When I was driving down the highway this morning, my dash lights would flash and the music would cut for like half a second, then it would go back to normal. One of the two times, the mph needle whent down and back up. Is this a serious problem or just a little electrical gemlin in my dash? Could it be a short?

 

This sounds like a problem I had in my TJ. The gauges would all just go dead then come back after a few seconds. I took it in and the shop said they would have to do a complete check of the electrical system to find the short.....that's what they thought it was. They couldn't gaurntee that they problem would be fixed after the $100 inspection so I just left it. Still have the TJ and haven't had it happen but a few times in the past 12 years.

Depending on how long you've had your Jeep, take it to the dealer and have them fix it under warranty.

 

Shorts come from grounds right?

 

But my engine does not stall. I'm out of warrenty, will it cost me anything?

 

I just read about this in my new JP mag. Its a common problem in ALL jeeps pretty much. Its a loose dashboard ground, easiest fix is to just run a wire from the metal dash frame to the chassis. Or you can search your entire dash for the loose factory ground itself... which could take forever. goodluck!