The following videos and text are specifically for a 1995 YJ Sport. However, for the most part what worked here will work on other models. Bottom line... my dash lights are working again. For good measure I replaced the light switch and the dimmer switch. I also replaced all the stock bulbs with LEDs.
Bulbs:
Large bulb that comes on when dimmer switch is all the way on:
Gauge Bulbs (medium):
Indicator Bulbs (small):
(Note: the Amazon links did not work for me in DuckDuckGo but they do work in Chrome.)
Issue: Gauge lights and indicator lights were not working.
Step One: I replaced all the bulbs with LEDs. This fixed a great deal of my issues. With new bulbs all of the gauge lights began to work. However the indicator lights were still giving me problems. LEDs can be tricky in that they only work in one configuration. They are not marked so you have a 50/50 chance. In my videos I show you how to easily test this.
Step Two: I cleaned the ribbon. Be careful with this one. I used alcohol wipes. Mine was very corroded and I think I may have made it worse by cleaning off some of the copper that was still working. I then check continuity and found that some of the corrosion had completely eaten through the connective parts of the ribbon. Either way I had work to do here.
Step Three: Used solid wire to create jumpers across the damaged sections of the ribbons.
Watch the YouTube video links below in order and you will see how I tested the circuits, jumped damaged ones, and figured out how to insert the bulbs. In the end I test each light outside of the vehicle with a homemade 12 volt battery. All in the comfort of the AC. The two wire diagrams are Jeep created and Me created. Use the one that serves you best or look at both until you understand the ribbon and pins. I am no expert but I will try and help as best I can. Please reach out with questions or to have me explain something that might have been confusing.
Video 1:
Video 2:
Video 3:
Video 4:
Video 5:
Stock Wire Diagram
My Wire Diagram
Bulbs:
Large bulb that comes on when dimmer switch is all the way on:
Gauge Bulbs (medium):
Indicator Bulbs (small):
(Note: the Amazon links did not work for me in DuckDuckGo but they do work in Chrome.)
Issue: Gauge lights and indicator lights were not working.
Step One: I replaced all the bulbs with LEDs. This fixed a great deal of my issues. With new bulbs all of the gauge lights began to work. However the indicator lights were still giving me problems. LEDs can be tricky in that they only work in one configuration. They are not marked so you have a 50/50 chance. In my videos I show you how to easily test this.
Step Two: I cleaned the ribbon. Be careful with this one. I used alcohol wipes. Mine was very corroded and I think I may have made it worse by cleaning off some of the copper that was still working. I then check continuity and found that some of the corrosion had completely eaten through the connective parts of the ribbon. Either way I had work to do here.
Step Three: Used solid wire to create jumpers across the damaged sections of the ribbons.
Watch the YouTube video links below in order and you will see how I tested the circuits, jumped damaged ones, and figured out how to insert the bulbs. In the end I test each light outside of the vehicle with a homemade 12 volt battery. All in the comfort of the AC. The two wire diagrams are Jeep created and Me created. Use the one that serves you best or look at both until you understand the ribbon and pins. I am no expert but I will try and help as best I can. Please reach out with questions or to have me explain something that might have been confusing.
Video 1:
Video 2:
Video 3:
Video 4:
Video 5:
Stock Wire Diagram
My Wire Diagram
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