'97 Grand Cherokee Tilt Wheel - Headlights Go Off...Weird

[Kris Gandillon]

The horn also will not honk.

Headlights stay on when the steering wheel is in the totally UP position or the next notch down. Can't tilt it down any further than that (two more notches) or the headlights go off.

Must be some sort of wiring harness in the steering column with a short in it.

Any quick fixes or suggestions for repair? How hard is it to take apart a steering column and fix something like this?

Kris

 

[Pathfinder]

Kris-

Does your Jeep have DRL's?

I can PM you a wiring diagram for it if need be.

Steve

 

[Kris Gandillon]

Help me out here...

DRL's???

I know most computer acronyms but not necessarily all the automobile acronyms.

Kris

 

[richw]

Kris

I believe Pathfinder is refering to (DRL's) Daylight running lights

Do you have a switch (usualy on the turn signal lever) to switch you headlight's from automatic (on whenever vehicle is running) to manual, only on when you want them to be.

If you do than you have a main feed for the head lights that runs up the column to that switch and that is your problem.

It could be loose, there is a harness connection at the base of the column. I'd start there it's the simpilest.

Next check the connection (it's perminant) at the switch sometimes due to the constant flex from the tilt wheel the wire will either break loose from that connection or just below it.

If you need to get into the switch iirc there should be 4 screws that hold the 2 halves of the plastic column cover together.

If you need to change the switch it can be a pain in the a$$ to fish the harness down thru the column but with a little patience you can due it.


Hope this helps

 

[Kris Gandillon]

Yes, I believe it has DRL's...

Also, the Headlight switch is a knob/dial on the dashboard to the left of the steering column...I leave it set on AUTO and the headlights do indeed come on automatically in low light situations assuming the tilt steering is in one of the two uppermost positions.

I will check but I think the turn signal stalk is pretty much dedicated to windshield wiper functions and a high beam / low beam switch which means at least SOME headlight functionality is coming up through the column and to that stalk.

Kris

 

[Green Co.]

Unsure of Chrysler products, but GM uses a small diameter rod, from the end of the turn signal arm, to the lower portion of the steering column, where the actual dimmer switch is located.

In these, I've seen some where the plastic hole that the rod connects to (in the dimmer switch) "waller" out, hindering the dimmer function. If pulled into the center, it may not pass current for the lights.

I've seen this rod also become bent slightly, causing the same problem, holding the dimmer switch between lo/hi beams, conducting current to neither side.

 

[Pathfinder]

Also, the Headlight switch is a knob/dial on the dashboard to the left of the steering column...I leave it set on AUTO and the headlights do indeed come on automatically in low light situations assuming the tilt steering is in one of the two uppermost positions.
Kris

Sorry about that Kris, I shoulda wrote out the DRL.:sb:

They have had problems with the module that controls that function.

But you seem to have narrowed it down to a column/dimmer switch problem.

How close are you to Sedalia?

 

[Kris Gandillon]

Pathfinder:

I am just off Old State Road east of Highway 109 in Wildwood, MO...about 30 miles west of downtown St. Louis.

Kris

 

[DARKSTAR]

Check the wires at the multifunction switch (the dimmer switch) have to remove the column covers to do it 3 t20 torx screws and the tilt lever should just thread out, wires will be broke, the insulation will be cracked where the wire harness flexes also check the ignition switch wires they are also known to break.

 

[Kris Gandillon]

Thanks for all the replies...

Will "try" some of the suggestions soon...

Kris

 

[Pathfinder]

Kris-

You got mail!