Jeep Cherokee (XJ): General information. Description and operation. Diagnosis and testing

Introduction

An electrically heated rear window defogger and electrically heated outside rear view mirrors are available factory-installed options on this model.

Refer to 8W-48 - Rear Window Defogger and 8W-62 - Power Mirrors in Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams for complete circuit descriptions and diagrams.

NOTE: This group covers both Left-Hand Drive (LHD) and Right-Hand Drive (RHD) versions of this model. Whenever required and feasible, the RHD versions of affected vehicle components have been constructed as mirror-image of the LHD versions.

While most of the illustrations used in this group represent only the LHD version, the diagnostic and service procedures outlined can generally be applied to either version. Exceptions to this rule have been clearly identified as LHD or RHD, if a special illustration or procedure is required.

Rear window defogger system

The rear window defogger system will only operate when the ignition switch is in the On position. When the defogger switch is in the On position, an electric heater grid on the rear window glass is energized.

Vehicles with the heated mirror options also have heater grids located behind the outside rear view mirror glass. Each of these grids produce heat to help clear the rear window glass and outside rear view mirrors of ice, snow, or fog.

The defogger system is controlled by a switch installed in the instrument panel accessory switch bezel, which is located near the bottom of the instrument panel center bezel area, below the heater and air conditioner controls. An amber indicator lamp in the switch button will light to indicate when the defogger system is turned on. The instrument cluster circuitry, which contains the defogger system timer logic, monitors the state of the defogger switch through a hard-wired input. The instrument cluster circuitry controls the defogger system through a hard-wired control output to the defogger relay.

The defogger system will be automatically turned off after a programmed time interval of about ten minutes. After the initial time interval has expired, if the defogger switch is turned on again during the same ignition cycle, the defogger system will automatically turn off after about five minutes.

The defogger system will automatically shut off if the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, or it can be turned off manually by depressing the instrument panel switch. Following are general descriptions of the major components in the defogger system. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the defogger system.

Rear glass heating grid

The heated rear window glass has two electrically conductive vertical bus bars and a series of horizontal grid lines made of a silver-ceramic material, which is baked on and bonded to the inside surface of the glass. The grid lines and bus bars comprise a parallel electrical circuit.

When the rear window defogger switch is placed in the On position, electrical current is directed to the rear window grid lines through the bus bars. The grid lines heat the rear window to clear the surface of fog or snow. Protection for the heated grid circuit is provided by a fuse in the Power Distribution Center (PDC).

The grid lines and bus bars are highly resistant to abrasion. However, it is possible for an open circuit to occur in an individual grid line, resulting in no current flow through the line.

The grid lines can be damaged or scraped off with sharp instruments. Care should be taken when cleaning the glass or removing foreign materials, decals, or stickers from the glass. Normal glass cleaning solvents or hot water used with rags or toweling is recommended.

A repair kit is available to repair the grid lines and bus bars, or to reinstall the heated glass pigtail wires.

Outside mirror heating grid

Vehicles equipped with the optional heated mirror package have an electric heating grid located behind the mirror glass of each outside rear view mirror.

The heated mirrors are controlled by the rear window defogger switch. Electrical current is directed to the heating grid inside the mirror only when the rear window defogger switch is in the On position.

If the outside mirror heating grids and the rear window heating grid are all inoperative, diagnosis of the rear window defogger system should be performed as described in this group. If the outside mirror heating grids are inoperative, but the rear window heating grid is operating as designed, refer to Power Mirror in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8T - Power Mirror Systems for diagnosis of the mirror heating grids.

The heating grid behind each outside mirror glass cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the entire power mirror unit must be replaced. Refer to Power Mirror in the Removal and Installation section of Group 8T - Power Mirror Systems for the service procedures.

Defogger switch

The rear window defogger switch is installed in the instrument panel accessory switch bezel, which is located near the bottom of the instrument panel center bezel area, below the heater and air conditioner controls. The momentary-type switch provides a hard-wired ground signal to the instrument cluster each time it is depressed. The instrument cluster rear window defogger timer and logic circuitry responds by energizing or de-energizing the rear window defogger relay.

Energizing the rear window defogger relay provides electrical current to the rear window defogger grid and, if the vehicle is so equipped, the outside rear view mirror heating grids. An amber indicator lamp in the defogger switch, which lights to indicate when the defogger system is turned On, is also powered by the defogger relay output.

The defogger switch illumination lamp and indicator lamp bulbs are serviceable. The defogger switch cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.

Instrument cluster

The instrument cluster is an electromechanical unit that contains integrated circuitry and internal programming to perform a variety of functions. The instrument cluster circuitry monitors hard-wired switch inputs, as well as message inputs received from other vehicle electronic control modules on the Chrysler Collision Detection (CCD) data bus network.

The instrument cluster uses these many inputs along with its internal programming and integral timer and logic circuitry to perform the functions of the rear window defogger timer on this model. The instrument cluster circuitry also has a self-diagnostic capability. Refer to Instrument Cluster in Group 8E - Instrument Panel Systems for more information on this feature.

However, there are no diagnostics available for the rear window defogger timer and logic circuitry.

Therefore, the diagnosis for this system consists of confirming the presence of a rear window defogger switch input signal at the instrument cluster connector, and the resulting rear window defogger relay control output signal at the defogger relay. For diagnosis of the CCD data bus and the data bus message inputs, a DRB scan tool and the proper Diagnostic Procedures manual are recommended.

Refer to Instrument Cluster in Group 8E - Instrument Panel Systems for the service procedures for the instrument cluster. The rear window defogger timer and logic circuitry cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the instrument cluster assembly must be replaced.

Defogger relay

The rear window defogger relay is a International Standards Organization (ISO)-type relay. The rear window defogger relay is a electromechanical device that switches fused battery current to the rear glass and outside mirror heating grids, and the indicator lamp of the defogger switch, when the instrument cluster rear window defogger timer and logic circuitry grounds the relay coil. See Defogger Relay in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group for more information.

The rear window defogger relay is located in the junction block, on the right cowl side inner panel below the instrument panel in the passenger compartment.

The rear window defogger relay cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.

Defogger system

For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to 8W-48 - Rear Window Defogger or 8W-62 Power Mirrors in Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams. The operation of the electrically heated rear window defogger system can be confirmed in one of the following manners:

1.  Turn the ignition switch to the On position. While monitoring the instrument panel voltmeter, set the defogger switch in the On position. When the defogger switch is turned On, a distinct voltmeter needle deflection should be noted.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Set the defogger switch in the On position. The rear window defogger operation can be checked by feeling the rear window or outside rear view mirror glass. A distinct difference in temperature between the grid lines and the adjacent clear glass or the mirror glass can be detected within three to four minutes of operation.
3.  Using a 12-volt DC voltmeter, contact the rear glass heating grid terminal A (right side) with the negative lead, and terminal B (left side) with the positive lead (Fig. 1). The voltmeter should read battery voltage.

Fig. 1 Rear Window Glass Grid Test

1 - TERMINAL "A"
2 - TERMINAL "B"
3 - FEED WIRE
4 - MID-POINT "C" (TYPICAL)
5 - HEATED REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER GRID
6 - GROUND WIRE

The above checks will confirm system operation.

Illumination of the defogger switch indicator lamp means that there is electrical current available at the output of the defogger relay, but does not confirm that the electrical current is reaching the rear glass heating grid lines.

If the defogger system does not operate, the problem should be isolated in the following manner: (1) Confirm that the ignition switch is in the On position.

(2) Ensure that the rear glass heating grid feed and ground wires are connected to the glass. Confirm that the ground wire has continuity to ground.

(3) Check the fuses in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) and in the junction block. The fuses must be tight in their receptacles and all electrical connections must be secure.

When the above steps have been completed and the rear glass or outside rear view mirror heating grid is still inoperative, one or more of the following is faulty:

•  Defogger switch
•  Defogger relay
•  Instrument cluster circuitry
•  Rear window grid lines (all grid lines would have to be broken or one of the feed wires disconnected for the entire system to be inoperative)
•  Outside rear view mirror heating grid.

If setting the defogger switch to the On position produces a severe voltmeter deflection, check for a short circuit between the defogger relay output and the rear glass or outside rear view mirror heating grids.

Rear glass heating grid

For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to 8W-48 - Rear Window Defogger in Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams. To detect breaks in the grid lines, the following procedure is required: (1) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Set the defogger switch in the On position. The indicator lamp should light. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, see the Defogger Relay diagnosis in this group.

(2) Using a 12-volt DC voltmeter, contact the vertical bus bar on the right side of the vehicle with the negative lead. With the positive lead, contact the vertical bus bar on the left side of the vehicle. The voltmeter should read battery voltage. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the defogger relay as required.

(3) With the negative lead of the voltmeter, contact a good body ground point. The voltage reading should not change. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the circuit to ground as required.

(4) Connect the negative lead of the voltmeter to the right side bus bar and touch each grid line at midpoint C with the positive lead. A reading of approximately six volts indicates a line is good. A reading of zero volts indicates a break in the grid line between midpoint C and the left side bus bar. A reading of ten to fourteen volts indicates a break between midpoint C and the right side bus bar. Move the positive lead on the grid line towards the break and the voltage reading will change as soon as the break is crossed.

Defogger switch

For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to 8W-48 - Rear Window Defogger in Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the accessory switch bezel from the instrument panel and unplug the defogger switch wire harness connector.

(2) Check for continuity between the ground circuit cavity of the defogger switch wire harness connector and a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.

(3) Check for continuity between the ground circuit terminal and the rear window defogger switch sense circuit terminal on the back of the defogger switch housing (Fig. 2). There should be momentary continuity as the defogger switch button is depressed, and then no continuity. If OK, see the diagnosis for the Instrument Cluster in this group. If not OK, replace the faulty switch.

Fig. 2 Defogger Switch Continuity

Defogger relay

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

RELAY TEST

The defogger relay (Fig. 3) is located in the junction block, on the right cowl side inner panel below the instrument panel in the passenger compartment.

Remove the defogger relay from the junction block to perform the following tests: (1) A relay in the de-energized position should have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.

(2) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (electromagnet) should be 75 6 10 ohms. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.

(3) Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86.

There should now be continuity between terminals 30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A and 30. If OK, see the Relay Circuit Test in this group. If not OK, replace the faulty relay

Fig. 3 Defogger Relay

RELAY CIRCUIT TEST

(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is connected to battery voltage and should be hot at all times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the PDC fuse as required.

(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is connected to terminal 30 in the de-energized position, but is not used for this application. Go to Step 3.

(3) The relay normally open terminal (87) is connected to the common feed terminal (30) in the energized position. This terminal supplies battery voltage to the rear glass and outside rear view mirror heating grids and the defogger switch indicator lamp.

There should be continuity between the cavity for relay terminal 87 and the rear window defogger relay output circuit cavities of the rear glass heating grid connector, both outside rear view mirror heating grid connectors, and the defogger switch connector at all times. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit(s) as required.

(4) The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to the electromagnet in the relay. This terminal is provided with ground by the instrument cluster rear window defogger timer and logic circuitry to energize the defogger relay. There should be continuity to ground at the cavity for relay terminal 85 when the defogger switch is turned On. However, with the defogger relay removed, the defogger switch indicator lamp will not light to show that the defogger system is turned On. Be certain that you depress the defogger switch at least twice to confirm that the system is turned on during this test. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the instrument cluster as required.

(5) The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to the electromagnet in the relay. It is connected to fused ignition switch output voltage and should be hot when the ignition switch is in the On position.

Check for battery voltage at the cavity for relay terminal 86 with the ignition switch in the On position.

If OK, see the diagnosis for Instrument Cluster in this group. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the fuse in the junction block as required.

Instrument cluster

Before performing this test, complete the Defogger Switch and the Defogger Relay tests as described in this group. For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to 8W-48 - Rear Window Defogger in Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the defogger relay from the junction block and unplug the defogger switch wire harness connector.

(2) Remove the instrument cluster from the instrument panel. Refer to Instrument Cluster in Group 8E - Instrument Panel Systems for the procedures.

(3) Check for continuity between the rear window defogger switch sense circuit cavity of the right instrument cluster wire harness connector (connector B) and a good ground. There should be no continuity.

If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the short circuit as required.

(4) Check for continuity between the rear window defogger switch sense circuit cavities of the right instrument cluster wire harness connector (connector B) and the defogger switch wire harness connector.

There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.

(5) Check for continuity between the rear window defogger relay control circuit cavity of the right instrument cluster wire harness connector (connector B) and a good ground. There should be no continuity.

If OK, go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the short circuit as required.

(6) Check for continuity between the rear window defogger relay control circuit cavities of the right instrument cluster wire harness connector (connector B) and the defogger relay receptacle (the cavity for ISO relay terminal 85) in the junction block. There should be continuity. If OK, replace the faulty instrument cluster. If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.