[mrbigjeep]

well of course this isn't a huge problem but i would like to fix it as i do not like anything broken on my jeep...but most cars don't even have an engine light for when you open the hood so its not a huge deal...but anyway the engine light under the hood stopped working so when i open the hood the light doesn't come on anymore...do you think water got in there or is the connection just loose?

 

[Dare2BSquare]

Did you check the bulb? Not trying to be smart, but you didn't mention it. A lot of those lights have a mercury switch in them which works when the hood is raised. Sometimes the bracket on the light gets a little bent and the mercury doesn't flow to complete the circuit. Try bending the bracket a little and see if it works.

 

[mrbigjeep]

i went out there to take a look at the light and i didn't see the bracket that you are talking about

 

[amerijeep]

Mercury? Forgive me, but what does mercury have to do with it?

 

[Texapple]

Did you check the bulb? Not trying to be smart, but you didn't mention it. A lot of those lights have a mercury switch in them which works when the hood is raised. Sometimes the bracket on the light gets a little bent and the mercury doesn't flow to complete the circuit. Try bending the bracket a little and see if it works.

was going to ask that, but knew someone else would do it!

 

[Dare2BSquare]

Mercury? Forgive me, but what does mercury have to do with it?

Guess that is probably not applicable to a TJ. It's the way older under hood courtesy lights worked. Just like the old mercury thermostats in your house. I know even on my old 89 Blazer the switch was that way. If you raised the hood farther it would come on, but when you put the rod in to hold up the hood it would go out. All you had to do was bend the bracket a little to get it to stay on.

 

[amerijeep]

Yeah, I don't guess I have ever seen a Mercury switch on a vehicle light switch before. Seems like an odd choice to use.

 

[Dare2BSquare]

Wait a minute. Bigjeep aren't you the one talking the other day about hosing down your engine compartment after going muddin'? Check your fuses.

 

[mrbigjeep]

yep...where exactly would that be...in the box on the left side under the hood?