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Comments
If I could expect that kind of life out of mine with decent maintenance, I'd NEVER complain about any of the problems I've seen posted out here. These people with the high-miler's offer some proof that the JGC is a reliable and durable vehicle... on or off the road.
The "dragging under the front wheels" is probably the viscous coupler going out in your transfer case. It's a hydraulic-type differential that when working properly, is supposed to open and allow the front tires to rotate at different speeds when turning. If it isn't, you'll feel that kind of fighting in the front end.
As for the AC evaporator problem... you might want to look into this more with your dealer or directly with DC. This was a known defect and DC was replacing them under a TSB or recall, can't remember which. And I think they were doing this regardless of time/mileage. Sure doesn't hurt to ask.
I've always enjoyed the aspects of what makes a vehicle work and how they're put together. And I consider it important to know as much as I can about the vehicles I drive. I find all of this fascinating. Being a 3D CAD Mechanical Designer brings that out in me I guess. Hee hee.
I'm not trying to brag because I sure don't know everything. But I can generally run circles around any car salesman I've ever dealt with. And I can hold my own pretty well against the service techs. Knowledge is power and people screw around with you less if they realize you know what you're talking about. I have a great relationship with my dealer because of this.
I try to stay on top of the JGC issues based on my own experiences with them and that of others. We all can learn from each other this way. Like everyone else, I've had to learn a few things the hard way. If I can help someone else avoid this, then the effort is worthwhile.
I had a 98 JGC go back under the lemon law. I wrote down my entire experience with that process and I've shared it with anyone interested in learning how it works. I think it's helped a couple of people so far, so it was worth the effort. The lemon law is the most consumer-orientated law your state has and a very powerful tool to use if the need arises. Anyone can get stuck with a lemon.
I try to be honest in any opinion I post out here, despite having had a lemon. I just hope people have the intelligence to weed out the sour grape posts of a few out here in this forum. The JGC is still a great vehicle. Good luck, and enjoy yours!
Cars are like people. If you take good care of them and pay attention to what they need, like your significant other, she will take a good care of you...LOL.
Anyway, thanks for all your good and helpful advises.
MSD
By the way, this 3-D CAD technology.....very fascintating! I recently had a chance to use a 3-D Stereolithographic models for one of my patients, and it helped me to reduce an 8 hour surgery to merely 4 hours!
3D CAD is impressive and a blast to work with. I can appreciate your use of it to perform surgery. I recently had some major sinus surgery performed that used 3D imaging to guide my surgeon. Would've been extremely difficult to perform the operation without it. Glad he had it!
Take care and happy Jeepin'!
FRONT BRAKE PULSATION DURING LIGHT TO MODERATE BRAKE APPLICATION
Date: 5/13/02
Bulletin # 0500302 (supercedes 0500501 Dated Sep 14, 2001)
Model Year(s): 1999-2002 (models built May 11, 2002 and prior)
Description: Brake roughness or pedal pulsation when the brakes are applied. The customer may experience a vibration of the steering wheel, floor, seat, instrument panel, or a minor pedal pulsation (brake roughness) under light to moderate pedal application. The condition may be caused by excessive thickness variation of the brake rotor surface.
Details: This bulletin involves the replacement of both front brake rotors and caliper assemblies.
Parts required:
52098672 Rotor
05093174AA Caliper kit (2 calipers, pads and retaining bolts)
Yes, the Jeep 5.9 is maintained regularly and serviced by a 5-star Chrysler-Jeep dealer. And the only reason I kept going back to the dealer was because I don't want to give Chrysler an excuse that I took it to a cheap automotive place. My catalytic converter failed at 8k miles and front end failed at 14k miles which gave me a bad vibe. And I forgot to mention the brake rotor problems in my last post. They were changed and resurfaced (3) times by the dealer. I finally took it to an independent brake shop and upgraded the brake pads & rotor myself.
Everything that was replaced was covered under factory warranty and by the same 5-star dealer each and every time. And believe me, they do look up my maintenance records. And they will not give you a free rental car if it is not THEIR fault or if they don't have to keep your car overnight. In case you want to know, it is Chrysler's own Maximum Care Warranty. My only regret was that I went for the $50 deductible instead of the $0 but at least I got some air miles out of it. This policy pays for a maximum 5-day car rental in one stretch only, so if you have a big transmission problem like mine, take the car in for an assessment first and schedule the repair on a Monday. This was actually suggested by the Service Advisor and they sure know their stuffs. The dealer has to order the parts in from the warehouse. I understand sometimes you don't have this luxary if your rig needs to be towed to the dealership if it dies on the road as it happened to me once.
Someone asked if my problem comes under the "lemon law". Yes, it does; but for Washington State I have to make a claim within 30 months of delivery and for the same & repeat problem. Who would have thought a new transmission replacement every 15k miles!
The only thing that works good is the seat warmer but I feared that day that I may be electorcuted in it
...Geez, was that really necessary for you to say? What's your point? And BTW, you didn't start this thread.
"Someone asked if my problem comes under the "lemon law". Yes, it does; but for Washington State I have to make a claim within 30 months of delivery and for the same & repeat problem."
...What you're actually saying here is that "NO," it isn't covered under your state's lemon law because it's well beyond the time/mileage limits to file a claim.
The 98 was probably one of the worst years for the JGC. The last year of the original design. DC wasn't interested in fixing any of the chronic problems that plagued this design. And it looked and felt a heck of a lot cheaper than the 93's.
I had a 98 go back under the lemon law. It was a relief to get out from under that one. No complaints on my 93, 99 and 02 though. I SURE LOVE MINE!
At least you were smart enough to buy an extended warranty. That's a must on ANY vehicle. Now your decision is to take a chance that it'll be okay and keep it, or ditch it before your warranty expires. That's a no-brainer.
I'm sorry you've had so many problems but I would like to ask how you drive it? I have a co-worker with 2 4.3 AWD Astro vans that he has replaced the drivetrain twice on. I was wondering why he had so many problems until I drove with him. He is an aggressive driver to say the least. I'm not saying you are but that it can make a difference.
I'm just wondering if I'm understanding you correctly: If I don't have a '98 5.9L I'm not allowed to reply to anything you've said or ask questions? Plus if people should just go to NHTSA to find out problems, why are you posting your bad experiences here?
I don't own a GC but I do like all Jeeps and like to learn about them. I found your history with your Jeep very interesting and has actually taken my opinion of the 5.9 down a notch. The reason I'm asking questions is for my own benefit and so that if I run into a situation where the knowledge would be applicable I might be able to help someone out. Say, if they were going to buy a 5.9 or already owned one. People come here to share opinions and information and I don't understand your attitude.
I'm still interested in what kind of transmission/transfer-case the 5.9 had. I'm assuming it had an aluminum-centred Dana 44 and a Dana 30 up front for axles. Does anybody know?
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
This car was chosen as a 4x4 SUV of the year by many auto magazines in 1998. But the one I should have read is the Consumer Report and it listed many many years of Jeep's quality and reliability problem. Live and learn! The 5.9 has the Dana rear end and the Qudra-Trac transmission. It is fast but you paid for it with each fill up - premium gas only. This turns out to be pretty expensive like $30+ per gas station visit but I do enjoyed the amenities this car has provided so I can't complain. There was no option to choose from with everything loaded out the door.
I appreciate people asking me how do I drive the car or the kind of gas I used or if I can afford to pay for the 5-star service..etc; but it really serves no true useful purpose for me or other readers. If a part is replaced and covered under the warranty, then it is a defect and quality problem as far as me and the public masses go. You don't have to go with any of my recommendations but at least you know the rationale and facts behind it. Let the lawyer or the big ego type sort out the nitty gritty like lemon law. In that reply I said WA State has the lemon law (which my car comes under) and the 30 month limitation (which my car does not qualify anymore, I thought that was an educational reply and yet someone has to have some witty response. That's when I tried to urge others to stick with the original theme(public or mine) discussion on Jeep problem sharing. If I want to hear a happy story or sales pitch, I can always get it from the Jeep salesman. I also own the Chrysler Town & Country mini van and I am happy with that product. Take care.
So I want to hear 5.9 problems if there is any out there. Thank you.
I didn't know the 5.9 took premium only. Learn something every day.
What you fail to realize is that many of the regular posters out here have years worth of experience in owning, driving and fixing the problems they've had with their JGC's. I count myself as one of those people. I've owned four and I've successfully used the lemon law (without an attorney) to get out from under one of them. I'm happy to share my experiences out here with anyone. They (as well as you) are free to do with this info as they see fit. It's only one opinion of many out here, so read and believe whatever you want to and ignore the rest.
Many of us are out here to learn a little more about our vehicles, find solutions to the mechanical problems and to share our experiences in general. The vast majority of posters out here are polite and respectful of one another. May I suggest that you give this a try the next time you post? You might be a little more pleased with the results.
As anyone knows, if you post in any of these forums you're going to get a response. Some you may appreciate, some you may not. If you can't handle that then maybe you should look elsewhere. It's fairly obvious that you aren't really interested in what any one else has to say and you're just using this topic to vent. Venting's fine, but there are other more appropriate places to do this. No one "owns" this topic and it certainly isn't limited to 98 5.9L JGC's. I'm a little concerned that you think otherwise. And I'm a little surprised that one of our "hosts" hasn't found a polite way of pointing all of this out to you by now.
Apparently "you" didn't read #320 above.
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
tidester... oh, but I did read it. I just found it lacking "something." Like being directed at the person who started this childishness. If I was interested in acting this way, I could always get my fill of this reading and participating in some of the other Jeep boards. So please don't chastise me for something I didn't start, or realized that I was even participating in.
"I intended for this thread to share info on Jeep problems, so tell us & share your problems and problems only. If you have a happy story, take it to the happy Jeepster board. They love to hear from you."
AND...
"To clarify once again for those who responded, I started the thread on 5.9 Limited - and that is the flagship of the Jeep GJC line. Just read the title line. This thread is for info sharing, no need to be defensive unless you own a 5.9 Limited then we can swap some real stories. If you need to learn about about Jeep problems, go to NHTSA website."
tidester... I wasn't aware that this thread has now become the exclusive domain of 5.9L JGC problems, or that we now have a resident expert. Did I miss something here? Would you please go back and reread the posts from where this started, then explain to me what anyone said that justifies the above responses?
My responses in particular weren't intended to be sarcastic or witty... if anyone mistook them for that, then I apologize. That certainly wasn't my intent. In the future, I'll refrain from responding to any of tigerwokie's posts. EOD.
Anyway, another member claiming responsibility for "creating" a thread is little more than a misunderstanding of the terms. The topic is JGC problems (created by cavman2x, btw) and that allows for wide latitude in the kinds of problems we can discuss including the 5.9 limited.
A given "thread" within the discussion persists only as long as there is sufficient interest in discussing it. My only concern here is that the discussion remain focussed on the topic and is conducted with civility.
I hope that helps.
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
No hard feelings... )
Thank you for being fair and directed your admonition appropriately.
I am sorry for the cat fight and wasted other Town Hall reader's valuable time. But the readers will be the final judge. Not only Edmund's storage space gets wasted when my entire post was "quoted" and "analyzed" line by line and paragraph by paragraph TWICE in a 3-day period; it is distracting for me when the questions and comments are not even Jeep related.
I shall move on to another Jeep board. This is my last post.
1. Encourage your members to ask clarifying questions in a positive manner. No extensive QUOTTING, in fact your member conduct rules already stated that. This will for sure PO the other guy as you have said so yourself. The host needs to enforce this rule.
2. Do not attack the person. I saw words like "childishness, politness, smart enough ..." which for sure will invite a nasty come back. This is the most difficult job for the moderator & hosts to show fairness and encourage a healthy discussion.
3. This board is for sharing and everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. You don't have to comment on or respond to every issue. Life is too short, move on, forget it.
In closing, tigerwokie was on the defensive but if you were to read every post from the beginning, he is the one that kept his cool. I hate to see him leave with his bad Jeep experiences as this is exactly the kind of information I was seeking. We are all mature adults to read through one's emotion.
Sorry for the long post and hope I have not offended anyone out there.
I do hope tigerwokie will reconsider and stick around. No one should feel compelled to leave over a minor dispute.
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
It appears that years of frustration with your '99 JGC have taken a toll and the last incident 'broke the camel's back'. That is understandable. I had lots of troubles with my '01, too. In fact, I bought a '02.
While nobody has all the answers, the people on this forum are mostly Jeep owners who have experienced the same problems as you. If you have a SPECIFIC problem, someone will probably have a solution. Don't give up.
The AC drain tube was kind of notorious for plugging up with debris on the earlier JGC's. I know there have been 2-3 TSB's issued over the years for this problem.
I believe the AC drain tube can be found located inside the boxed section of frame on the passenger side of the engine compartment. It can be seen, or felt for, through one of the openings in the frame section. Your dealer should be well aware of this problem and know how to get to it if you don't want to mess with it. Either way, it's not a real big deal to fix.
I know that wet carpeting in the rear sounds awfully hard to believe, but other people have mentioned this happening as the result of a plugged AC drain line. The only explanation would be the wicking action of the carpet itself. But, you'd think the front would be wet also if it can make it into the rear. Who knows? It's just one more possibility to eliminate. Sorry I couldn't offer any other suggestions.
98jgcltd...
I had the viscous coupler go out on my 93. The symptoms are pretty apparent when that happens. The other two problems... I'm at a loss as to what to tell you. You've already replaced the only two items I could think of that would cause this. It's obviously a control problem. What does your dealer say about the vehicle computer itself?
You could also try running a TSB search at www.nhtsa.dot.gov to see if anything sounds familiar to you. I'd assume your dealer has already checked into the TSB's, but who knows? That's about the only other thing I can think of for now. Good luck!
Your AC/heat system has a plenum box under the dash with the dash, defrost and floor vent ductwork connected to it. The box has a door (or doors?) that control which vents the airflow is directed to. It's controlled by a vacuum motor... which opens the door under vacuum, and closes it when vacuum drops, or is cut-off.
I believe I read that the problem is with this vacuum motor failing to hold a proper vacuum. When you apply your vacuum-assisted brakes, there's a serious enough drop in vacuum that the motor can no longer hold the door open. It shuts and cuts off the airflow to your dash vents. You let off the brakes, the vacuum comes back up, the door opens and airflow resumes.
This isn't an uncommon problem with the JGC. You may want to take this in to a dealer as I'm sure they know exactly what's causing this. There may also be a TSB out there if you want to check. That way, if you don't want to mess with taking it to a dealer, the guy who works on your vehicle can find/fix the problem easier. Go to "www.nhtsa.dot.gov" to look for it.
It started in the engine compartment and by the time the Fire Department arrived it was too late. It was a charred shell. A truly traumatic experience!!!
If ANYONE has heard of any such incidents please RESPOND. It is not abnormal for a 3 year old car of this type to do this and other drivers lives should not be at risk like this. My car was not recently touched by any mechanics so there was no malpractice on the part of any other mechanics.
I intend on getting some answers from Chrysler and will take the time and effort - and $$ - to ensure that other lives are not at risk.
In the meantime for all the rest of you - - - Go and BUY a Fire Extinguisher and put it in your car - its a small price to pay. Also there is a recall out on over 1 million Jeeps for a potential engine compartment fire in certain models - Recall # B-06. If you have not heard from Chrysler regarding this [just as I had not heard from them] call them with your VIN number and check if your car is part of the recall. Their tel. # is 800 853 1403.
I look forward to hearing form anyone who can HELP. BE SAFE.
Thanks - -
ex-owner of a Grand Cherokee LTD.
Here's the recall...
MANIFOLD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION
Recall Date: 04/15/2002
NHTSA Campaign ID number: 02V104000
Potential number of units affected: 1,115,322
Manufactured: 06/1998 - 03/2002
Owner notification start date: May, 2002
Defect: Sport utility vehicles equipped with a 4.0L engine only. The design of the intake and exhaust manifolds could allow debris to accumulate at the #3 cylinder location.
Consequence: This could result in a vehicle fire.
Solution: Dealers will install a manifold shield to modify the air flow characteristics and to prevent the accumulation of debris in the area of the #3 cylinder.
To all JGC owners... the web site www.wjjeeps.com is a very clear and informative site for info on the 99-current model years. It also has a pretty current listing of TSB's, recalls and links to other Jeep sites. Check it out!
in 2nd or 3rd gear. Found dealer next day but he was too busy to work on it.He had a serviceman put computer on it and he said it was starting out in "safe mode" cause of the problem.He said it was probably a transmission sensor or solenoid or cable running to it.I drove home the next day and have a rental car since.Parts on order!