Sometimes your air bag light comes on and then all of gauges go dead Then sometimes if you drive over a bump they will come back Is this wiring or computer problem Jeep is 1998 Cherok?

That sounds very much like a wiring problem, specifically a poor connection somewhere in the wiring harness affecting both the airbag system and the gauge cluster. The fact that jarring the Jeep (driving over a bump) temporarily restores power strongly suggests intermittent contact within a connector or damaged wire.

Here's why it's likely wiring and how to approach troubleshooting:

* Shared Wiring: The airbag system and the gauge cluster likely share common power and ground points in a 1998 Jeep Cherokee. A break in a shared wire, a corroded connector, or a loose ground will affect both systems.

* Intermittent Nature: The intermittent nature of the problem (coming back after a bump) points to a connection that is only making contact sometimes. Vibration loosens the connection, causing the failure, and then a bump re-establishes it, albeit temporarily.

* Less Likely Computer: While a faulty computer (PCM) is possible, it's less likely to cause this specific pattern. Computer failures are usually more consistent and don't typically respond to bumps. A bad PCM might cause other symptoms besides just the gauges and airbag light.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Visual Inspection: Start with a thorough visual inspection of the wiring harness, particularly in areas that experience a lot of movement and vibration: under the dash, near the steering column, and around the instrument cluster. Look for any:

* Broken or frayed wires.

* Corroded connectors.

* Loose or disconnected connectors.

2. Connector Checks: Pay close attention to the connectors for the airbag system and the instrument cluster. Carefully inspect the pins and sockets for corrosion, damage, or loose connections. Try gently wiggling the connectors to see if you can reproduce the problem.

3. Ground Connections: Check the ground connections for both the airbag system and the instrument cluster. Grounds are often bolted to the chassis; ensure they are clean and tight. Corrosion is a common culprit.

4. Professional Help: If you're not comfortable working with car wiring, it's best to take your Jeep to a qualified mechanic. Diagnosing and repairing electrical problems requires specialized tools and knowledge. A simple wiring fault may have more serious implications if incorrectly fixed.

Important Safety Note: Always disconnect the battery's negative terminal before working on any airbag system wiring. Airbags can deploy unexpectedly and cause serious injury.