85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

Help please. My 85 Scrambler, which I just purchased, has no running
tail lights or no brake lights even though the headlights, and front
and rear turn signals do work. The interior dash lights do not work
either, but I assume replacing the head light switch will fix that
problem. Would the tail light problem possibly be part of the head
light switch problem. Could it be in the steering column/ignition
switch wiring? Can some one help me get started on what to look for and
what to check out. Thanks,

Re: 85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

Tail and dash lights are on the same fuse on all cars.
God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

dwgrulke@mindspring.com wrote:
>
> Help please. My 85 Scrambler, which I just purchased, has no running
> tail lights or no brake lights even though the headlights, and front
> and rear turn signals do work. The interior dash lights do not work
> either, but I assume replacing the head light switch will fix that
> problem. Would the tail light problem possibly be part of the head
> light switch problem. Could it be in the steering column/ignition
> switch wiring? Can some one help me get started on what to look for and
> what to check out. Thanks,

Re: 85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

Tail and dash lights are on the same fuse on all cars.
God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

dwgrulke@mindspring.com wrote:
>
> Help please. My 85 Scrambler, which I just purchased, has no running
> tail lights or no brake lights even though the headlights, and front
> and rear turn signals do work. The interior dash lights do not work
> either, but I assume replacing the head light switch will fix that
> problem. Would the tail light problem possibly be part of the head
> light switch problem. Could it be in the steering column/ignition
> switch wiring? Can some one help me get started on what to look for and
> what to check out. Thanks,

Re: 85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

Tail and dash lights are on the same fuse on all cars.
God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

dwgrulke@mindspring.com wrote:
>
> Help please. My 85 Scrambler, which I just purchased, has no running
> tail lights or no brake lights even though the headlights, and front
> and rear turn signals do work. The interior dash lights do not work
> either, but I assume replacing the head light switch will fix that
> problem. Would the tail light problem possibly be part of the head
> light switch problem. Could it be in the steering column/ignition
> switch wiring? Can some one help me get started on what to look for and
> what to check out. Thanks,

Re: 85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

dwgrulke@mindspring.com wrote:

> Help please. My 85 Scrambler, which I just purchased, has no running
> tail lights or no brake lights even though the headlights, and front
> and rear turn signals do work. The interior dash lights do not work
> either, but I assume replacing the head light switch will fix that
> problem. Would the tail light problem possibly be part of the head
> light switch problem. Could it be in the steering column/ignition
> switch wiring? Can some one help me get started on what to look for and
> what to check out. Thanks,

First, buy a CJ manual of some sort with a wiring diagram and a cheap-o
mulitmeter from RadioShack. $30 or so well spent.

If front and rear turn signals work, I don't think it's anything in the
steering column. It's true that some of the wiring for the lights go
through there, but usually it's the turn signal functionality that bites
the dust first.

As you guessed, first replace the headlight switch. Also check your fuses
to make sure they're not blown, they're the right value, and they're
actually there (missing fuses are quite common). If that don't fix your
problem, trace to a common point on the wiring diagram. There's not too
many common points on a lighting system, and tracing the lighting wiring
diagram on an '85 is pretty straight forward.
--
Michael White "To protect people from the effects of folly is to
fill the world with fools." -Herbert Spencer

Re: 85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

dwgrulke@mindspring.com wrote:

> Help please. My 85 Scrambler, which I just purchased, has no running
> tail lights or no brake lights even though the headlights, and front
> and rear turn signals do work. The interior dash lights do not work
> either, but I assume replacing the head light switch will fix that
> problem. Would the tail light problem possibly be part of the head
> light switch problem. Could it be in the steering column/ignition
> switch wiring? Can some one help me get started on what to look for and
> what to check out. Thanks,

First, buy a CJ manual of some sort with a wiring diagram and a cheap-o
mulitmeter from RadioShack. $30 or so well spent.

If front and rear turn signals work, I don't think it's anything in the
steering column. It's true that some of the wiring for the lights go
through there, but usually it's the turn signal functionality that bites
the dust first.

As you guessed, first replace the headlight switch. Also check your fuses
to make sure they're not blown, they're the right value, and they're
actually there (missing fuses are quite common). If that don't fix your
problem, trace to a common point on the wiring diagram. There's not too
many common points on a lighting system, and tracing the lighting wiring
diagram on an '85 is pretty straight forward.
--
Michael White "To protect people from the effects of folly is to
fill the world with fools." -Herbert Spencer

Re: 85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

dwgrulke@mindspring.com wrote:

> Help please. My 85 Scrambler, which I just purchased, has no running
> tail lights or no brake lights even though the headlights, and front
> and rear turn signals do work. The interior dash lights do not work
> either, but I assume replacing the head light switch will fix that
> problem. Would the tail light problem possibly be part of the head
> light switch problem. Could it be in the steering column/ignition
> switch wiring? Can some one help me get started on what to look for and
> what to check out. Thanks,

First, buy a CJ manual of some sort with a wiring diagram and a cheap-o
mulitmeter from RadioShack. $30 or so well spent.

If front and rear turn signals work, I don't think it's anything in the
steering column. It's true that some of the wiring for the lights go
through there, but usually it's the turn signal functionality that bites
the dust first.

As you guessed, first replace the headlight switch. Also check your fuses
to make sure they're not blown, they're the right value, and they're
actually there (missing fuses are quite common). If that don't fix your
problem, trace to a common point on the wiring diagram. There's not too
many common points on a lighting system, and tracing the lighting wiring
diagram on an '85 is pretty straight forward.
--
Michael White "To protect people from the effects of folly is to
fill the world with fools." -Herbert Spencer

Re: 85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

The tail lights and the dashboard share the same fuse.

The brake lights are fed through the turn signal switch -- when you apply
the brakes and turn at the same time (assuming you use the turn signals) the
brake lights are turned off and the turn signal on that side is turned on.
Since the bulb is the same for both, it is important to understand that the
electricity is a bit different. The electricity between the brake pedal and
the brake lamps is interupted by the turn signal switch. The key to your
troubles is in the steering column. You can try testing my theory by gently
moving the turn signal stalk while using the brakes to see if you can get
the lights to come on. My '81 CJ5 had a hissy fit in this area not long ago,
and I found that I could press the stalk a bit to get it to make contact and
allow the brake light to come on. I had this problem on one side only, and
you seem to be having it on both sides, but I am pretty sure you can clean
the switch, or you may find that it must be replaced. Either way, it has to
come out first ...




<dwgrulke@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:1144117041.909420.325440@v46g2000cwv.googlegr oups.com...
> Help please. My 85 Scrambler, which I just purchased, has no running
> tail lights or no brake lights even though the headlights, and front
> and rear turn signals do work. The interior dash lights do not work
> either, but I assume replacing the head light switch will fix that
> problem. Would the tail light problem possibly be part of the head
> light switch problem. Could it be in the steering column/ignition
> switch wiring? Can some one help me get started on what to look for and
> what to check out. Thanks,
>

Re: 85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

The tail lights and the dashboard share the same fuse.

The brake lights are fed through the turn signal switch -- when you apply
the brakes and turn at the same time (assuming you use the turn signals) the
brake lights are turned off and the turn signal on that side is turned on.
Since the bulb is the same for both, it is important to understand that the
electricity is a bit different. The electricity between the brake pedal and
the brake lamps is interupted by the turn signal switch. The key to your
troubles is in the steering column. You can try testing my theory by gently
moving the turn signal stalk while using the brakes to see if you can get
the lights to come on. My '81 CJ5 had a hissy fit in this area not long ago,
and I found that I could press the stalk a bit to get it to make contact and
allow the brake light to come on. I had this problem on one side only, and
you seem to be having it on both sides, but I am pretty sure you can clean
the switch, or you may find that it must be replaced. Either way, it has to
come out first ...




<dwgrulke@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:1144117041.909420.325440@v46g2000cwv.googlegr oups.com...
> Help please. My 85 Scrambler, which I just purchased, has no running
> tail lights or no brake lights even though the headlights, and front
> and rear turn signals do work. The interior dash lights do not work
> either, but I assume replacing the head light switch will fix that
> problem. Would the tail light problem possibly be part of the head
> light switch problem. Could it be in the steering column/ignition
> switch wiring? Can some one help me get started on what to look for and
> what to check out. Thanks,
>

Re: 85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

The tail lights and the dashboard share the same fuse.

The brake lights are fed through the turn signal switch -- when you apply
the brakes and turn at the same time (assuming you use the turn signals) the
brake lights are turned off and the turn signal on that side is turned on.
Since the bulb is the same for both, it is important to understand that the
electricity is a bit different. The electricity between the brake pedal and
the brake lamps is interupted by the turn signal switch. The key to your
troubles is in the steering column. You can try testing my theory by gently
moving the turn signal stalk while using the brakes to see if you can get
the lights to come on. My '81 CJ5 had a hissy fit in this area not long ago,
and I found that I could press the stalk a bit to get it to make contact and
allow the brake light to come on. I had this problem on one side only, and
you seem to be having it on both sides, but I am pretty sure you can clean
the switch, or you may find that it must be replaced. Either way, it has to
come out first ...




<dwgrulke@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:1144117041.909420.325440@v46g2000cwv.googlegr oups.com...
> Help please. My 85 Scrambler, which I just purchased, has no running
> tail lights or no brake lights even though the headlights, and front
> and rear turn signals do work. The interior dash lights do not work
> either, but I assume replacing the head light switch will fix that
> problem. Would the tail light problem possibly be part of the head
> light switch problem. Could it be in the steering column/ignition
> switch wiring? Can some one help me get started on what to look for and
> what to check out. Thanks,
>

Re: 85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

I highly recommend you get the Haynes CJ manual. It has excellent
wiring diagrams in it.

You sound like you have a couple different issues.

First off I would be wanting to verify all the bulbs are good. CJ's can
have some strange lighting quirks if you have burned out bulb
filaments. The brake and signals ground through the light fixture bolts
that can go rusty and the running lights ground via the wiring harness.

The tail lights or running lights because you have them up front as well
are on the same fuse as the dash lights. I would start there.

The brake lights and signals use the same bulb filaments. I would start
at the easiest point, the brake light switch above the pedal before
getting into the steering column switch.

Why do you think you have a headlight switch issue?

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

dwgrulke@mindspring.com wrote:
>
> Help please. My 85 Scrambler, which I just purchased, has no running
> tail lights or no brake lights even though the headlights, and front
> and rear turn signals do work. The interior dash lights do not work
> either, but I assume replacing the head light switch will fix that
> problem. Would the tail light problem possibly be part of the head
> light switch problem. Could it be in the steering column/ignition
> switch wiring? Can some one help me get started on what to look for and
> what to check out. Thanks,

Re: 85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

I highly recommend you get the Haynes CJ manual. It has excellent
wiring diagrams in it.

You sound like you have a couple different issues.

First off I would be wanting to verify all the bulbs are good. CJ's can
have some strange lighting quirks if you have burned out bulb
filaments. The brake and signals ground through the light fixture bolts
that can go rusty and the running lights ground via the wiring harness.

The tail lights or running lights because you have them up front as well
are on the same fuse as the dash lights. I would start there.

The brake lights and signals use the same bulb filaments. I would start
at the easiest point, the brake light switch above the pedal before
getting into the steering column switch.

Why do you think you have a headlight switch issue?

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

dwgrulke@mindspring.com wrote:
>
> Help please. My 85 Scrambler, which I just purchased, has no running
> tail lights or no brake lights even though the headlights, and front
> and rear turn signals do work. The interior dash lights do not work
> either, but I assume replacing the head light switch will fix that
> problem. Would the tail light problem possibly be part of the head
> light switch problem. Could it be in the steering column/ignition
> switch wiring? Can some one help me get started on what to look for and
> what to check out. Thanks,

Re: 85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

I highly recommend you get the Haynes CJ manual. It has excellent
wiring diagrams in it.

You sound like you have a couple different issues.

First off I would be wanting to verify all the bulbs are good. CJ's can
have some strange lighting quirks if you have burned out bulb
filaments. The brake and signals ground through the light fixture bolts
that can go rusty and the running lights ground via the wiring harness.

The tail lights or running lights because you have them up front as well
are on the same fuse as the dash lights. I would start there.

The brake lights and signals use the same bulb filaments. I would start
at the easiest point, the brake light switch above the pedal before
getting into the steering column switch.

Why do you think you have a headlight switch issue?

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

dwgrulke@mindspring.com wrote:
>
> Help please. My 85 Scrambler, which I just purchased, has no running
> tail lights or no brake lights even though the headlights, and front
> and rear turn signals do work. The interior dash lights do not work
> either, but I assume replacing the head light switch will fix that
> problem. Would the tail light problem possibly be part of the head
> light switch problem. Could it be in the steering column/ignition
> switch wiring? Can some one help me get started on what to look for and
> what to check out. Thanks,

Re: 85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

Thanks for the info. I think that the dash lights may not work because
of a defective headlight switch for this reason. In the past I had
such a problem (no tail light problem at that incident) where no dash
lights work. The problem ended up being that the "rheostat" coil in the
headlight switch got brittle, broke and therefore there was no contact
and no juice going to the dash lights. I replaced the switch and
everything began to work. Dan

Re: 85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

Thanks for the info. I think that the dash lights may not work because
of a defective headlight switch for this reason. In the past I had
such a problem (no tail light problem at that incident) where no dash
lights work. The problem ended up being that the "rheostat" coil in the
headlight switch got brittle, broke and therefore there was no contact
and no juice going to the dash lights. I replaced the switch and
everything began to work. Dan

Re: 85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

Thanks for the info. I think that the dash lights may not work because
of a defective headlight switch for this reason. In the past I had
such a problem (no tail light problem at that incident) where no dash
lights work. The problem ended up being that the "rheostat" coil in the
headlight switch got brittle, broke and therefore there was no contact
and no juice going to the dash lights. I replaced the switch and
everything began to work. Dan

Re: 85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

In this case, a blown fuse is more likely because the running lights are
also out, but....

Your turn signals are also on a different fuse from the brake lights.
The hazard flashers are on the brake light fuse as well as the clock. I
would be checking the hazards out also.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

dwgrulke@mindspring.com wrote:
>
> Thanks for the info. I think that the dash lights may not work because
> of a defective headlight switch for this reason. In the past I had
> such a problem (no tail light problem at that incident) where no dash
> lights work. The problem ended up being that the "rheostat" coil in the
> headlight switch got brittle, broke and therefore there was no contact
> and no juice going to the dash lights. I replaced the switch and
> everything began to work. Dan

Re: 85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

In this case, a blown fuse is more likely because the running lights are
also out, but....

Your turn signals are also on a different fuse from the brake lights.
The hazard flashers are on the brake light fuse as well as the clock. I
would be checking the hazards out also.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

dwgrulke@mindspring.com wrote:
>
> Thanks for the info. I think that the dash lights may not work because
> of a defective headlight switch for this reason. In the past I had
> such a problem (no tail light problem at that incident) where no dash
> lights work. The problem ended up being that the "rheostat" coil in the
> headlight switch got brittle, broke and therefore there was no contact
> and no juice going to the dash lights. I replaced the switch and
> everything began to work. Dan

Re: 85 Scrambler Problem-no tail/brake lights
 

In this case, a blown fuse is more likely because the running lights are
also out, but....

Your turn signals are also on a different fuse from the brake lights.
The hazard flashers are on the brake light fuse as well as the clock. I
would be checking the hazards out also.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

dwgrulke@mindspring.com wrote:
>
> Thanks for the info. I think that the dash lights may not work because
> of a defective headlight switch for this reason. In the past I had
> such a problem (no tail light problem at that incident) where no dash
> lights work. The problem ended up being that the "rheostat" coil in the
> headlight switch got brittle, broke and therefore there was no contact
> and no juice going to the dash lights. I replaced the switch and
> everything began to work. Dan