Hey all,

I've got a '78 CJ7 and lately it has been giving me a little trouble in the electric department. For whatever reason my dash lights have pretty much gone out, except for when I turn my fog lights on but even then they only fade on for a few seconds then go away. And also while driving I notice that when I use my turn signals along with my radio or fog lights that my voltage gauge will jump between about 5 and 10 amps. This same problem also causes my fog lights to be quite dim when I turn them on. I thought to check the battery and it is at about 14.5 amps when the vehicle wasn't running and 13 when it was (measured with a voltmeter). If anyones got any ideas I'd appreciate it.

Keep on Jeepin'!!

Jeeperfoxfo

Yep, look for a bad ground or grounds in dash area

Just like the Snoman said, you must have a bad ground somewhere.  

definetly sounds like a bad ground.i was rewiring my winch on my 87 xj and crossed leads for the power for the winch and the braided ground from the firewall and the engine got so hot it started a small fire (opppps), the jeep did some weird things with the electricals ..(next time i'll disconect the battery).u also might find a lose wire under the dashthat could be grounding out.hope you find the problem..  

Hey everyone:
I have a 1997 wrangler that at times the dash gauges just go out,it dosn't effect the running of the jeep and they come back on after a few seconds.Any idea what this might be? Thanks MisterG53  

Likely a bad ground as earlier in thread.  

+1 for ground.