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Jeep Grand Cherokee

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Comments

  • akv25akv25 Member Posts: 42
    Hi Guys! I had the rotors replaced under the recall for my 02 JGC at 12K miles. Been okay till now but getting the same problem with 20K miles on the car. Dealer is giving me the run around. What do you guys suggest as far as After Market rotors go? I'd like to get them taken care of ASAP coz faulty brakes really freak me out.

    Thanks
  • wlbrown9wlbrown9 Member Posts: 867
    I have a '00 2wd JGC Laredo, I6. 14,000 miles and the rotors warped. Dealer refused to go to bat with DC even though the '99 I traded in on the '00 warped 2 sets @ 5000 & 21000 miles. When they wanted $75 to turn the second set, we ended up trading it back to them on the '00.

    I purchased a set of rotors from AutoZone for less than $100. They came with a 24mo/24000 mile warranty. 30,000 miles later they are still going strong. ( I did end up buying a set of 1/2' drive sockets and a breaker bar to be able to get the nuts loose to be able to get the calipers off to change these.)

    The service manager called to ask why I gave them poor marks on the service survey I got a few weeks after they refused to work with me on the rotors. I even opened a case with DC but they just kicked it back to the Dealer's warranty specialist for resolution...never got satisfaction from them about this. The copy of the TSB I saw did not give specifics about how long they should cover this, the offical TSB might give them guidelines...or maybe the dealer warranty specialist has the ability to do what they need to do to get DC to cover? Anyone know what the deal is there?
  • janzjanz Member Posts: 129
    is to replace the faulty Calipers. There's a TSB on faulty calipers, they don't disengage completely and drag on the rotors causing them to heat up and warp. Until the calipers are replaced, this will continue.

    This past fall, we got a complete front brake job (calipers, rotors, pads) on our '99. We only had a $50 co-pay because of this TSB and a previous rotor replacement indicating that we had reported previous problems. We WERE a couple mos. past the 36 mo. warranty period, but only had had 32K mi.

    The guy next to me in the courtesy van back to the dealer ship was jealous. He was paying over $600 for the same work, but he had mileage at somewhere around 75K.
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Does anybody have a link to the Jeep TSB's?

    Would the faulty calipers be subject to a recall type notice?

    -Paul
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Summaries are here:

    The Edmunds Maintenance Guide

    Steve, Host
  • jlfaulringjlfaulring Member Posts: 2
    I have the chance to buy a 99 JGC LTD v8 with 45k mi for 12.5k. It is loaded with everything from 4x4 to sunroof. It is coming from a small dealer, so it isn't certified or anything, but I can take it to my mechanic prior to sale. Now with all the problems reported, would this be a wise choice? I have to decide on getting this or a '02 Buick Rendezvou (btw I liked driving the JGC much better)....TIA
  • paramedic99paramedic99 Member Posts: 64
    Looking to put two kayaks on the Jeep roof rack with a thule kayak system. The dealers (EMS, Steiner Sports etc.) are telling me that the Jeep roof rack cant handle the load and a wind would rip off the kayaks. Which I think is a bit far fetched. Does anyone know the load bearing of the racks or have experience / suggestions about how to deal with this ? They are touring kayaks, not sea .
    Thanks
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Factory racks aren't generally noted for beefiness. I put separate towers and bars on my cars even if they have a factory rack for carrying my canoes/kayaks.

    What's the weight of your boats - 40 or 50 pounds each?

    Steve, Host
  • jjv55jjv55 Member Posts: 20
    Just bought a used '02 JGC Ltd. w/22K on it. My first question: I've been reading a lot about recalls and brake problems, etc. How can I find out if my Jeep is included and whether or not it has been fixed? Also, where are some good places to find accessories?
  • blockislandguyblockislandguy Member Posts: 336
    We've owned two JGC LTDs , one a 93 and one a 95. We've put 100K plus on each. Relatively uneventfully. With somewhat good maintenance: Mobil 1 oil and Mobil 1 filter (yes, its beter than a Fram), Red Line ATF, and regular detailing. (Don't clean cars run better?).

    When the 93 was at the dealer's for brake work several years ago, they called and said it needed new rotors. Not wanting to haggle over the phone, I authorized the repair (rotors, pads, etc. etc.). But when I went to pick up the Jeep, I asked what the exact spec was on rotor wear, i. e, couldn't they be just resurfaced? No one knew. No one ever asked before. They were able though to haul a couple of rotors out of a dumpster to show me that they had put new ones on. Anyway, I drove home with mixed feelings ("well at least the job was done 100% right" vs. "what a rip off; no one even checked a spec. They just threw them on").

    The next time we needed brake work done, I simply ordered a set of aftermarket performance rotors and pads (see the ads in all the buff mags) without even inspecting the rotors. I think that the aftermarket rotors were grooved and/or cross drilled. I took them to an independent garage and had them installed. The superior products cost less and I knew what I was getting vs. the OEM rotors at the Five Star dealerhsip. End of problem. That was 20K ago.

    The tranny's have both held up fine. Both vehicles have the tow package option , although they have never towed. This package includes a transmission cooler. This cooler plus regular changes every couple of years of Red Line Synthetic ATF seems to work OK. Neither transmission has ever needed any work. I think that the transmission cooler is reason enough to get the package.

    Sure, by now these Jeeps have the usual middle age creeks. But they've given us good service through some very tough New England winters and have lasted a lot longer than I think our 2001 Volvo XC ever will. As much as I like our Volvo, you just can't beat a cast iron American V8 for longevity. Long live the 318!
  • kbmartin1kbmartin1 Member Posts: 4
    Got a lease quote on a new 2004 Grand Cherokee - Special Edition. It has ALL the options with the exception of leather. They're giving me a money factor of .00160. They want me to do a 39-month lease with $1,000 down. 12K miles/year. They say the residual after 39 mos is 43%...not too bad I think. I'm trying to keep my payments in the mid-300's...and they say this should come in around $360/month. The "asking" price they're basing the lease on is $26,200. What do you think???

    Thanks in advance for your comments!

    Ken Martin
    kbmartin@us.ibm.com
  • wal4wal4 Member Posts: 4
    warning! If you haven't had your Ignition Cylinder check please do so. If will go up on you. and it's not covered with Daimler Chrysler service plain. Added care plain doesn't include this part. I've also had the rotor thing and the fuel thing. and the brake thing. and the window thing and yes I have a 2001.Grand
  • livetodrivelivetodrive Member Posts: 104
    wal4, what is the ignition cylinder check about? Is there a TSB on it?
  • hytail1hytail1 Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone recently purchased a 2003 or 2004 JGC?

    If so, what engine (I6, v8, HO v8) did you get?

    And what type of gas mileage are you experiencing city/hwy?

    Any mechanical problems bugging you? Or fit and trim issues? Any information on noise levels?

    Thanks....
  • jamesfletcher2jamesfletcher2 Member Posts: 127
    Here is a recent link concerning plans for the 2005 Grand Cherokee and a unnamed model that will share the same platform with the new GC.

    http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=44206
  • billhundleybillhundley Member Posts: 7
    Run from the Jeep Dealer as fast as you can. The only thing worse that living with a Jeep you bought is living with one you leased and can't get out of.

    Bill
  • cjustiscjustis Member Posts: 1
    I just took delivery on my new JGC. I'm not really thrilled about all the chrome they've added to the front, not to mention the chrome antenna! BUT, where's the tint in the windshield??? Those little black dots are kinda nice behind the mirror to block where the visors miss. but why would they take the tint out of the top 5 inches of windshield? I find myself flipping down the visor all the time now, then flipping it back up to see stoplights! Did I miss an option package or something? Do I need to buy one of those tacky green plastic thing from trac-auto? Geeeesh!
  • superduper1superduper1 Member Posts: 1
    Hey all. Great postings on this board; thanks for all the information.

    I have a '98 JGC 5.9 Limited with about 58.5K miles on it. I don't notice it so much, but my passengers inform me (regularly and with emphasis) that the ride is very bumpy and uncomfortable. I checked the owner's manual re: maintenance on suspension, but found ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about it there. Any feedback on what suspension work can and should be done? Admittedly, I'm a JGC novice, but I believe I observed shocks in the rear and struts in the front.

    Also, I'm due for some new tires, any recommendations for typical in-city driving (surface streets, freeways, and some winter driving over mountain passes).

    Many thanks,
    SuperDuper1
  • tloke1tloke1 Member Posts: 185
    The brakes are not part of any recall, although some dealers will do the repair under warranty. Some 2002 models have the new brake pads, and the problem has not been widespread on 2002 models. If you take your VIN # in to your dealer he can run a report telling you what recalls have been done for your vehicle or not.

    For TSB and other info, see http://www.edmunds.com/products/maintguide/index.html

    There are a ton of places to buy Jeep accessories, http://www.jparts.com and http://www.tenaflyjeepmoparparts.com are two very popular on-line dealers.
  • greasykid1greasykid1 Member Posts: 336
    Recently bought a 2001 Ltd. Also with a rough ride. Had Goodyear SRA's. This is an off road type of tire. Replaced with Goodyear Fortura HL's.This is a great tire if you want an excellent street tire. Quiet and soft ride. Read reviews at tirerack.com.
  • bluesun99bluesun99 Member Posts: 16
    RE: Edumunds Maintenance Guide. Why doesn't the maintenance guide show info for the 2002 GCL V8 4wdr. It shows data for the Overland but not just the Limited. Is the service data the same? I would think not since the Overland has the HO motor.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Try the feedback form.

    tidester, host
  • combustible1combustible1 Member Posts: 264
    I rented one on vacation recently, and I'm wondering what % they use in their rear side windows.

    thanks!
  • tloke1tloke1 Member Posts: 185
    The percent rating can vary among different tint manufacturers. The Llumar brand Dark Charcoal color, 15%, is almost a perfect match.
  • combustible1combustible1 Member Posts: 264
    so what you are saying is that Jeep varies what supplier they use when they factory tint the windows.

    And because of this, the percentage may vary slightly because each supplier may have slightly different grades/percentages from one another?
  • greasykid1greasykid1 Member Posts: 336
    Have 2001 Ltd 23000 miles. Have axle whine especially when accelerating or going a steady speed. Very annoying. What is the fix? Need to get it corrected before my warranty runs out.

    Pls reply to: thegolfcat@earthlink.net

    Thanks
  • tloke1tloke1 Member Posts: 185
    combustible1, I was referring to aftermarket tint. I assumed from your original question that you wanted to know the factory % in order to be able to match the front side windows (which are not tinted) to the factory side rear windows, something a lot of Grand Cherokee owners do. I have never seen official specs listing the factory numbers. I know you can "meter" windows to check darkness. But if you look at aftermarket tint in the 15%-%20% range, it looks identical to the darkness of the factory windows so I assume it is somewhere between those figures.
  • atls4atls4 Member Posts: 8
    All,

       I'm close to deciding on a 2004 GC purchase but I'm curious about a couple of options. One is the Sirrus module and the other is the Universal Hands free cell phone system.

    On the Sirrus module, is it integrated into the DVD based GPS stereo display? I know it's an dealer installed system so where do they install the antenna, on the roof?

    On the Universal hands-free kit how well does it work for those of you with that option? If you're not familure with this system it uses any Bluetooth enabled cell phone regardless of carrier and ties the vehicle's audio system in. What I don't know and can't find info on is how the system's voice prompted dialing works?

    Yeah I know both of these two options are fluff but I would like to hear anyone's experiance with either or both of these.
  • tloke1tloke1 Member Posts: 185
    Yes, the Sirius system is fully integrated into the RB1 Navigation radio system. The receiver is mounted in the cargo area CD changer compartment and the antenna mounted on the roof near the rear. There is some further info and screen shots at this link: http://www.wjjeeps.com/nav.htm. Not sure about the Uconnect system voice-prompts, but looks like a nice system. There is some info about it on the same web site mentioned above.
  • bcruth1bcruth1 Member Posts: 2
    Hello everyone. I would like your opinions concerning the color of the 2000 Grand Cherokee I recenlty purchased. Chrysler's name for the color is Sienna Red. It looks like maroon to me. However, I have had a few people ask me why I bought a PURPLE vehicle!
    Do you guys know the color I am talking about? Would you say it looks like purple?

    Thanks!
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    How difficult is it to install nerf bars on a 2000 JGC? Are holes required to be drilled?

    Also, has anybody installed a stiffer sway bar (as they show on wjjeeps.com)? Is it worth it / more stable / flatter turns? Is it something easily done? I've looked at the information about it and it looks easy enough but would like to get the opinion of some who may have done it.

    Thanks. :)

    -Paul
  • bcruth1bcruth1 Member Posts: 2
    Hello everyone. I would like your opinions concerning the color of the 2000 Grand Cherokee I recenlty purchased. Chrysler's name for the color is Sienna Red. It looks like maroon to me. However, I have had a few people ask me why I bought a PURPLE vehicle!
    Do you guys know the color I am talking about? Would you say it looks like purple?

    This is not my actual GC, but it looks just like this one. Thank you!!

    http://carinfo.autofi.com/cardealers/vehicle.aspx?category=1&- - dealerid=46&stockno=8852A&si=KYCarDealers
  • uga91uga91 Member Posts: 1,065
    Thanks for the picture! I would call it maroon. My mother-in-law has a Cranberry PT Cruiser and in the right light, it is as purple as it gets. I think there was a cranberry PT next to the GC in your picture and they looked the same to me.
  • md12md12 Member Posts: 4
    Got into an argument with my father today about the official model year of my car. He says my car was manufactured in May 03, therefore it's a 2003 car. I said that's crazy, and either Jeep is lying to all of us, or he's just dead wrong.
    Could anyone help my argument? Plus, what differences are there in the 04 vs. 03..

    Thanks....
  • tloke1tloke1 Member Posts: 185
    Legally and officially, you have a 2004 model year vehicle, no doubt about it. Your sticker states it, your invoice states it, your VIN decoding states it, your registration states it, what more proof would he need? Normally the 2004 models come out in September, but this year Jeep brought the 2004s out early. The last 2003 models rolled off the assemby line December 21, 2002.

    As far as differences from 2003, there are very few other than the front end refreshening. For a detailed list see this link: http://www.wjjeeps.com/newoptions.htm
  • tloke1tloke1 Member Posts: 185
    I don't think it looks purple at all. The official name is "Sienna Pearl Coat", but manufacturers have always used fancy names to describe their unique colors. As far as "Sienna" goes, it is defined as "Clay that is colored red or brown by the oxides of iron or manganese, and used as a pigment. It is used either in the raw state or burnt. Burnt sienna is made of a much redder color by the action of fire. "Maroon" is probably the closest "standard color" description you could call it, but I would stick with "Sienna", it sounds more "elegant" if nothing else!
  • youn0813youn0813 Member Posts: 28
    Check my messave in the JGC Problem section. It's message #556. I've put down every little problems or annoying things that I've experienced within 900 on the odometer. I'm going to tell the dealer all this once it's time for an oil change.

    Ask me any questions if you have any, my email is on the message.
  • md12md12 Member Posts: 4
    This is a great message board! I asked about 5 people this very same question last night and nobody had a plausible explanation.
    If I have any issues, I know where to go!
  • justreadingjustreading Member Posts: 5
    Our 03 JGC Onyx Green Pearl Coat often looks grey and our 93 Tbird Sunrise Red often looks purple and sometimes pink depending on the lighting.

    I think its the Pearl.
  • chiaforfchiaforf Member Posts: 2
    Has anyone installed an electric brake controller in a 02 jeep grand Cherokee V8 with the factory tow package. I see it have the blue brake wire under the dash, but the controller still needs power and “brake are on” signal from the brake pedal switch. I do not want to cut into these factory wires if I do not have to.

    Wjjeeps.com had a picture of a electric brake controller harness for an 01 that would be an easy plug on but I do not think that is on my year. Does anyone know what the 30 amp trailer tow fuse is for? It is not related to brake lights

    ANY help would be appreciated..
  • justreadingjustreading Member Posts: 5
    If it is like my 03 you don't have much choice. It would have been nice if they would have supplied all four wires.

    You can route the positive and negative wires through the firewall to the engine compartment and should be able to connect them to existing terminals to avoid splicing wires.

    I used an insulation displacement connector for the brake pedal switch.
  • amarrao14amarrao14 Member Posts: 5
    This forum has officially gone into a coma
  • o4buyero4buyer Member Posts: 4
    I like the looks and apparent value of the 04 GC Laredo (basic model, sunroof, 6 cyl). I am very concerned about all I am reading in the discussions. I was planning to buy one in the next few days. Are they really that bad? It seems people really love them or really hate them. Any comments?
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    You will generally find in these forums people who are having problems. People who are not having problems generally won't say out of the blue how great their car is.

    This forum does give you ideas of problem areas that may crop up with your JGC.

    My main problems have been with tranny leaks. All have been handled under warranty and it hasn't leaked since the last repair over a year and a half ago.

    I personally wouldn't get the JGC w/o the V8 because of the Jeep's weight. But I also live in the mountains where I have more hills to climb.

    Good luck with your purchase. :)

    -Paul
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    I've got a 2000 JGC Limited. I want to go with some bigger tires, but not change the wheels at this time. What is the largest tire I could accomodate without having to do a lift and not having to worry about rubbing when I turn?

    -Paul
  • jefferson1964jefferson1964 Member Posts: 330
    I have a I-6 4x4 and a V-8 4x2 HO Grand Cherokees. I like them both. We had some initial problems with the 03' v-8 rear end noise during turns and at highway speeds that was remedied by the dealer and all under warranty with a free tire balance/rotation. IMO the I-6 is adequate for power around town, i dont know about mountains as i live in DFW area in Texas. But i have never had one problem with the inline 6 or the jeep itself. However, if you want power and i mean a noticeable difference in power over the I-6 get the v-8. I recommend you drive both and make a decision. The gas mileage has really been about the same for the 6 and 8 for my family. When i purchase again it will definately be the v-8. Waiting to see the 05' model and if i dont like the look then going to buy an 04' as im sure there will be incentives to move the old style model.
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    I used to live in the DFW area... near Trophy Club as well as Las Colinas. miss the area, though there are not a whole lot of serious hills there. :)

    -Paul
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Has anybody installed aftermarket (Adeco) sway bars for their WJ Grand Cherokees? I'm curious as to how much they helped and how hard they were (especially the front) to install.

    I've seen some information on the wjjeeps.com website about this, but would like to get some additional feedback.

    Any input would be appreciated.

    -Paul
  • greasykid1greasykid1 Member Posts: 336
    Check out Edelbrock Shocks. Increased handling & easy install. They can send a video to you.
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