Headlights do not illuminate.

Tiny
BIRD LEGS
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 128,000 MILES
When headlamp switch knob is pulled out, headlights do not illuminate. Parking lights come on, rotate knob and dash lights dim correctly.
Insert key into ignition, turn to on/start, move multifunction switch on left hand side of the steering column upward or downward position turn signals flash correctly. Push multifunction switch towards dash for high beam or pull back for low beam and no high/low beams, do not illuminate.

Checked fuses at right cowl side inner trim panel inside vehicle, all good.
Checked fuses in Power Distribution Center under hood located on passenger side wheel well of engine compartment all good. Note in both fuse locations, fuses pertaining to headlamps were removed and checked for continuity, all good.

Replaced right and left front headlamps, Note used electronic cleaner on connection, checked for broken wires, all okay, and applied dielectric grease before connecting to headlamp. Pulled out knob, headlamps do not illuminate.

Replaced headlamp switch, old switch did not show signs of burned areas or broken wires, pulled out knob, headlamps do not illuminate.

The vehicle is equipped with a device which shuts off the headlamps automatically after ignition switch has been turned off.
Is it possible the automatic headlamp shut off may be the reason why the headlamps do not illuminate?
If so, where is the device located?

Or could it be the multifunction switch on left hand side of the steering column.

The vehicle has not been in an accident and is garaged nightly.

Terry
Monday, January 20th, 2014 AT 6:49 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
DOCDTC
  • MECHANIC
  • 53 POSTS
Hi Terry,
Does your Jeep have day time running lights(DRL)? If so, the DRL module is your most likely source of failure. These modules(DRL) are prone to failure, and will most definitely cause exactly the symptom you describe. This module is located on right rear of engine compartment, near the firewall. It can be identified by its 7 wire connector. It will have 3 red, 1 violet, 1 brown and 2 white wires. Hope this helps- Keep me posted, DocDTC
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Monday, January 20th, 2014 AT 7:18 AM
Tiny
BIRD LEGS
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No, this 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport does not have "Day Time Running Lights".(DRL)
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Tuesday, January 21st, 2014 AT 4:36 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Just to add, check the fuses in the diagram. Not only check the fuses, check the fuse circuit for voltage with headlamp switch on. In the diagram, the wires on top of headlamps is voltage for high and low beam, different wires. The black wire underneath is ground, you may have to check ground, also.
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Thursday, January 23rd, 2014 AT 11:05 AM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
I was looking at the headlamp delay module, it appears to be wired in parallel to the headlamp switch. As long as the headlamp switch is turned on, I don't believe the delay module can kill it.

My info says to activate the headlamp delay module, you have to turn off the headlamp switch and turn off the key. The module probably has an internal timer for 30--40 seconds.
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Thursday, January 23rd, 2014 AT 2:30 PM
Tiny
BIRD LEGS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
JDL,
Okay, we can rule out the headlamp delay module.
I will check the fuses in the diagram and fuse circuit for voltage with headlamp switch on.

Unfortunately, I have to work Saturday morning so, Saturday afternoon will be when I can get to check the fuses and voltage. I will let you know the out come.

Thanks for your help
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Friday, January 24th, 2014 AT 6:09 PM
Tiny
JDL
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  • 16,098 POSTS
The first fuse diagram is after the dimmer switch.

This next diagram is fuses going to the headlamp switch. The lite green wire, #2 terminal from the headlamp switch carries voltage to dimmer switch.
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Saturday, January 25th, 2014 AT 8:49 AM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Just wanted to add, I'm going to be out of pocket for a while, not sure how long?
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Saturday, January 25th, 2014 AT 9:18 AM
Tiny
BIRD LEGS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
JDl, Turns out the problem was the turn signal switch. Replaced the switch and all good. HD lights working .
Thanks for your help and God Bless
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Sunday, March 2nd, 2014 AT 7:13 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Glad you got it going your way.
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Monday, March 3rd, 2014 AT 8:52 AM

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