4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: Rear turn signal and fuse box, left turn signal, chris ludwig

Question
Hi Carl -
thanks for answering all the questions.
I have two questions and hope you have some advice for me. First, I am a proud owner of a Jeep Cherokee Limited Edition. It is a year 2000 model and I just bought it from a friend. Now my questions:

1.) Half of the time I turn on my left turn signal, the rear hazard lights start to blink (left AND right) instead of only the rear left turn signal. All bulbs are ok and none appears to be burned out. Do you have any idea what could be wrong?

2.) I tried to check the fuses, which are located on the front passenger side. The fuse box cover/door referred to the instruction booklet for further information on each fuse and its use, but when I read the booklet, it stated "Inside the access door, you will find a diagram of the fuse panel indicating the location of the fuses and the features powered by each fuse". Both refer to each other, but neither one gives information on the use of the fuse, which makes it difficult to check for problems unless you take out all fuses. Is there a different booklet available that discribes the use of each fuse, or do I look at the wrong places for information on the fuses. I am very irritated by this lack of information.

I hope you can answer some of my questions and I am looking forward to hearing from you.
I really like my Jeep and hope I can fixe the hopfully minor problem of the signal lights.

Thanks,
Chris Ludwig


Answer
Chris,

This could be as simple as a shorted bulb.  When you check the bulbs, make sure that you look at the bottom connections to see if they may have corrosion across the contacts.  The fuse box should be on the driver's side under the dash area.  Normally the legend showing the fuse use is on the inside of this cover.  Another item that could cause this, would be, either your turn signal, or emergency flasher flash unit.  This is, usually a pair of plug in units, and they are located on, or near your fuse block.

You can purchase a repair manual for the Jeep.  A Chilton's or a Hayne's manual can be purchased at most auto parts stores for $20.  They have a lot of information on basic trouble shooting, and repairs, including electrical diagrams, along with wiring color codes. These manuals are designed for a year or range of years for specific vehicles, and are invaluable if you are planning on doing any repairs, or maintenance yourself.  To trace out the wiring, you may need to purchase a cheap voltmeter, or test light also.

Carl