How do I turn the dome lamps on?

ANSWER : Hi there. Check the courtesy light switches on the doors to the vehicle. It seems that one or more switch may have a bad ground or a bad contact in the switch causing the courtesy light to come on while the engine is off and the key is out of the ignition with the doors shut. If you need further assistance with your courtesy light, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : Hi there. The symptoms you’re describing with your boyfriend’s 2002 Grand Cherokee appear to be related to a broken or worn out ignition switch or relay. The ignition switch on the inside of the steering column is attached to multiple electronic connections that send signals to a relay box; which in turn, sends the signal to the individual components. The issue could be related to the ignition switch, the relay, or any of the components in between. If you want to have the fault pinpointed in person, I would have this starting issue inspected by a trained professional to ensure that the correct repair is made.

ANSWER : Hi there. Check all of the grounds to the vehicle and see if there is any wires that are damaged from the taillight short. A loose ground will cause multiple problems with the electrical system and some or multiple components will not work. If you need further assistance with your electrical issues, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : Your probably correct, it sounds as though your battery is done. But it also sounds like you have charging system issues. I’m not sure that fixing your battery and charging system will solve the problem with the car shutting off, but it’s possible that it will and it’s a darned good place to start. By contacting Your Mechanic, you can have a technician come to your home or office to check out your car and help you figure out what to do next.

ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The dome light is triggered by several different switches, and one of them is stuck on. One thing you can do until you diagnose the issue, is unplug the fuse for the light. This should help the battery issue until the problem is resolved. You will have the best luck tracing the voltage supply with a voltmeter to the switch that is giving it power. You will also benefit from a wiring diagram of the circuit. If you do not have a voltmeter, it is a guessing game. You will want to attempt to turn the light off with the door switch (located in the door jam), and at the dashboard switch. Unplugging one of these components should turn the light off, and then you know what your problem is. For more diagnostic help, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

ANSWER : Hi there. Based on your inquiry, it’s highly probable that you have a damaged light switch or some electrical fault inside the turn signal relay. However, it’s also possible that the brake switch above the brake pedal could also be the source of your problem. Due to the fact that multiple electrical components might be causing this issue, it’s a smart idea to first have a professional mobile mechanic complete a brake lights are not working inspection, so they can determine what’s causing all of these issues and recommend the right repairs.

ANSWER : The most likely components to cause this may be the headlight relay, headlight switch, or the ignition switch itself. The relay is an electro-mechanical switch. The headlight switch sends a power signal to it. It then switches on internally to send power to the headlights. If the relay is sticking either in the on or off position, this can cause the lights to stay on or not turn on. If the headlight switch has failed, it may not be signaling the relay properly. With the ignition switch, if the mechanical tumbler portion is worn, it may not be fully moving it’s internals to signal the electrical portion of the switch to turn the lights on or off. Or vice versa, the electrical portion of the switch may have shorted internally.

Since one or more components may be at fault, it may be best to have a certified technician properly diagnose why the headlights are not working to find the exact cause.

ANSWER : Hi there. From the description you have provided, concerning your vehicle’s steering wheel is locked far right and key won’t turn with the front wheels in a forward default position, is somewhat confusing to me. It could be, undo pressure is being applied to the steering wheel lock. You could try, physically moving the left front tire side to side in either direction, to relieve the pressure on the steering wheel lock. It could be, the key you are using has a problem, try another key if available. It could be, the ignition lock cylinder is at fault. I recommend having your vehicle’s can’t turn the key be diagnosed and repaired by a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic.