Gauge cluster won't turn off? I found a fix. (how does this make sense?)

[Medical_Bartender]

2022 Gladiator Willys Sport w/ manual transmission, locks, windows.

Had an issue with the basic gauge cluster not turning off after shutting down vehicle several months ago. I tried multiple fixes to include deleting the aux battery and installing a brand new battery, ensuring fuses seated, and performing a system reset. Unfortunately I did it all together so couldn't point to what specifically fixed it. Fast forward to yesterday when I went out at night and noticed the gauge cluster was on again after vehicle had been off for hours. I knew the battery was good (brand new) so I decided to check fuses again. I've hit a few decent sized bumps lately because Colorado roads suck...lo and behold the "F111" 20A fuse wasn't all the way seated again. I fully seated it and viola - dash screen turned off.

According to the fuse ID panel under the hood, fuse F111 is for "TRLR TOW BACKUP". Anybody have any idea why this fuse not being seated would result in the dash cluster not turning off? Half of me is happy that the issue is solved, the other half is a little frustrated that some bumps can easily unseat the fuse and result in this problem. Also, any ideas for a way to ensure fuses stay seated?

Happy Sunday Funday

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[DylanM]

That fuse should have zero effect on anything other than the function of the backup lamps on a connected trailer, and at that only when you have the transmission in reverse. Fuse 111 protects the output from the trailer lamp relay when it is tripped on by the BCM. There isn't even any sort of feedback or sense for the vehicle to know if that lamp feed circuit is working or not.

If I had to wager on the more likely cause, it would be a loose connection within the PDC in the vicinity of F111 that was corrected when you pressed on and seated that fuse.

 

[Stan H]

That fuse should have zero effect on anything other than the function of the backup lamps on a connected trailer, and at that only when you have the transmission in reverse. Fuse 111 protects the output from the trailer lamp relay when it is tripped on by the BCM. There isn't even any sort of feedback or sense for the vehicle to know if that lamp feed circuit is working or not.

If I had to wager on the more likely cause, it would be a loose connection within the PDC in the vicinity of F111 that was corrected when you pressed on and seated that fuse.

On ever older truck I ever had the dash lights and trailer lights was tied in together .

 

[DylanM]

On ever older truck I ever had the dash lights and trailer lights was tied in together .

Dash lights and trailer running/position lights tied together, yes, but not the trailer reverse lamps... if supported they were typically tied into the vehicle's backup lamp circuit. Older vehicles would often tie trailer lighting directly in the vehicle's various lighting circuits, but the JT uses separate relays and fuses for trailer lighting and power functions to isolate them from the vehicle's circuits.

 

[Medical_Bartender]

It does seem odd, definitely possible that there's something else at play. But fuse F111 was the same one that was loose last time as well, and there was a definite "click" when I pushed it down this time too. I'll keep an eye out and if/when this happens again I'll give F111 another push and update this thread.

Frustrating, but glad it's fixed because worrying about the battery dying after letting it sit for a while is always a PITA.

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