Question about removing bumper end caps and non-working gauge cluster

[cdr3434]

As mentioned above, I recently inherited a 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ Sport 4.0 due to the passing of my step-father. I've had it in the garage for few months and now plan on driving it daily as it will soon be my only car by choice. Mileage is under 30,000 and in great condition.

Two questions for the forum are as follows:

First, the bumper end cap removal went well on the first one, but the other three have rust issues. Sprayed with WD-40 and liquid wrench. No success to remove the bottom hex screws. Any tricks you might recommend?

Second, the control panel yesterday stopped working and it lights up with no gauges working. I have checked all fuses and all are fine. The only thing I have done was replaced a front left turn signal bulb this past week but it worked well for several days.

I am a computer technician so savvy that way. It's been years since I have worked on cars. Looking to the forum to point me in the right direction.

Thank you so much!

Christopher

I work so my responses will be daily in the evenings here in Florida.

 

[Chris]

Those bumper end caps are just plastic. If you can't get one off, just bash the hell out of it with a BFH until it comes off. You won't do any damage to anything else.

As for the gauges not working, it's likely the connections on the back of the gauges. They have a tendency to work themselves loose. I would remove the trim and check the connections on the back of it. Wiggle them around with the ignition on and see if you can get them to come back on. If so, that means it's the connection.

 

[cdr3434]

Thank you for the prompt response. I cut the ends of the bumper end caps is I will just use a utility knife and cut the rest out. All of the gauges worked two days ago and now none work. Could all one day have connection problems? Also the gear shift indicator stopped working as well.

I will do as follows this weekend when off or after work this week and let you know. Blended family so always someone here to take care of.

Thank you for your response.

Christopher

 

[Kiwi TJ]

Welcome to the forum...everything that @Chris said above is correct...

Hit the end cap with a hammer or drill out the hex screws. The connections on the back of the dash gauges can sometime do with a clean you can remove everything you need to have a look behind there in about 5 mins.

 

[cdr3434]

A customer of mine today, and member of this forum, told me this was the site to go to with all of my questions. I quickly see why. I just upgraded to paying member as seeing the value of the membership after just 30 minutes. New to tearring apart a 1997 jeep and making it mine is what I plan on doing. Going to keep it as close to the original factory specs, less technology as I can.

Thank you for the responses Chris and Kiwi TJ. I will let you know my out come. It's 11:30 pm so going to bed as up with the family at 6:30 am. Il will let you know the next progression in my new found journey.

I will add pictures to help others with possibly the same issue.

Thank you again to all.

Christopher

 

[Chris]

Sounds good! We look forward to hearing how it goes and seeing photos.

Also, thanks for upgrading your account, and I'm happy you found this site!

 

[cdr3434]

So am I! I am sure I will learn a lot from this forum. Real life user experience is a hell of a lot better than a user manual that is probably outdated. Pics to come and I am very happy to quickly happy to be a supporting member. I will spread the word as this site is excellent. Word of mouth is how I found it.

When I googled the questions, this one didn't come up. With a community support, it will.

Christopher

 

[cdr3434]

Mind the typo of the repeat above. Disregard the second happy in sentence three. Must have hit paste by accident withe happy to.

 

[cdr3434]

Again thank you for your posts. I started working on the control panel after I came home tonight. Removed everything as the video suggested. Still no progress. I am of tomorrow and work Sunday so tomorrow is Jeep day, less the time wife makes me do household stuff. Second marriage so it is what it is. Any other leads or directives on this. I cleaned both the plugs and the panel. All controls will work independently and come on or off at their discretion. Fuses are fine so an intermittent problem.If it were a computer I would know what to do, but this is not the case. I appreciate any advise at this point as I would rather do it myself then take it to a mechanic. Thanks ahed for your responses. - Christopher

 

[JMT]

@cdr3434, no reason to bash or cut off end caps, get some Kroil, spray it on the bolts, give it a day, then go at it again, they should come out.

Start a build thread if you decide to build this rig .

 

[cdr3434]

Thank you. I am going to start working on it again in an hour. I've sprayed the hell out of it with liquid wrench but I will order the Kroil and see. Thank again.