Auto Electric Specialists, Inc.

The Terminology "Complete" is ambiguous at best. We have made harnesses utilizing the existing harness as a "MAP" and utilizing the Connectors that are still in good condition. We do not have harness "Maps" (Similar to a "Road Map" except that a particular Length, "Take-Out" [Branch] positions, Etc. information instead of a "Road") for vehicles as the Manufacturers don't provide them. The Original Harnesses are produced utilizing a "Jig" to lay-out the different Circuits per the manufacture's specifications then this information is sent to the Harness Maker which reproduces by hand or machine depending on the complexity. Aftermarket Reproductions are created using an existing OEM Harness as a "Guide". Even at this, there sometimes is a need to modify the Reproduction harness to fit a particular vehicle. Aftermarket "Generic Harnesses" have to be altered to fit the application an in many ways the labor involved to "Adapt" is greater than Reproducing from an existing harness.

We've not had the opportunity to diagnose/repair this type of issue yet. On this Vehicle the Body Control Module (BCM) varies the applied voltage to the Instrument Panel to illuminate the Back Lighting. The BCM determines the amount of voltage from the Panel Dimmer Signal Voltage. The Panel Dimmer varies the signal voltage relevant to the Dial position. The "Cause" could be that BCM is not receiving the Signal, Not Processing the Signal, or Fails to respond and not send the appropriate Voltage to the Instrument Panel. The Instrument Panel could be defective or lacking proper Ground to operate the Illuminations. If there is an "Open Circuit" to/from the Panel Dimmer, the BCM, and/or the Instrument Panel, the "Symptom" could occur. I'm confident that we could find/correct the issue, but since the possibilities are wide, I couldn't give you a definite Answer as to how much the repair will cost.

The "Reduced Power" and the "Power Steering" could be interrelated depending on if the Power Steering is provided by a Motor and not a Pump. I've not had the opportunity to work on an Aura and I am not familiar with their particular characteristics. I am familiar with Electronic "Drive by Wire" Throttle Bodies and Electric Power Assist Systems which leads to the Answer...Possibly. Sorry that's all I can offer.

Most cases a Complete Rewire is not needed unless the original has been removed and discarded. As far as I'm aware of, there are no "Plug and Play" (OEM style) harnesses being reproduced for a 1998 Cherokee and finding a New Old Stock (NOS) is near impossible. The Aftermarket Harnesses are generally "Cut/Lengthen to Fit" the particular application that usually has a Fuse Box that does not match the original to the vehicle. Applying the aftermarket harness to most Vehicles can require more Time/Costs than correcting the Original Harness issue plus the Original Harness is a Custom design for that vehicle and can be replicated using the original connectors that will reinstall without alterations. Aftermarket can be a "Can of Worms". In either case, Connectors/Material required and Time Utilized is the deciding factors to the Costs of the Repair or Rewire. Both of which can't be accurately estimated.

The Lighting and the FOB are most likely separate issues. The Lights (Depending on the Vehicle) may have quit operating due to a Main Power loss @ the headlight Switch. Will need more information (Year, Model, Etc.)