Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Gauges stopped working

T

ttrabon

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Aug 13, 2023
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Kansas
Was driving my 97 the other day. Heard through my speakers a slight popping sound. Looked at my radio and it was off. Then I looked up at my gauges and none of them were working, turn signals work. I looked at the fuse behind the glovebox it wasn’t popped, also tested the amp/voltage draw and got nothing on my meter. I also tested other fuses in the block and got nothing.
Any other ideas to try? The picture is with the Jeep running and the engine revving. I wasn’t driving but the speedometer doesn’t work either.

IMG_9171.jpeg
 
Bad ignition/turn on wire? IF there's no signal for the radio or cluster to be on, they'll simply shut off. Do your turn signals work when the key is in the run position?
 
The plug on the back of the instrument cluster is prone to corrosion. Even a TSB out on it, I think. I'd check the connector and maybe bend the receiving pins to make better contact.

-Mac
 
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With the radio being affected, but turn signals still working, the switched power to the radio should be fine.

The cluster dropping out can be caused by a failure in the IOD circuit, which supplies, constant 12V for the cluster, radio and PCM. It also supplies power for the courtesy lamps.

The cluster in my 97 doesn't work if the IOD fuse is removed. I've known some radios to not work if they have no constant 12V supply.

Check the IOD fuse, #17 (10A), under the hood.
 
This issue just popped up on my 1998 Jeep. It’s not the IOD fuse #17. The OBDII port doesn’t have power, either.
 
I would remove the plastic clam shells that surround the steering column and inspect the ignition switch wiring and connectors for signs of overheating.
Remove both lower speaker covers and verify the ground wiring connections under the retaining screws to ensure they are clean and tight.
There are ground connections on both passenger and drivers side foot wells near the dash board; inspect them to ensure they are clean and tight.

In the TJ Resources section on this forum there are downloadable PDFs of the Factory Service Manual for your year TJ.
Section 8W has schematics with connector pinouts, wiring colors and PDC/Fuse blocks for the different vehicle circuits.

https://wranglertjforum.com/attachments/1997-jeep-wrangler-service-manual-pdf.308365/
 
Last edited:
IDK what symptoms apply to the OP vs Doug-AK, but it's curious that the CEL is able to light up but the OBDII port doesn't work.
 
hear said:
IDK what symptoms apply to the OP vs Doug-AK, but it's curious that the CEL is able to light up but the OBDII port doesn't work.
Click to expand...

It's because the PCM doesn't require power from the IOD fuse to identify faults and tell the cluster to display the lamp.

Where as the OBD ports require power from the IOD fuse for the readers to function.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator
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