Jeep WJ Grand Cherokee Clusters and Gauges

By Jeep Experts

Welcome to the jeepExperts.com in-depth web page on WJ Generation Jeep Grand Cherokee clusters and guages. We have organized as a lot info as we may discover right into a useful article beneath. Is one thing incorrect or lacking? Please get in contact with us and we’ll repair it!

Electroluminescent gauges are commonplace on the 02-04 Limited & Overland fashions.

Electroluminescent gauges technical description:

This new instrument cluster is an ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) module. The EMIC, together with the mounts and {the electrical} connections, are hid behind the cluster bezel. The EMIC gauges and indicators are protected by an integral clear plastic cluster lens, and are seen via a devoted hooded opening within the instrument panel prime pad. Just behind and integral to the cluster lens are the cluster hood and cluster masks, that are constructed of molded black plastic.

Two cluster masks are used: A base model includes a black matte face and no trim ring across the perimeter of every gauge opening, whereas a premium model includes a black matte face and a raised trim ring across the perimeter of every gauge opening. The cluster hood serves as a visor and shields the face of the cluster from ambient mild and reflections to cut back glare, whereas the cluster masks serves to separate and outline the person gauges of the EMIC.

The cluster masks options two giant spherical openings close to its heart via which the 2 main gauges are seen, and two smaller spherical openings stacked on the outboard aspect of every of the massive openings via which the 4 minor gauges are seen. The cluster masks and the dial faces of the gauges are laminated plastic models. The darkish, seen floor of the masks and the gauge dial faces are the outer layer or overlay, which is translucent. The darkness of this outer layer prevents the cluster from showing too cluttered or busy by concealing the cluster indicators that aren’t illuminated, whereas the translucence of this layer permits these indicators and 1 icons which can be illuminated to be readily seen. The underlying layer of the cluster masks overlay is opaque and permits mild from the assorted indicators behind it to be seen via the outer layer of the masks and gauge dial faces solely via predetermined cutouts.

On the bottom instrument clusters the graphics, increments, and numerals on the gauge faces are additionally translucent and illuminated from behind, whereas the orange gauge pointers are illuminated internally. On the premium instrument clusters the graphics, increments, numerals and gauge needles are opaque whereas the rest of the gauge faces are translucent and illuminated from behind by an electroluminescent lamp. The EMIC digital circuitry is protected by a molded plastic rear cowl that options a number of spherical entry holes for service of the incandescent cluster indicator and illumination lighting lamps and a big rectangular entry gap for the EMIC connector receptacle.

Twelve variations of the instrument panel module are supplied on Grand Cherokees, two base and ten premium. These variations accommodate all the variations of elective gear and regulatory necessities for the assorted markets wherein the car is obtainable. This module makes use of built-in circuitry and info carried on the Programmable Communications Interface (PCI) information bus community for management of all gauges and most of the indicators.

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Note the styling variations between the 2001 and 2002 gauges

White-face gauge improve choices

2002-2004 Limited/Overland Gauge cluster and housing

Cluster swapping

Many house owners have inquired as to whether or not they can purchase the Limited/Overland white-face gauge clusters and set up them into fashions which have the black gauges. Unfortunately, gauge clusters are solely accessible on an change foundation via the seller, and just for the matching cluster kind and mannequin 12 months. They should even be reprogrammed for mileage. This coverage is often strictly adhered to in an effort to keep and management odometer integrity. However, used gauge clusters are broadly accessible on web gross sales and public sale websites for almost any mannequin 12 months. But there may be nonetheless the mileage problem if a cluster is swapped out, and there might incompatibilities with a number of the warning and message lights in addition to the wiring.

It is bodily attainable to put in, for instance, the 2002-2004 electroluminescent clusters into 1999-2001 WJ fashions, and all the gauges will work completely. However, the odometer *would possibly* retain the earlier mileage from the car it got here out of, or “000000” whether it is new and would must be reprogrammed. Some of the opposite capabilities, just like the seat belt warning mild might not work so this may occasionally not the very best improve selection. We have not too long ago heard of 1 case of a ’99 proprietor who efficiently swapped an ’04 electroluminescent gauge cluster right into a ’99 Laredo and had no points. Your mileage might range.

December 2011 replace – Newly confirmed case of an proprietor taking an electroluminescent cluster out of a 2002 Limited and utilizing it in a 2000 restricted. The proprietor did nothing greater than unplug the manufacturing facility cluster and plug within the new one. The cluster retained the odometer studying from the primary Jeep. Everything is purposeful with nothing else needing to be finished.

For 2002-2004 house owners having the black gauges, if a 2002-2004 Limited/Overland cluster may very well be obtained, it could plug proper in and probably all capabilities would work. As above, the odometer will retain its unique mileage and would must be reprogrammed by a licensed store. I’m not conscious of any minor cluster management adjustments between 2002-2004, however this nonetheless must be verified.

Gauge swapping

The first photograph reveals the inventory gauges whereas the opposite three present the upgraded Limited gauges

Some house owners have put in 2001 Limited white face gauges into 1999 and 2000 Laredo fashions, buying simply the person gauge assemblies and putting in them into their current cluster meeting. Most possible the identical factor will be finished (putting in a set of 2001 Limited gauges) into 2002-2004 Laredo fashions. 2001 is the one mannequin 12 months for which gauges will be bought individually. This is a fascinating improve as this technique bypasses the added expense, change hassles and issues related to making an attempt to acquire a whole cluster, as the unique odometer is left intact. However, shopping for a brand new set of the ’01 Limited gauges can set you again greater than $400 plus set up (2008 replace: The 2001 particular person gauges have been discontinued and are not accessible from Mopar).

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NOTE: 2002-2004 electroluminescent gauges that come on the Limited and Overland fashions can’t be individually faraway from the cluster housing as they’re sandwiched between the cluster housing (see “exploded view” photograph exhibiting the electroluminescent cluster components on the backside of this web page).

Installation directions for upgrading to the Limited gauges:

1. Remove the cluster from the car as proven within the “Removing the gauge cluster” part beneath.

2. Lay the cluster the other way up on a comfortable towel. As proven in determine “A”, every gauge has a pair of metallic tabs (12 in all) that safe the gauge to the circuit board. Bend every tab upwards with a small screwdriver or pair of needle-nose pliers. All of the tabs are accessible with out eradicating the white rear plastic cowl. Figure “B” reveals a close-up of a pair of the tabs.

3. With a flat blade screwdriver, pry the outer entrance gauge lens housing away from the gauge cluster meeting as proven in determine “C”. There are 8 giant black tabs to free and the 2 items will be then separated. Be cautious on this course of to drag the items straight aside in order to not bump in opposition to the gauge needles. Also, take away and put aside the rubber piece that matches over the journey odometer reset button.

4. Next take away every of the 4 gauge assemblies. With a small flat blade screwdriver, rigorously pry up on the corners of every plastic backing slightly at a time. This will free the gauge pins from their sockets. The Tach and Speedometer every have 4 pins whereas the 2 units of double gauges every have 8 pins. The gauges will elevate up quite simply, they don’t seem to be secured actual tight.

5. Figure “E” reveals the again of one of many gauges, the Tachometer, and its 4 sockets. Figures “F” and “G” present the place the tach matches onto the circuit board pins. Install every of the 4 gauge assemblies by lining them up with their matching pins. This could be very simple to do because the gauge matches right into a recess and is straightforward to align. Once in place rigorously press down within the space across the pins, ensuring the gauge is seated evenly and firmly. Be cautious to not scratch or mar the gauge overlay surfaces whereas urgent them into place. A tissue can be utilized wrapped round a finger or two to maintain the gauge floor clear.

6. Figure “H” reveals the 4 newly put in gauges subsequent to the 4 that have been eliminated. Carefully re-install the entrance cluster lens, being certain to align the journey odometer reset button into its gap first and then rigorously aligning the cluster into the lens. Watch that the needles to not hit in opposition to something. Also examine to substantiate that there is no such thing as a mud or filth particles contained in the lens earlier than latching it firmly in place. The cluster can now be re-installed into the car, as described within the part beneath.

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2001 Limited gauge set

(Note: The 2001 particular person gauges have been discontinued and are not accessible from Mopar)

Gauge Part # MSRP
Speedometer P/N 5018112AA $93.90
Tachometer P/N 5018113AA $89.95
Temp & Oil P/N 5018114AA $117.00
Fuel & Volt P/N 5018115AA $120.00
(Prices listed are for reference functions solely and might range by seller. Parts usually are not accessible from this site. Prices are present as of February 2007).

White-face gauge overlays

White-face overlays for WJ fashions are solely accessible within the “break up” model, product of vinyl and designed to slip across the needle heart pin. These can often be discovered on eBay. Several years in the past some “uncut model” plastic overlays have been manufactured, nevertheless it was discovered that when the gauge needles have been eliminated they might not be reinstalled with out being out of alignment. An answer was by no means discovered and the mission was deserted.

Owners of 1987-2002 YJ/TJ Jeeps searching for white-face gauges ought to try JeepWhiteGauges.com

Changing OEM clear backlighting bulbs to paint bulbs

Factory gauge overlays are product of skinny plastic. The numerals and markings are printed on the overlays in blue and are back-lit with 5 clear bulbs that may be faraway from the again of the cluster. The bulbs can then get replaced with completely different coloration bulbs, painted completely different colours, or coloured sheaths that go over the clear bulbs will be put in. Different outcomes shall be achieved with completely different coloration bulbs or bulb covers, however all shall be “blended” with the manufacturing facility blue that’s on the overlay. I’ll strive and present some photos in the way forward for completely different outcomes achieved with utilizing coloured bulbs.

Factory gauge proven unlit, with again lighting (out of cluster), aspect view and again view

There are 5 clear bulbs within the cluster that present backlighting for the WJ black-face gauges

Removing the gauge cluster

The gauge cluster will be simply eliminated on all WJ fashions. First, disconnect the detrimental cable from the battery. Next, take away the cluster bezel trim piece (proven above left). It is held in place by 4 spring clips, one at every nook, and pulls straight out. On the left aspect, you possibly can attain your thumb behind the bezel rubber on the tilt wheel lever cut-out and pull ahead. If so outfitted, you’ll must unhook the Adjustable Pedals harness from the again of the bezel.

Next, take away the 4 phillips screws on the cluster meeting, two alongside the highest and two on the underside. At the 2 higher screw holes there are recessed tabs that have to be barely pried all the way down to launch the cluster, which you’ll be able to then pull outward and away. There is loads of slack allowed to unhook the only 9-wire/12-pin connector.

WARNING: On automobiles outfitted with the premium instrument cluster, the cluster circuitry supplies an alternating present to provide energy to the electroluminescent illumination lamp via a pigtail wire and connector that’s accessible in the back of the cluster housing. Use correct precautions when dealing with this unit throughout analysis or service to keep away from electrical shock and attainable private damage.

Front and again of the 2002 Electroluminescent cluster. Amazingly, your entire cluster meeting with hood and clear lens weighs solely 38 ounces.

Exploded view exhibiting the electroliminescent gauge meeting components

1999-2004 Grand Cherokee cluster pin-outs.

 

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