No dash backlights with headlights

[CasonsTJ01]

Hey everyone,

I’ve got an ‘04 TJ Sport (manual), and I ran into an issue last night with my dash lights. When I got in, I noticed they weren’t working at all.

Here’s what is working:

• Tail lights, brake lights, reverse lights, running lights, and interior lights are all fine.
• Turn signals work.
• Gauges on the dash work, but the backlighting for the cluster and climate controls does not.

What I’ve checked so far:

• All fuses are good, including fuse #3 and fuse #10.
• Tried cycling through the headlight switch—no change.
• Noticed a faint buzzing sound when turning the switch to the running lights position and again when clicking over to the headlights.

Just to cover my bases, I went ahead and ordered a new multi function switch and plan to install it soon. While I have the column apart, I’ll be checking connections, but if that doesn’t solve it, what else should I be looking at?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Also my radio works. I did see that some ppl with aftermarket radios will use one of the wiring in the cluster to power the head unit.

 

[jonny jeep]

On later TJs the dash lights are controlled by the cluster.

You have a burnt track on the cluster PCB. You can use jumper wires soldered across to repair the circuit, or tap the marker light circuit to run the dash/cluster lights at full brightness.

I'd have to be at my laptop to find threads that show the cluster repair and what wires to tap if you don't mind running them at full brightness.

 

[CasonsTJ01]

On later TJs the dash lights are controlled by the cluster.

You have a burnt track on the cluster PCB. You can use jumper wires soldered across to repair the circuit, or tap the marker light circuit to run the dash/cluster lights at full brightness.

I'd have to be at my laptop to find threads that show the cluster repair and what wires to tap if you don't mind running them at full brightness.

Ok so I ordered the whole turn signal stock. Will that fix it?

 

[CasonsTJ01]

Ok. So I installed the new switch and it went in just fine. Still no change. Now, the buzzing was louder and easier to find. It was coming from under the center console towards the front. So I punched it and everything came back to life and the buzzing went away. Im sure a loose ground is under there, but hey. its fixed now.

 

[jonny jeep]

Interesting fix. Obviously not what I thought was wrong.

Edit:
Here's a thread about the issue I thought you had with your cluster illumination...
https://www.jeepforum.com/threads/03-rubicon-with-no-dash-lights.2906570/