'98 TJ ghost in the machine

[psycho]

So, all of a sudden, my dash guages are all inop (including speedo and tach, and my airbag & check engine lights are on. Then, out of the blue everything starts working, then, sometimes just the tach works. There is no rhyme or reason, but it seems to be worse since the weather started getting colder....anyone have any insight to this phenomenon?

 

[jeepsquire]

first guess without having seen it myself is to check the Alternator.

 

[beaker]

Try these guys, they may be able to help in simple cases like yours.

http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm

and

http://www.stmichael.pair.com/exorcimschurch.htm#signs

other wise

http://www.josephbwilson.com/

Though it sounds like it might be a ground problem.  Usually power side problems manifest in shorted wires, burn smells and blown fuses.  Might want to look for those.  Does the vehicle continue to run? Did you check all the undehood power connections for being loose?

 

[NomadJeep]

I think I remember somewhere about the bad connection to the instrument cluster on older tj's.... something like the ribbon cable gets loose...  they pulling it apart, clean and reinstall...

 

[jeepsquire]

I think I remember somewhere about the bad connection to the instrument cluster on older tj's.... something like the ribbon cable gets loose...   they pulling it apart, clean and reinstall...

Now that you mention it I think I have read that one somewhere on a tech forum myself.  gonna go see if I can find it again.

 

[Rubi04TJ]

Damon has it right on. Take the cluster apart and clean the terminals.

 

[psycho]

The Jeep has no driveability problems, just erratic guages. I'm going behind the instrument cluster. If I'm not out in 24 hours......send in a rescue party.