1997 Jeep Cherokee electrical shorting

1997 JEEP CHEROKEE
13,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SERBIANFIRE
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My vehicle continues driving while my dashboard gauges and all powered components of my vehicle shuts down. My headlights will dim to about 1/2 power and the A/C will blow at a very low level.

The power windowsn/locks, electrical clock all turn off.

I will be driving and go over a rough section of the road, make a turn, brake or something along that line. Then is when my dash lights all come on, then those dash lights will dim and my gauges, windows, a/c don't work. Then they will a minute later, or at times turn on/off/on/off etc...

The vehicle will continue running just fine while it is dong all that. The vehicle will start up fine as well.

What are the possibilities, as I'm sure it has to be a short, loose wiring etc...

Where would this possibly be occuring? Is it fairly simple or complicated to fix as I've never worked on the electrical wiring before. Also, something like this, what are the possible costs for repair?

Thanks
Oct 16, 2008 at 9:22 PM
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KERENSELF
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Hi there!

You are definitely right on about the electrical connection, short, etc.
What stands out to me most is that when the problem occurs, your healights/dashlights dim and your A/C blower speed slows down. Both of these issues would be caused by a lower than normal supply of current. You have several circuits mentioned, but all of these would receive power by way of the power supply coming into the passenger compartment thought the firewall. That is where I would start. Look for pinched wires, loose connections, or any sign of corrosion at the connections, etc. Also look at the back of the interior fuse box for the same conditions....I have seen some issues on later model Jeeps with the connectors that go into the back of the instrument panel - but we shouldn't be seeing any problems with your door locks and windows if this were the case.
If there is nothing visibly wrong, the next step would be to start checking individual circuits. This can be very time consuming and requires the use of a multi-meter and wiring diagram. At that point, it may be worth it to you to have a professional take a look.

Thanks!!
Oct 16, 2008 at 9:41 PM