* Clock Spring Failure: This is a common culprit. The clock spring is a spiral cable located in the steering column that allows the airbag and other steering wheel controls to rotate freely. A break in the wiring inside can interrupt the SRS circuit, causing both the light and instrument panel malfunction.
* SRS Control Module (Airbag Control Module) Failure: The control module is the "brain" of the airbag system. A malfunctioning module can cause a wide range of issues, including the symptoms you describe. This is often a more expensive repair.
* Low Voltage/Bad Battery/Alternator Issues: While seemingly unrelated, a weak battery or failing alternator can cause voltage drops that trigger the airbag system's safety mechanisms, potentially leading to a complete shutdown of the instrument panel. Check battery voltage with a multimeter.
* Wiring Problems: Damaged, corroded, or loose wiring anywhere in the SRS system can cause intermittent or complete failures. This could be anywhere from the steering wheel to the control module. This requires careful tracing and inspection.
* Crash Data Retention Module (CDR): This module records crash data. A faulty CDR *could* potentially interfere with the system, though it's less likely to cause a complete instrument cluster shutdown.
* Airbag Sensor Malfunction: A faulty sensor (impact sensor) might not directly cause the instrument panel to shut down, but could trigger the light and perhaps indirectly lead to system shutdown through the control module.
Important Considerations:
* Safety: Do *not* attempt to diagnose or repair the airbag system yourself. Airbags contain explosives and working on the system incorrectly could lead to serious injury or death.
* Professional Diagnosis: Take your Jeep to a qualified mechanic, ideally one experienced with older Jeep Wranglers. They have the proper tools and knowledge to safely diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs. They can use a scan tool specifically designed for the SRS system to pinpoint the fault code(s).
* Cost: Repairs could range from relatively inexpensive (e.g., replacing a fuse or simple wiring repair) to very expensive (e.g., replacing the control module or clock spring).
Getting a proper diagnostic scan is the crucial first step. Trying to troubleshoot this without specialized tools is highly discouraged due to the safety risks involved.
