1995 JEEP CHEROKEE instrument panel

Fig. 16 Instrument Panel Exploded View
Fig. 17 Driver's Side Defroster Cowl Retaining Clip
JINSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGESÐXJ 8E - 21

Fig. 18 Instrument Panel Install
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SPECIFICATIONS
GAUGE CLUSTER
JINSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGESÐXJ 8E - 23

INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGESÐYJ
CONTENTS
page page
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGESÐYJ..... 22
DIAGNOSIS............................ 23
GENERAL INFORMATION................. 20SERVICE PROCEDURES.................. 31
SPECIFICATIONS........................ 39
GENERAL INFORMATION
Following are general descriptions of major instru-
ment panel components. Refer to Group 8W - Wiring
Diagrams for complete circuit descriptions and dia-
grams.
INSTRUMENT PANEL
Modular instrument panel construction allows all
gauges and controls to be serviced from the front of
the panel. In addition, most instrument panel wiring
and heater components can be accessed without com-
plete instrument panel removal.
Removal of the left instrument cluster bezel allows
access to the main cluster assembly and most
switches. Removal of the center cluster bezel allows
access to the gauge package cluster assembly, the
heater controls, and the radio. Removal of the cluster
assemblies allows access to the individual gauges, il-
lumination and indicator lamp bulbs, printed cir-
cuits, and most wiring.
INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS
The instrument cluster used on YJ (Wrangler) mod-
els consists of two separate assemblies. The main
cluster assembly is located on the left side of the in-
strument panel, centered over the steering column
opening. The gauge package cluster assembly is lo-
cated near the center of the instrument panel. Each
cluster assembly is served by a separate printed cir-
cuit and wiring connector. Some variations of each
cluster exist due to optional equipment and regula-
tory requirements.
The main cluster assembly includes a speedometer/
odometer/trip odometer and a tachometer. It also in-
cludes provisions for the following indicator lamps:
²anti-lock brake system lamp
²brake warning lamp
²headlamp high beam indicator lamp
²malfunction indicator (Check Engine) lamp
²seat belt reminder lamp²turn signal indicator lamps
²upshift indicator lamp.
The gauge package cluster assembly includes a
four-wheel drive indicator lamp and the following
gauges:
²coolant temperature gauge
²fuel gauge
²oil pressure gauge
²voltmeter.
GAUGES
With the ignition switch in the ON or START posi-
tion, voltage is supplied to all gauges through the
two cluster printed circuits. With the ignition switch
in the OFF position, voltage is not supplied to the
gauges. A gauge pointer may remain within the
gauge scale after the ignition switch is OFF. How-
ever, the gauges do not accurately indicate any vehi-
cle condition unless the ignition switch is ON.
All gauges except the odometer are air core mag-
netic units. Two fixed electromagnetic coils are lo-
cated within the gauge. These coils are wrapped at
right angles to each other around a movable perma-
nent magnet. The movable magnet is suspended
within the coils on one end of a shaft. The gauge nee-
dle is attached to the other end of the shaft.
One of the coils has a fixed current flowing through
it to maintain a constant magnetic field strength.
Current flow through the second coil changes, which
causes changes in its magnetic field strength. The
current flowing through the second coil can be
changed by:
²a variable resistor-type sending unit (fuel level,
coolant temperature, or oil pressure)
²changes in electrical system voltage (voltmeter)
²electronic control circuitry (speedometer/odometer,
tachometer).
8E - 24 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGESÐYJJ

The gauge needle moves as the movable permanent
magnet aligns itself to the changing magnetic fields
created around it by the electromagnets.
COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE
The coolant temperature gauge gives an indication
of engine coolant temperature. The coolant tempera-
ture sending unit is a thermistor that changes elec-
trical resistance with changes in engine coolant
temperature. High sending unit resistance causes
low coolant temperature readings. Low resistance
causes high coolant temperature readings. Sending
unit resistance values are shown in a chart in Spec-
ifications.
FUEL GAUGE
The fuel gauge gives an indication of the level of
fuel in the fuel tank. The fuel gauge sending unit has
a float attached to a swing-arm in the fuel tank. The
float moves up or down within the fuel tank as fuel
level changes. As the float moves, an electrical con-
tact on the swing-arm wipes across a resistor coil,
which changes sending unit resistance. High sending
unit resistance causes high fuel level readings. Low
resistance causes low fuel level readings. Sending
unit resistance values are shown in a chart in Spec-
ifications.
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
The oil pressure gauge gives an indication of en-
gine oil pressure. The combination oil pressure send-
ing unit contains a flexible diaphragm. The
diaphragm moves in response to changes in engine
oil pressure. As the diaphragm moves, sending unit
resistance increases or decreases. High resistance on
the gauge side of the sending unit causes high oil
pressure readings. Low resistance causes low oil
pressure readings. Sending unit resistance values are
shown in a chart in Specifications.
SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
The speedometer/odometer give an indication of ve-
hicle speed and travel distance. The speedometer re-
ceives a vehicle speed pulse signal from the Vehicle
Speed Sensor (VSS). An electronic integrated circuit
contained within the speedometer reads and analyzes
the pulse signal. It then adjusts the ground path re-
sistance of one electromagnet in the gauge to control
needle movement. It also sends signals to an electric
stepper motor to control movement of the odometer
number rolls. Frequency values for the pulse signal
are shown in a chart in Specifications.
The VSS is mounted to an adapter near the trans-
fer case output shaft. The sensor is driven through
the adapter by a speedometer pinion gear. The
adapter and pinion vary with transmission, axle ratio
and tire size. Refer to Group 21 - Transmission and
Transfer Case for more information.
TACHOMETER
The tachometer gives an indication of engine speed
in Revolutions-Per-Minute (RPM). With the engine
running, the tachometer receives an engine speed
pulse signal from the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). An electronic integrated circuit contained
within the tachometer reads and analyzes the pulse
signal. It then adjusts the ground path resistance of
one electromagnet in the gauge to control needle
movement. Frequency values for the pulse signal are
shown in a chart in Specifications.
TRIP ODOMETER
The trip odometer is driven by the same electronic
integrated circuit as the speedometer/odometer. How-
ever, by depressing the trip odometer reset knob on
the face of the speedometer, the trip odometer can be
reset to zero. The trip odometer is serviced only as a
part of the speedometer/odometer gauge assembly.
VOLTMETER
The voltmeter is connected in parallel with the bat-
tery. With the ignition switch ON, the voltmeter in-
dicates battery or generator output voltage,
whichever is greater.
INDICATOR LAMPS
All indicator lamps, except the four-wheel drive in-
dicator, are located in the main cluster tell-tale area
above the steering column opening. Each of the
lamps is served by the main cluster printed circuit
and cluster connector. The four-wheel drive indicator
lamp is located in the gauge package cluster and is
served by the gauge package printed circuit and clus-
ter connector.
Up to eleven indicator lamps can be found in the
tell-tale area of the main cluster. These lamps are ar-
ranged in two rows, with six lamps in the upper row
and five lamps in the lower row.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LAMP
The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) lamp is
switched to ground by the ABS module. The module
lights the lamp when the ignition switch is turned to
the START position as a bulb test. The lamp will
stay on for 3 to 5 seconds after vehicle start-up to in-
dicate a system self-test is in process. If the lamp re-
mains on after start-up, or comes on and stays on
while driving, it may indicate that the ABS module
has detected a system malfunction or that the system
has become inoperative. Refer to Group 5 - Brakes
for more information.
BRAKE WARNING LAMP
The brake warning lamp warns the driver that the
parking brake is applied or that the pressures in the
two halves of the split brake hydraulic system are
unequal. With the ignition switch turned ON, battery
JINSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGESÐYJ 8E - 25

voltage is supplied to one side of the indicator bulb. A
ground path for the bulb is provided by 3 switches.
The bulb will light when:
²the brake warning switch is closed (indicating un-
equal brake system hydraulic pressures possibly due
to brake fluid leakage)
²the ignition switch is in the START position (bulb
test)
²the parking brake switch is closed (parking brake
is applied).
Refer to Group 5 - Brakes for more information.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE INDICATOR LAMP
This lamp lights when the transfer case is engaged
in the 4H or 4L position. Voltage is supplied to one
side of the indicator bulb. A switch on the front axle
disconnect housing is connected to the other side of
the indicator bulb. When the switch is closed, a path
to ground is provided and the indicator bulb lights.
HEADLAMP HIGH BEAM INDICATOR LAMP
The high beam indicator lamp is controlled by the
headlamp dimmer switch. One side of the indicator
bulb is grounded at all times. The other side of the
bulb receives battery feed through the contacts of the
dimmer switch when the turn signal switch lever is
actuated to turn the headlamp high beams on. Refer
to Group 8L - Lamps for more information.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
The CHECK ENGINE or Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (MIL) lights each time the ignition switch is
turned ON, and stays on for 3 seconds as a bulb test.
If the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) receives an
incorrect signal or no signal from certain fuel or
emission system related circuits or components, the
lamp is turned on. This will indicate that the PCM
has recorded a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in
electronic memory for a circuit or component mal-
function. Refer to Group 14 - Fuel System for more
information.
SEAT BELT REMINDER LAMP
The seat belt reminder lamp lights for 4 to 8 sec-
onds after the ignition switch is turned to the ON po-sition. A timer in the chime/buzzer module controls
ignition-switched battery feed to the lamp. Refer to
Group 8U - Chime/Buzzer Warning Systems for more
information.
TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR LAMPS
The left and right turn signal indicator lamps are
controlled by the turn signal and hazard warning
switches. One side of the bulb for each lamp is
grounded at all times. The other side of the bulb re-
ceives battery feed through the contacts of the turn
signal switch, when the turn signal lever or hazard
warning button are actuated. Refer to Group 8J -
Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Systems for more
information.
UPSHIFT INDICATOR LAMP
Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions have
an optional upshift indicator lamp. Ground feed for
the lamp is switched by the Powertrain Control Mod-
ule (PCM). The lamp lights to indicate when the
driver should shift to the next highest gear for best
fuel economy. The PCM will turn the lamp off after 3
to 5 seconds if the upshift is not performed. The lamp
will remain off until the vehicle stops accelerating
and is brought back to the range of lamp operation,
or until the transmission is shifted into another gear.
The indicator lamp is normally on when the igni-
tion switch is turned ON and is turned off when the
engine is started. The lamp will be turned on during
vehicle operation according to engine speed and load.
CLUSTER ILLUMINATION LAMPS
All cluster illumination lamps receive battery feed
from the instrument lamps fuse in the fuseblock
module through the panel dimmer switch. When the
park or headlamps are on, the cluster illumination
lamps light. Illumination brightness can be adjusted
by rotating the panel dimmer thumb-wheel, which is
next to the headlamp switch.
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DIAGNOSIS
GAUGES
If an individual gauge is inoperative, see the diag-
nostic procedure under the heading for that gauge. If
more than one gauge in the main cluster or gauge
package cluster is inoperative, perform the following:
(1) Check fuse 9 in the fuseblock module. If OK, go
to next step. If not OK, replace fuse.
(2) Check for battery voltage at fuse 9 with igni-
tion switch in ON position. If OK, go to next step. If
not OK, repair open in circuit from ignition switch
and/or refer to Group 8D - Ignition Systems for test-
ing of ignition switch.
(3) Turn ignition switch to OFF. Disconnect battery
negative cable. Remove the affected instrument clus-
ter bezel and cluster assembly. Disconnect the cluster
connector.
(4) Connect battery negative cable. Turn ignition
switch to ON. If problem is in main cluster, check for
battery voltage at cavity 3 and cavity 19 of main
cluster connector. If problem is in gauge package
cluster, check for battery voltage at cavity 2 and cav-
ity 12 of gauge package cluster connector. If OK, go
to next step. If not OK, repair open in circuit from
fuse 9 as required.
(5) Turn ignition switch to OFF. Disconnect battery
negative cable. Probe cavities 14 and 20 of main clus-
ter connector, or cavities 1 and 13 of gauge package
cluster connector. Check for continuity to a good
ground. There should be continuity. If OK, replace
the cluster printed circuit. If not OK, repair open in
circuit as required.
COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative
gauge condition. If the problem being diagnosed is re-
lated to gauge accuracy, be certain to confirm that
problem is with gauge and not with cooling system
performance. Actual engine coolant temperature
should be checked with a test gauge or thermometer
and compared to gauge readings before you proceed
with gauge diagnosis. Refer to Group 7 - Cooling Sys-
tem for more information.
(1) Turn ignition switch to ON. Disconnect coolant
temperature sending unit connector. Sending unit
(Fig. 1) is located near left rear corner of the cylinder
head. The gauge needle should move to low end of
gauge scale. If OK, go to next step. If not OK, go to
step 3.
(2) Install a jumper wire from sending unit wiring
to ground. The gauge needle should move to high end
of gauge scale. If OK, replace sending unit. If not
OK, remove jumper wire and go to next step.(3) Turn ignition switch to OFF. Disconnect battery
negative cable. Remove center instrument cluster be-
zel and gauge package cluster assembly. Disconnect
cluster connector.
(4) Probe cavity 11 of cluster connector. Check for
continuity to a good ground. There should be no con-
tinuity. If OK, go to next step. If not OK, repair short
in circuit as required.
(5) Still probing cavity 11 of cluster connector,
check for continuity to sending unit wiring connector.
There should be continuity. If OK, replace gauge. If
not OK, repair open in circuit as required.
FUEL GAUGE
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative
gauge condition. If the problem being diagnosed is re-
lated to gauge accuracy, be certain to confirm that
problem is with gauge and not with fuel tank. In-
spect fuel tank for signs of damage or distortion that
could affect sending unit performance before you pro-
ceed with gauge diagnosis. Refer to Group 14 - Fuel
System for more information.
(1) Turn ignition switch to ON. Disconnect fuel
gauge sending unit connector. Connector is located
near the left front upper corner of fuel tank. The
gauge needle should move to high end of gauge scale.
If OK, go to next step. If not OK, go to step 4.
(2) Connect a jumper wire between terminals 1
and 2 in the body half of the fuel gauge sending unit
connector (Fig. 2). The gauge needle should move to
low end of gauge scale. If OK, refer to Group 14 -
Fuel System for procedure to replace sending unit. If
not OK, remove jumper wire and go to next step.
(3) Turn ignition switch to OFF. Disconnect battery
negative cable. Check for continuity between termi-
nal 1 in the body half of fuel gauge sending unit con-
nector and a good ground. There should be
Fig. 1 Coolant Temperature Sending Unit - Typical
JINSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGESÐYJ 8E - 27

continuity. If OK, go to next step. If not OK, repair
circuit to ground as required.
(4) Remove center instrument cluster bezel and
gauge package cluster assembly. Disconnect cluster
connector.
(5) Probe cavity 6 of cluster connector. Check for
continuity to a good ground. There should be no con-
tinuity. If OK, go to next step. If not OK, repair short
circuit as required.
(6) Still probing cavity 6 of cluster connector, check
for continuity to cavity 2 of sending unit wiring body
half connector. There should be continuity. If OK, re-
place gauge. If not OK, repair open circuit as re-
quired.
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative
gauge condition. If the problem being diagnosed is re-
lated to gauge accuracy, be certain to confirm that
problem is with gauge and not with engine oiling sys-
tem performance. Actual engine oil pressure should
be checked with a test gauge and compared to gauge
readings before you proceed with gauge diagnosis.
Refer to Group 9 - Engines for more information.
(1) Turn ignition switch to ON. Disconnect oil pres-
sure sending unit connector. The sending unit (Fig. 3)
is located on right side of engine block. On 2.5L en-
gine, it is just forward of ignition distributor and just
to the rear of generator mounting bracket. On 4.0L
engine, it is just to the rear of ignition distributor
and above oil filter adapter. The gauge needle should
move to high end of gauge scale. If OK, go to next
step. If not OK, go to step 3.
(2) Install a jumper wire from sending unit wiring
to ground. The gauge needle should move to low end
of gauge scale. If OK, replace sending unit. If not
OK, remove jumper wire and go to next step.(3) Turn ignition switch to OFF. Disconnect battery
negative cable. Remove center instrument cluster be-
zel and gauge package cluster assembly. Disconnect
cluster connector.
(4) Probe cavity 9 of cluster connector. Check for
continuity to a good ground. There should be no con-
tinuity. If OK, go to next step. If not OK, repair short
circuit as required.
(5) Still probing cavity 9 of cluster connector, check
for continuity to sending unit wire connector. There
should be continuity. If OK, replace gauge. If not OK,
repair open circuit as required.
SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative
gauge condition. If the problem being diagnosed is re-
lated to gauge accuracy, be certain to confirm that
problem is with gauge and not with incorrect speed-
ometer pinion, axle ratio or tire size. Refer to Group
21 - Transmission and Transfer Case for more infor-
mation.
(1) Perform vehicle speed sensor test as described
in the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures
manual. If OK, go to next step. If not OK, replace ve-
hicle speed sensor.
(2) Disconnect battery negative cable. Unplug vehi-
cle speed sensor, PCM, and daytime running lamp
module connectors. Remove left instrument cluster
bezel and main cluster assembly. Disconnect cluster
connector.
(3) Probe cavity 13 of cluster connector. Check for
continuity to a good ground. There should be no con-
tinuity. If OK, go to next step. If not OK, repair short
circuit as required.
(4) Still probing cavity 13 of cluster connector,
check for continuity to cavity 1 of vehicle speed sen-
sor connector (Fig. 4). There should be continuity. If
OK, replace speedometer/odometer. If not OK, repair
open circuit as required.
Fig. 2 Fuel Gauge Sending Unit ConnectorFig. 3 Oil Pressure Sending Unit - Typical
8E - 28 INSTRUMENT PANEL AND GAUGESÐYJJ