Generally, the interior lights of a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee should turn on automatically whenever you enter or exit the car. However, like other components of your car, this interior light might also malfunction. So if you wondering why does 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee interior lights won’t turn on and how to fix it, read on!
Following, we’ve figured out a few of the most common errors that prevent the interior light of the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee from turning on, along with simple solutions.
Why do the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Interior Lights not Turn On? 5 Common Reasons
Sometimes the interior lights of your 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee may refuse to work due to incorrect operation. So before starting to check the internal parts, you should inspect the car’s features at the initial stage.
1. Battery Saver Feature
Though the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee is not difficult to operate, the user’s error or lack of knowledge can occasionally cause some amusement. One of the craziest is when the interior lights of a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee refuse to turn on.
If you leave the multi-function control level in the interior light position, headlight position, or parking light position when moving the ignition switch to the off position, the battery saver function can turn off the interior light and exterior light after 8 minutes automatically. As a result, the interior light won’t turn on until you turn the ignition on or turn the headlight switch to another position.
Also Read: How To Install LED Lights in Car Headlights
2. Instrument Panel Lighting
Operating the instrument panel incorrectly can also prevent the interior lights of your 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee from turning on. If the multi-function control lever remains in the headlight, park light, or auto position, rotating the lever’s center part up increases the brightness of the instrument panel lights, while rotating it down decreases it.
Even, rotating the control’s center part to the first detent over the dimmer offers complete daylight on an electronic display like a radio or overhead console. In addition, rotating the control to the second detent over the dimmer range can help turn on the interior light. In contrast, turning the control all the way to the bottom turns off the entire interior light, even if the liftgate or doors are still open.
It means if your 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee interior light won’t turn on, it’s a handy function to check before troubleshooting for faulty parts.
In addition, if your Jeep Cherokee’s interior light won’t turn on when the door opens, it’s a good point to start troubleshooting. Remember, keeping the instrument panel lighting in the off position means having the lowest light level, which isn’t safe for night driving.
3. Dimmer Switch
If neither of those features is preventing your 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s interior light from turning on, check the physical condition of your car. Typically, the BCM switches the interior light by monitoring all door positions. It turns the interior light on automatically if one or more doors get opened.
If the interior light does not turn on when the door is opened, the left switch stack may be set to maximum dim.
As a result, the interior light won’t work. However, this position is rarely used as the instrument light dims and the operator can hardly notice anything. In this case, make sure you didn’t turn the dimmer switch all the way off. Otherwise, your car’s interior light will start working with the dimmer switch and won’t turn on even after opening the door.
4. Wiring Harness
Another possibility is that the Jeep’s wiring harness that runs from the door into the body may fail. More specifically, the wiring harness can split and break apart on the driver’s front door or the passenger side. It can mostly happen on the driver’s side, as this door is used more frequently than others. Though the insulation facing the driver’s side may make it look okay, it still may break down. It tends to break down over time due to being short.
Apart from inspecting the wiring harness, you should also inspect all of the wires to see if any of them are broken or are prone to breaking.
However, you can inexpensively fix the fault by opening the covering and working between the body and the door. So simply peel back the covering and discover the damaged wires. Then cut the faulty area to clean the non-corroded parts, and join the new wiring piece. Make sure the new piece is long enough to let you flex while operating the door.
Finally, reinstall the harness. Alternatively, you can change the harness; however, it will be expensive. Before opening or removing the harness, disconnect the battery to avoid additional damage.
5. Lighting Relay or Fuse
It is also a good idea to check the lighting relay, particularly if you don’t know which door triggers the light. In most cases, every door’s wiring meets at the relay, and its contact allows the light to turn on. The relay may be found under the hood or below the steering console.
FAQs
1. Why won’t the car’s interior light turn on after opening the door?
Generally, the interior light should turn on after opening the door. However, if the lights are not turned on, the switch may have failed. It can happen due to a short circuit between the door switch and the fuse.
2. How to turn off the light in a Jeep with the doors open?
You can use the dimmer switch to turn off the interior light with the door open. A thumbwheel is placed to the steering wheel’s left, along with a symbol of the speedometer.
3. Why won’t Jeep’s interior lights turn on?
The Jeep Wrangler’s interior lights might not turn on due to plenty of reasons, including the dashboard cluster, light switch, or dome lights. It can even happen due to faulty or loose connectors in the doors.
Final Words
Hopefully, you’ve got some common reasons why the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee interior lights won’t turn on. After detecting the problem, it’s a good idea to check the function to see if you can fix the initial. But if something goes wrong internally, it’s recommended to take the car to an auto shop or hire a certified mechanic to fix the error properly, regardless of the reason.
Hello there, this is Thomas Byrd. I am a professional car mechanic who leads a team of junior mechanics in a repair and restoration shop. In the beginning, I used to work for a jeep service center as a basic worker. From there I keep learning, changed my job 2 times and now I am a professional who leads a group of mechanics. Though a have expertise in the jeep, I know very well about all types of cars. To share my knowledge and skills with others I have created this blog website. Whenever I get free time from work I give my time to my blog.
