Instrument Cluster Acting Weird

ok, I am a weekend car hack and know enough to be dangerous .. but I have an issue that I just can’t figure out and looking for someone smarter than me for ideas, tips or suggestions.

I have a 97 Grand Cherokee 4.0L V6 that runs like a champ. 130k miles and running strong. The issue is that the instrument gauges start up fine, but dies after 3-5 seconds. The car runs fine, but instrument gauges don’t work. Sometimes while driving it will just magically start working, and then will die again .... BUT, if I turn the key slightly to the right while the car is still running (before engaging the starter), the instrument cluster will work as long as I keep the key turned beyond the “start” position. I tried replacing the ignition cluster at the steering column and the ignitioon cylinder .. but no luck. Any thoughts out there???

 

No paradise by the dash board lights? thats serious after seeing companion in photo

My first thought is ignition SWITCH... clear up did you replace cylinder or switch?

 

I replaced both the cylinder and switch. (That was my thought as well. I bought both parts from Amazon, but didn’t see any changes in results).

Somehow, when I turn the key slightly to the right (and hold it there) when the car is running, the gauges work .. except the radio turns off. The fact that the instrument panel works when originally started, and then goes out almost immediately once the car is running .. lead me to believe that there may be two forms of power being supplied to the instrument panel. Is it possible that Power Source ONE occurs when the starter is engaged at original startup, and Power Source TWO occurs once the car is running? I feel like the problem is in The second power source failing (from my amateurs opinion) is failing which is why the instrument panel works if i turn the key to the right once started.

Could it be the ECM?

 

I really doubt the ecm is involved. You might consider a wiring diagram from an outfit like Prospero's Garage, although I know the Jeep Grand is a wiring nightmare. At least you know just where the problem could be.