Questions and Answers
Jeep Gauges
Q. I have a 1994 Jeep Cherokee with 127,000 miles. The gas and speedometer gauges do not work, they do not move at all. I can't tell how fast I'm going or see if I have gas or not. What do you think it could be the problem? How can it be repaired and approximately how much do you think it would cost me?
Thanks,
LizA. I suspect you may have two separate problems here Liz. In checking my wiring diagrams, the only thing the two systems have in common is the printed circuit board in back of the instrument cluster.
The wire for the fuel gauge comes directly from the fuel sending unit and the signal for the speedometer comes directly from the ECU.
As for the possible problem with the fuel gauge, it's pretty cut and dried. You either have a bad fuel gauge, sending unit or a wiring problem. This is fairly easy to test.
- Turn ignition switch to Run position.
- Disconnect fuel gauge sender connector on the gas tank. Gauge needle should move to E.
- Connect a jumper between terminal A on the two halves of fuel gauge sender connector.
- Gauge should move to F. If gauge is operating properly, replace sender.
- Measure resistance of sender. If resistance is not between 5-105 ohms, replace sender.
- Check for an open between sender connector and gauge.
The speedometer is a little more complicated. You have the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) on the transmission or transfer case if it's 4 wheel drive, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the speedometer head, and the wiring in between.
If they went out at different times, then it's highly likely the two problems are separate. If they went out at the same time, then I would suspect a problem in the printed circuit board.
As far as cost goes, a large part depends on the time it takes to locate the problem. There is no set time for troubleshooting so it's charged on an actual time spent basis. I would say it would take a decent mechanic about 1 to 1 ½ hours to figure out.
