# I need help with a car problem. **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 28, 2002, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123 "2002-05-28T02:56:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![racer72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/racer72/32/3075_2.png) [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/1 "2002-05-28T02:56:03Z")
First you need a car. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/2 "2002-05-28T03:00:23Z")
And then you need a problem. ---
**Author:** ![mkmiller99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b9e5f3/32.png) [@mkmiller99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mkmiller99)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/3 "2002-05-28T03:31:18Z")
This is evil I tell you, evil! I posted the question and then the “Cannot display page” page popped up…and now here I am without a question! In addition, the thread popped up twice! Here it is: I am taking a WAG that the problem is electrical in nature. Here is some background: The car in question: 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo On Saturday my sister and I were driving around, we stopped to get gas and I always reference the overhead computer to see how much the tank gets filled up…344 miles shows up on the DTE screen…cool, no problem. So about 30 minutes later she drops me off at an interview and took my Jeep to go shopping while she waited for me. An hour and a half later I exit the interview and she is waiting for me, still no problems…about 15 minutes later we were discussing the difference of how the turn signals in her 4Runner work from my Jeep and then we noticed that they weren’t working, and then noticed that all of the interior lights are on, and also that the overhead computer isn’t on. Everything else is working properly…the dashboard lights, headlights, brake lights, etc. We check the fuses in the panel at the foot of the passenger side door and they were all intact. Does anyone have any idea what is going on here? I am hoping that it can be fixed easily, as I don’t have the extra duckets to have anything major fixed. (to add insult to injury, I had to have my mother buy me a new tire today after noticing when I got to her house that I had a flat!) Any help would be greatly appreciated! Melanie ---
**Author:** ![Lure](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ba8739/32.png) [@Lure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lure)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/4 "2002-05-28T04:04:18Z")
A couple things to look at. No blown fuses,to me,suggest an open circuit to the nonfunctoning ones.In addition you say the interior lghts remain on. My first search would be the wiring and connectors under the dash/in the steering column-this should be done by an experienced tech,IMO-they know where to look for the obvious,and if that’s not it,should have the skills to track it down by measuring current,etc. I don’t know your model’s gremlins,but most makes have something that shows up frequently enough to have service bulletins issued about them.Google for these-could be a problem the service depts.are aware of. One other source I’ve found for specifics like yours are message boards devoted to brands/and or models.These extremely helpful,at least in my case.A problem I had turned out to be nothing more than a switch (which I couldn’t find until getting feedback from the board) simply needed a shot of wd-40,and is still a ? that pops up abt.once a week on the boards from other owners. ---
**Author:** ![LolaBaby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d2c977/32.png) [@LolaBaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LolaBaby)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/5 "2002-05-28T04:39:52Z")
WAGs Bad ground Faulty turn signal switch Bad interior light module Hard to say without a schematic to see if these are all serviced by the same circuit (power/grounds). Could be a service bulletin out on this like **Lure** said…but in my Google searches on SBs they haven’t really been very helpful for me, I can only imagine what it would be like in layman’s terms. Call the dealer. What kind of warranty do you have? The last dealer I worked for had a 5-year deal for bumper-to-bumper if you had purchased an extended warranty. Other than that, a 5 year extends only to emissions systems claims, the last that I know. ---
**Author:** ![mkmiller99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b9e5f3/32.png) [@mkmiller99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mkmiller99)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/6 "2002-05-28T05:15:18Z")
**Lure, LolaBaby** Thanks for your replies! It doesn’t sound like something that I can take care of myself (even being the mechanically inclined Virgo, that I am). **Lure** Is there a page that you go to that has different forums for specific car makes, or do you just do a search for a board that is about your vehicle? **LolaBaby** I bought the Jeep in 2000, used, without a warranty (it wasn’t offered) All of the problems must be related in some way, unless it is some bizarre coincidence, don’t you think? ---
**Author:** ![LolaBaby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d2c977/32.png) [@LolaBaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LolaBaby)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/7 "2002-05-28T05:31:21Z")
Hmm. No warranty, bummer! ☹ If it happened all at once, I’m more inclined to say it is a problem with a common circuit or component, but without a schematic it’s hard to say. You can also check in the engine compartment, sometimes there is an auxiliary fuse block in there (usually for engine circuits, but hey, you never know). In any case, if it was a bad fuse, it blew for a reason. I don’t really have anything to do tonight, so I’ll try to do some legwork for you and look for schematics. ---
**Author:** ![Lure](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ba8739/32.png) [@Lure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lure)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/8 "2002-05-28T05:52:59Z")
Re-message boards-I found mine (Ranger) by going to the Ford website and following links,IIRC. Jeep,I think is now Chrysler,no?If not search under Jeep or the manufacturer if other than Chrysler. Hope you find one,mine was a goldmine of info.People on those boards are usually mechanics or gearheads devoted to their specific brand,usually learn more than you ever needed to know-tho probably not as quick as SDMB,somebody should get back to you within the next 12 hrs.or so from my experience. ---
**Author:** ![LolaBaby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d2c977/32.png) [@LolaBaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LolaBaby)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 7:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/9 "2002-05-28T07:20:33Z")
Melanie, also, make sure your sister didn’t fiddle around with the dimmer controls inadvertently…just in case it’s something small. 😃 But…! We’re in luck (I hope). I found a Jeep message board and I found this, same year and model, and same (almost) problem: > [@](#): > > Posted by Robert on April 15, 19102 at 08:32:35: > > In Reply to: 98 G.C. Laredo turn signals posted by Robert on April 09, 19102 at 16:07:35: > > : I have a 98 G.C. The turn signals quit working yesterday. I checked the fuse, it was burnt so I replaced it. Signals worked fine for a couple hours and quit again. Replaced fuse again and they worked for a few hours and blew another fuse. Also, according to my wife on the phone today the compass and temp in the overhead console are’nt working and the “Check Engine” light is on and won’t go off. If anyone has any ideas, let me know. Thanks in advance. > > Just to let anyone know that may have the same problem. I got the codes from the on-board comp. and traced the problem to the park/nuetral switch. The code was 1899. Evidently the switch had begun leaking tranny fluid into the switch itself and shorted out. It also melted the plug that plugs into the sensor. The switch only cost 13.00 but I had to go to a salvage yard to get the plug. Mopar won’t sell just the plug they want you to buy the whole wiring harness for 477.00. Anyway, if anyone has the same problem, and if there is an Auto Zone close by, they’ll read the codes for you for free. Hope this helps someone else. Here is the link: [http://www.offroadexchange.com/jeep/messages/2497.htm](http://www.offroadexchange.com/jeep/messages/2497.htm) It could be something else, I’m still looking. ---
**Author:** ![LolaBaby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d2c977/32.png) [@LolaBaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LolaBaby)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 7:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/10 "2002-05-28T07:47:50Z")
Damn, I can’t find schematics yet, but I don’t know, the park/neutral switch sounds kind of off for me. The guy may have gotten a code from the onboard computer, but just because a code says (for example) “Headlight switch” it may not necessarily be the switch itself, but something in that particular circuit. I’ve seen too many DIYs make this mistake, thinking the on-board diagnostics are the be-all and end-all…“the computer says so, so it must be that!” Diagnostics goes way beyond pulling a code from the OBD. Some more WAGs: Headlight switch (is the dimmer switch integral to the headlight switch?) Flasher (some newer models may have a fancy shmancy flasher now, not just the old cheapo aluminum two-prong type) We can always wait for **GaryT** , he’s very sharp in this department. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/11 "2002-05-28T13:58:23Z")
One time it was the rechargeable light that I kept in the cigaret lighter socket. So, I would try taking out anything in that socket, you never know. ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/12 "2002-05-28T14:04:26Z")
Also, take out a fuse one at a time & see if there is any change. This might show you what circuit to look for. Also, [edmunds.com](http://edmunds.com) to see if anyone else discusses this. ---
**Author:** ![Running\_with\_Scissors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Running\_with\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Running_with_Scissors)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/13 "2002-05-28T16:00:23Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by mkmiller99 \*\*\*I bought the Jeep in 2000, used, without a warranty (it wasn’t offered) All of the problems must be related in some way, unless it is some bizarre coincidence, don’t you think? \*\* I wasn’t able to find it on their website, but don’t all new Jeeps come with at least 3 year warranty? And isn’t the manufacturer’s warranty always transferable? It seems to me that if a repair is necessary, you’ll still be covered. ---
**Author:** ![August\_West](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/august_west/32/18069_2.png) [@August\_West](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/August_West)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/14 "2002-05-28T17:23:35Z")
Yeah, remove your fuses one at a time so that you can see if your lights that don’t work suddenly still don’t work. Sheesh. Do NOT listen to handy on this one. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/15 "2002-05-28T17:41:19Z")
Yeah, i know this doesn’t help, but i thought i would throw it out there anyway~ Know what JEEP stands for? Junk, Each, Every Part or Just Empty Every Pocket! proud owner of a fine Jeep Product that has provenover and over that I \*CAN \* walk 2 miles in snow or sleet or dark of night if I have to. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/16 "2002-05-28T18:09:05Z")
My schematic seems to show the turn signal switch, vehicle information center, and reverse lights (through the park/neutral switch) all getting power through fuse #6 in the junction block, which should be under the right side of the dash on the kick panel. I didn’t see a clue as to how/why a glitch in this circuit would turn on the interior lights, but I wouldn’t rule out a possible interaction. My suggestions: Test all the fuses, or at the least the one named above. I mean test them, with a test light, not just look at them. If you cannot solve the problem with a fuse replacement, it’s repair shop time. Call a dealership and find out if the vehicle is still under factory warranty. If so, take it there and let Daimler-Chrysler pay the bill. Choose a dealership, independent Jeep specialist, or independent shop with a reputation for being sharp on electrical service. I don’t think this is the sort of thing you want Cheapie Auto Fixit messing with. ---
**Author:** ![LolaBaby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d2c977/32.png) [@LolaBaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LolaBaby)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/17 "2002-05-28T18:33:22Z")
**GaryT** , any common grounds? …and how is the dimmer switch figure in with the VIC? I visited a few BBs last night and I also saw the dimmer switch being a common problem (possibly dead spots on the rheostat). ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/18 "2002-05-28T23:23:57Z")
One ground is shared by the VIC, the left rear turn signal lamp, and the left reverse lamp; another by the right rear turn and reverse lamps; each front turn lamp has its own. If the turns don’t work at all, the logical cause is on the power side. It’s conceivable the the VIC is tied into the interior lights coming on, but I don’t see an obvious relationship with the dimmer switch. ---
**Author:** ![handy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5a626/32.png) [@handy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handy)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2002, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/19 "2002-05-28T23:49:58Z")
“Yeah, remove your fuses one at a time so that you can see if your lights that don’t work suddenly still don’t work.” Thats what I would do—I don’t like doing these car things any more than doing remote computer tech stuff. Do you have a better idea August? I don’t see any input from you this. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [May 29, 2002, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123/20 "2002-05-29T00:25:00Z")
For the type of problem described, removing fuses is not a helpful strategy. Testing power to and through the fuses would be the thing to do. Removal of the clock and radio memory fuse(s) will necessitate resetting the clock and (on most cars) the radio memory sets. If the radio requires a security code and the code is not known, it becomes a major pain in the butt. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-car-problem/111123.md?page=2)