned on lights, no low beams
parking lights on but no turn signals.
if I hold the lever back I have high beams when I release the lever high beams go off.

the next day I went out started to rain I went to put wipers on only the slow wipers work about four or five times then stopped.
then come back on for a minute or two then go off again and so on and so on.
i also have no buzzer when lights left on.

i have brake lights when brake the brakes.

all fuses are good and relays good also looked for exposed wires found none,
just not sure where to check next,

wondering if it might be the arm on the steering wheel as it controls the turn signals/wipers and the hi/low beams.

any help would be great. I thank you so much in advance.

Also, dash lights come on when parking lights are on.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

HI and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Based on your description, it does sound like the multi function switch on the steering column. I have seen headlights fail due to a bad headlight switch, but that usually doesn't have an affect on the wipers.

The power to the wiper switch, which is a separate switch from the high beam and signal switch, is powered through an automatic circuit breaker. It almost sounds like something is causing the circuit breaker to kick off power, then a few seconds later, work again, then off and so on. I attached a picture of the circuit breaker wiring. The part is located under the dash near the flasher.

With that in mind, I have a feeling the headlight switch itself is bad which is related to the lighting or you blew fuse 15 in the fuse block under the dash. Check the fuse first. Also, check fuse 12 in the under hood power distribution box. Next, take a look at picture two below. It shows how power from the fuse powers the headlight switch and the buzzer. If the fuse is good, suspect the switch.

After looking through the schematics, I don't see a relationship between the lights and wipers, but that doesn't mean there isn't. Yes, the multi function switch in the steering is where they come together, but what I see doesn't show a power tie in. If that switch is bad, I suspect there is a short in the wiring within the steering column. If the headlight fuse is blown, that could be where there is a short which is and causing too much power from the circuit breaker to be drawn, causing it to turn the wipers on and off.

When you are checking fuses under the dash, pay attention to any indication that the plastic box, where the fuses are located in, is melting or appears as though it was hot at one time.

If you decide the switch is bad (the headlight switch) here are the directions for replacement:

PROCEDURES
1. Disconnect battery ground cable, then pull control knob fully outward.
2. Working from underneath instrument panel, depress light switch shaft retainer button, then pull shaft from switch.
3. Remove light switch ferrule nut from front of instrument panel.
4. Disconnect switch electrical connector, then remove switch from vehicle.
5. Reverse procedure to install.

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Here are a couple links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-fuse-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-headlight-switch-works

Let me know if any of this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

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