1997 Jeep Wrangler Logo
Posted on Dec 20, 2008
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97 Jeep Wrangler Dash Gauges Arent Operating..everything else ok!

This little problem seemed to come out of the blue. I started the jeep up and the gauges were all dead...speedometer, tach, fuel, oil...everything.
The vehicle starts just fine and the lights all come on when the headlights are on. The initial start up indicator lights all come on when I start the vehicle and turn off as per usual.
Im thinking its a fuse. So I check the fuse box and find one labeled ''instrument cluster'', sounded pretty good to me...but it is fine.
Is there another fuse for just the gauges?

  • 4 more comments 
  • tori_lawrenc Dec 20, 2008

    I will give that a try...thanks!

  • Anonymous Jan 02, 2009

    This little problem seemed to come out of the blue. I started the jeep up and the gauges were all dead...speedometer, tach, fuel, oil...everything.
    The vehicle starts just fine and the lights all come on when the headlights are on. The initial start up indicator lights all come on when I start the vehicle and turn off as per usual.
    Im thinking its a fuse. So I check the fuse box and find one labeled ''instrument cluster'', sounded pretty good to me...but it is fine.
    Is there another fuse for just the gauges?

  • Anonymous Jan 02, 2009

    Same problem. I started the jeep up and the gauges were all dead...speedometer, tach, fuel, oil...everything.
    The vehicle starts just fine and the lights all come on when the headlights are on. The initial start up indicator lights all come on when I start the vehicle and turn off as per usual.
    Im thinking its a fuse. So I check the fuse box and find one labeled ''instrument cluster'', sounded pretty good to me...but it is fine.
    Is there another fuse for just the gauges?

  • Anonymous Jan 02, 2009

    This problem can be related to the control module of my jeep

  • tori_lawrenc Jan 10, 2009

    So far I havent nailed down the problem yet. All the fuses look to be ok, (in both boxes). I do have to look into the relay though. Im not sure I know what Im looking for yet but hopefully it will be covered in my Haynes bible!



    Thanks all!

  • Anonymous Feb 07, 2009

    OMG, that would be so cool if it was just a wire!!! I will check today!!

    BTW...did your radio work while all this was going on? Mine doesnt.

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  • Posted on Jan 07, 2009
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Check fuse #17 in fuse box under hood. It's a 10 red fuse. that's how i fixed my problem.

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  • Posted on Dec 20, 2008
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Could have a relay in engine area check there

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When I bought my Jeep it had an aftermarket radio that I decided to change out. When I was checking the wiring harness there was 1 wire I could not identify but was twisted onto one of the other wires. So I left it unhooked. After installing my new radio I lost all gauges. So I tore out the new radio and twisted the wire back on. All gauges functioned normally. Could this be your problem??? The wire was ORANGE. Try wiggling the wire and see if you get anything while it's running. I believe it went into the factory plugs for the radio but not sure as the plugs were cut off. Good luck, hope this helps...

  • Anonymous Feb 07, 2009

    My radio did work when the gauges died but then again, it is an after market radio. I'm not sure if that wire is a hot or a ground. It was definately my problem. Have you tried posting in a jeep forum? Under one of their technical issues. I like to post on www.adirondackjeeps.com alot of helpful people there...GL

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  • Posted on Aug 05, 2009

SOURCE: 97 Jeep Wrangler Dash Gauges Arent Operating..everything else ok!

I have a 98 Wrangler - same problem. Dash gauges would work, then out (airbag light came on). Then it would work for a week or two than out.
Tried looking at fuses, wires, aftermarket radio problems, etc.
When I pulled the instrument cluster out of the dash, I noticed a lot of goop (lubricant) on one of the cluster plugs. So I wiped it off with a paper towel and now everything works. Maybe too much goop was shorting stuff out? Anyway, I'll know in a couple of months if that was my problem or not assuming my gauges keep working uninterrupted.
ranger326

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