Fog lights don't work

[Scott_B]

Hi everyone, I have recently bought a pristine '98 TJ Sahara from the original owner with only 78K miles on it and I am thrilled! It has a few glitches, but that is to be expected with a 21 year old vehicle and I have no complaints. I am reasonably mechanically inclined, but electrical stuff boggles my mind. The fog lights have stopped working, and I can't figure it out. The switch has power, the fuses are all good, I have checked the connections, and the bulbs look good (although I haven't replaced them). I figure that something has come loose somewhere for both lights to go out together, but I can't seem to find it. Any recommendations of places to look? Even if they seem obvious, I have obviously missed something. Thanks in advance!

 

[Boinked]

Multiple things.

First your headlights must be on for the fogs to work.

Second thing there is a relay behind
The glove box for the fog lights.

All assumptions are about factory lights.

 

[Scott_B]

Multiple things.

First your headlights must be on for the fogs to work.

Second thing there is a relay behind
The glove box for the fog lights.

All assumptions are about factory lights.

Thanks for the help! Obviously the headlights must be on. While I’m not an electrician, I’m not that dense. Which relay is for the fog lights? Have a picture ?

 

[Boinked]

Thanks for the help! Obviously the headlights must be on. While I’m not an electrician, I’m not that dense. Which relay is for the fog lights? Have a picture ?

Just wanted to be extra clear. Tech support style. Alway cover everything.

The early tjs have them in the glove box. Newer ones are under the hood.

Unfortunately mine was set up aftermarket. These are images from Google.

 

[John Scoggins]

Are you using the factory fog light switch on the head light/blinker stalk? if so does the green light on the instrument cluster come on when the switch is pulled out? If it does not might be a bad multifunction switch.

 

[Scott_B]

Just wanted to be extra clear. Tech support style. Alway cover everything.

The early tjs have them in the glove box. Newer ones are under the hood.

Unfortunately mine was set up aftermarket. These are images from Google.

View attachment 86953View attachment 86954

Thanks, I'll have to get back in there and look for those!

 

[Scott_B]

Are you using the factory fog light switch on the head light/blinker stalk? if so does the green light on the instrument cluster come on when the switch is pulled out? If it does not might be a bad multifunction switch.

No, in 1998 the switch was on the dash below the HVAC controls. The green light is on the switch, nothing on the IC.

 

[John Scoggins]

No, in 1998 the switch was on the dash below the HVAC controls. The green light is on the switch, nothing on the IC.

Ahh, did not catch that it is a 98...

 

[Brian83]

Have you verified power at the light? If no power there check at the relay.

 

[Mikester86]

I bet a dozen jelly donuts its the relay.

 

[Boinked]

Thanks, I'll have to get back in there and look for those!

Let me know if it was the relay.

 

[Mrgreg66]

Hi everyone, I have recently bought a pristine '98 TJ Sahara from the original owner with only 78K miles on it and I am thrilled! It has a few glitches, but that is to be expected with a 21 year old vehicle and I have no complaints. I am reasonably mechanically inclined, but electrical stuff boggles my mind. The fog lights have stopped working, and I can't figure it out. The switch has power, the fuses are all good, I have checked the connections, and the bulbs look good (although I haven't replaced them). I figure that something has come loose somewhere for both lights to go out together, but I can't seem to find it. Any recommendations of places to look? Even if they seem obvious, I have obviously missed something. Thanks in advance!View attachment 86802

When you find out, please post your conclusion. I have the same issue, have not checked my relay yet but mine will work then not work, then work again, apparently randomly.