Jeep Wrangler Maintenance and Repair Questions (1997 - 2006)

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Comments

  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    You guys still having problems? Check the distributor cap for moisture or damage. Spray some WD40 in there to get rid of any water.

    -Paul
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    You may want to check your Throttle Position Sensor. About $50.00 from Autozone. I replaced mine after I ventured into some muddy muck while offroading. It ended up dying on me while going 45 mph, then ran rough as heck until I replaced it. On my TJ (97), it threw an engine code and the check engine light came on. Not sure how it would be on a YJ.

    -Paul
  • 1utahman1utahman Member Posts: 3
    I have a 1997 Wrangler SE. 4 cyl. Driving around town, I don't notice any problems. If I drive 100-150 miles in one direction at one time, the Jeep starts losing power, then it begins "missing" or acting as if it isn't getting fuel. I doesn't quit, it just "misses." I took it to a shop back in June, they ran a diagnostic and said it was the MAPS sensor. I also changed the cap, rotor, plugs, and wires and it ran great until earlier this week. It jsut started after about 150 miles into a trip from Boise, Idaho to Salt Lake City, Utah. The diagnostic shows nothing. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Would that be before I-84 meets I-15? Some parts of that route may take you over 6,000 feet in elevation. Could the reduced air pressure there affect manifold pressure?

    tidester, host
  • 1utahman1utahman Member Posts: 3
    That is exactly where the trouble began. Just about 20 miles before Snowville, Utah. Then it continued sporadically until I got home. I suppose the change in elevation could be affecting manifold pressure. It could mean the MAP sensor installed back in June was faulty. Any other thoughts? I'm headed to Autozone this afternoon to see if they can pull any codes. Thanks.
  • theingtheing Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2001 Wrangler Sport with 4.0L engine and it has died twice. The first time was the coil module and the second time about a week after having it repaired it died again. This time it was the cam sensor. The mechanic has had it die on him again but with no check engine light to scan for problems. Anyone have any ideas as to what may be causing the problem?
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Without a code you have to go back to basics. Although he needs to check for spark and fuel, the first rule is to check out the last thing that was worked on.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    That's all I can think of off the top. Any other Wrangler owners experience those symptoms?

    tidester, host
  • 1utahman1utahman Member Posts: 3
    Autozone is unable to run a diagnostic unless the check engine light is on. So I took the opportunity to stop in at Terraflex (formerly MEPCO, all Jeep, all the time...) in Salt Lake and I had a chat with the head service tech. He 99% certain that because nothing is activating the check engine light, I have an injector going bad. Once I run for a while, it heats up and aggravates the bad injector. He says he'd put money on a bad injector causing the occasional single cylinder misfire. This weekend we'll run a diagnostic history to find the misfiring cylinder, replace the injector, and according to Terraflex, I'll be out the door for just over 2 bills. I'll post the rseults for future reference. Thanks.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I'll post the rseults for future reference.

    We're looking forward to your report!

    tidester, host
  • meo696meo696 Member Posts: 1
    It's a in-line 6, automatic, with 79k miles. The situation is that after a period of time in the lower gears say 30 minutes, when it comes time to go into over drive it over-revs and will not go over 40 mph, sometimes 30. Also the break becomes real stiff making me think it is a vacuum problem. I recently fixed a hole in the engine manifold which I thought was causing the problem. It has never stalled, and the gauges all read normal. It runs perfectly and shifts perfectly otherwise.
  • murf6murf6 Member Posts: 2
    hey dude- did you ever figure this out? i have a 2003 and have the same question. thanks.
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Depends if we are talking auto or manual.

    For a manual, you need to pop off the gear shift pattern button thing. Underthat is a 3/4" nut I think. Unsecure that and the knob comes right off. That button has a little 'ring' edge around it to help it set in the knob itself. You have to get into that groove to get it out. In the process I messed mine up. I'd LIKE to get a knob from coolknobs.com, but haven't done so yet.

    For an auto, no clue. :)

    -Paul
  • murf6murf6 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks Paul - i put in a red, 3 ball shift knob and it looks smooth. thanks for the help. murf
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    NP. :)

    I thought about doing that, but considered that since my Jeep's name is Kermit, getting a Kermit the Frog pin and having it done in lucite by that coolknobs. More fun than a snake's head. :) hehehe

    I considered an 8-ball, but didn't want to jinx myself. It IS a 97 and first model year TJ. Same reasoning with a hand grenade. :)

    -Paul
  • robby7robby7 Member Posts: 4
    I have a '97 Jeep Wrangler soft top. I'm having a severe problem with the zipper. I cannot zip the back window. :cry: I've used WD-40 and no luck at all. Someone told me to rub soap on the zipper. That did not work. :mad: I called the dealership and they cannot help me. Buying a new soft top is not in the budget. Does anyone have any remedies?? I'm at a lost. Even though I live in California, winter is approaching and I need to get this problem fix. :sick: Any advice is deeply appreciated. Thanks!
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    You have some options. First, if the zipper is damaged it can probably be replaced by a marine upholstery shop (the kind of place that makes canvas boat covers etc). Second, if the zipper is just stiff, there are several products (basically kinds of wax) that are available from both marine and camping stores that will lubricate the zipper.

    Here's one:

    image

    Amazon

    and here's another:

    image

    Marsars
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I have a tube of similar wax stuff like in your first pic and it seems to work pretty good - better than the candles I would ordinarily use. I use Aquaseal glue now and then with good results, so their wax is probably good too, but the Max Wax is new to me.
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    You may also want to check:
    - See if any of the zipper teeth are bent or not parallel to the other teeth.
    - Make sure you are putting the starting point for the zipper all the way into the little 'pocket' thing at the base of the other part of the zipper. If it is not seated all the way, it may not work properly either.
    - WD-40 is the LAST thing to use on a zipper. Zipper wax is better.

    My guess is if you can't get it started, you don't have it seated properly. If you start it and it stops part way around, you either need to wax that particular area or you have a damaged zipper, which can be straightened usually.

    -Paul
  • mark106mark106 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2003 wrangler rubicon,4.0,5 spd.Looking to get some aftermarket parts and i need to know weather mine is a tj or a yj.could anyone help me with this question?went into a tech chat on the one site gave them my vin and they said they couldn't help me~
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    went into a tech chat on the one site gave them my vin and they said they couldn't help me~

    Ooooh, that's sad! :P

    You have a TJ. Simple as that.

    Obviously, for a correct answer in double quick time you came to the correct forum. Stick around.
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Yep, you've got a TJ.

    YJ - 1986-1995 builds - square headlights
    TJ - 1997-2006 builds - round headlights

    Generally, you don't want to give our your VIN on a site, just for security reasons. You can request a build sheet from DC from www.jeep.com, but you only have to provide your last 6 or 8 of your VIN.

    But 2003 is DEFINITELY a TJ. Rubicons are only available in TJ form - as well as the uber-new JK (2007 model-up).

    -Paul
  • burntupburntup Member Posts: 64
    You own a soft-top Jeep.
    They don't last for ever.
    Get your bucks up and buy a new top.
    Just replacing the back window might do the trick.
    The tinted ones from Bestop are reall cool too.
    They look alot better than the clear ones.
    After you get it working the best thing you can do is use the zippers often. Keep them clean. Just give the zipper a quick blast when ever you wash the jeep.
    No lube wax or grease.
    I have a '99. All I do is wash the zippers and zip them up and down at least once a week.
    Good luck.
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    They may not last forever, but buying a new soft top isn't always cheap, especially if you want the sailcloth. I'd make the efforts to resurrect a sticking zipper with zipper wax before I shell out the $408 (Quadratec pricing as of 11/7/2006) for a Bestop replace-a-top.

    Not everybody can afford to swap a top because of a sticking zipper.

    I only upgraded mine because my 97's top was the single ply layer and it had serious holes in it (from previous owner). My son and I messed up the zippers when putting the windows back on after a wheeling trip and I darn sure wasn't replacing the top because the zippers have issues in a couple of areas. I straightened the teeth and smoothed the operation - all the while saving the cost of a new top.

    Now the idea for new rear and/or side windows is a good idea, and you can usually find em on eBay for a decent price. It is a good solution if the zipper with the problem is on the window side of the zipper. :)

    -Paul
  • mroepelmroepel Member Posts: 2
    Just replaced the water pump and thermastat on my 97 Jeep Wrangler and now when I start it it idles starting at over 3000 rpm and then backs off to about 2200 - 2400 rpm. What can I look at it to get this idle down? It is the 4 cylinder model Wrangler.
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    My 97 4cyl doesn't idle that high.

    Are you sure you got all air bubbles out of the system when doing the pump and t-stat?

    Do you have any codes or Check Engine light (CEL)?

    Check the throttle cable at the throttle body and see how tight it is. Any chance there is a bind that won't let the throttle return to idle position?

    -Paul
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    This is also a symptom of a vacuum leak. Check to see if you've inadvertently pulled off a hose.
  • bearcoach2003bearcoach2003 Member Posts: 1
    I have a '98 Wrangler Sport. Recently, I've been hearing a squeking/screeching noise coming from what sounds like underneath it or the rear hood area. It is more prevalent when I am accelarating through 2nd and 3rd gear. I thought that it may be a belt or even the U-joints. I think that I ruled both of those out last night tinkering with it, but those may still be the problem. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Also, the noise is not present when I put it in 4WD. When it warms up, the noise lessens or disappears altogether.
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    That's an issue that frequently turns out to be a dry center ball in the Double Cardan joint of the front propshaft (it's the joint closest to the transfer case).
  • mroepelmroepel Member Posts: 2
    I checked all of the vacuum hoses that I could find and nothing wqs disconnected or cracked. I replaced the thermocouple that is by the thermestat and also the little seleniod/piston mechanism by the carberator and it still idles at 2400 rpm. Not sure where to go now.
  • burntupburntup Member Posts: 64
    Mice...
    They love to ride the skid plates on Jeeps, especially the cool ones. The cool Jeeps that is.
    When you first take off the mouse of mice will squeal with joy, because they are as happy as you are to be going out in your Jeep. (Cold Jeep)
    Later on in the ride they are less thrilled an quiet down. (Warm Jeep)
    When you kick it into 4wd they are getting ready for a little bit bumpy ride. Hanging on tight. Maybe whispering and wondering what is next. Some times they will hang down from the frame to see what is coming next. (quiet mouse)
    If you open the door and hang out look under the Jeep you might spy one of them. Do not be scared and squeal. People will think you are unstable and probably call your Mom.
    If you really want to test this out do a Rat Patrol move. (ie. Jump your Jeep off a sand dune.)
    Listen closely as the squeals of joy will turn screams of terror.
    Sometimes a hard landing will knock the little furrys off and you will not hear them ever again unless you go back and pick up your little buddys.

    Or it might be a dry centering ball on the double cardin cross universal joint.

    Not as much fun as jumping off a big dune and shooting a 50 at the [non-permissible content removed].

    http://www.bigredhair.com/movies/ratpatrol.html

    Good luck...Good wheeling...
  • middleageguymiddleageguy Member Posts: 42
    My son and I have had since August and Wrangler is great. Looking for suggestions on fixing:

    1) Safety flashers - When you press in switch they light up, but don't flash. Right and left turn signals are working fine.

    2) Small rust hole - 1/2 inch in diameter where floor pan is welded in on drivers side. For temporary fix, covered with aluminum tape on inside and duck tape underneath. Should the floor pan be replaced?

    Thanks,
    Bob
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    1: I'm not really familiar with the electrics on the earlier models, but many vehicles from that era had a separate flasher unit for the 4-ways. If yours has one it's probably faulty. Another possibility is the switch itself.

    2: The floor on any vehicle with a frame is really just there to stop your feet falling through and doing a Fred Flintstone imitation. The proper way to repair is to weld a patch over it, but you could also use pop rivets to secure a patch, or even 3/4" or 1" washers top and bottom with a bolt through the middle. Use some kind of sealer or mastic on the latter two. You'd only need to replace the whole floor if it's extensively rusted and weakened.
  • fairviewfairview Member Posts: 20
    Now that's funny. I can just picture the mice doing what you describe, and also a guy hanging out of his Jeep at 60 trying to look underneath. You must have too much time on your hands.
  • scubadhpscubadhp Member Posts: 5
    alright, this is a multi layered post. i have a few questions, 1 i think i know the answer to but am going to ask anyway. first off, i have an '02 sahara. (1) i'm having problems with my heating and cooling in my wrangler. the only speeds i have are off and high. i've read on here and think that it's either the blower switch or resistor. am i right in that line of though? (2) also, i don't know if i am making too much out of this next issue, but when i change the settings of my heating and cooling system, i.e. defrost vs. only blowing at the feet, the transition is very sluggish, like 10-20 seconds. i've had the car for years and have recently started to notice that, i don't remember this happening when i first got it. anyone have any ideas?
    ~thanks
    dave
  • burntupburntup Member Posts: 64
    You are correct sir...

    Click this time waster if you want to enter my world...

    http://www.dirtdirt.com/headacher/index.asp?current=01

    Rock on in the Free World.
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    (1) i'm having problems with my heating and cooling in my wrangler. the only speeds i have are off and high. i've read on here and think that it's either the blower switch or resistor. am i right in that line of though?

    Although it could be the switch, or the switch connector, that's normally an indication for a burned out resistor pack. Both are easy to check. If you do have a ground problem, as indicated in anothe reply, the relevant grounds (G202 and G203 if you have a wiring diagram) are located below the righthand front speaker inside the dash. Take the glovebox out to access them. Unless they're corroded, cleaning and refixing should suffice.

    defrost vs. only blowing at the feet, the transition is very sluggish, like 10-20 seconds.

    Should be more like 2-3 seconds. Almost certainly a vacuum leak somewhere, though it could be a faulty vacuum actuator, though they're unlikely to all be faulty. The actuators operate the diverter doors and you can see them working if you can get your head down into the footwells. :)
  • burntupburntup Member Posts: 64
    You can thank Chrysler for adding this little piece of stone-age Dodge Van technology to your Jeep.

    ()

    I fought this same thing for about two years with my Jeep.
    5 or 6 blower switches...
    3 melt downs of the wiring harness ends...

    I think the problem has finally been solved.

    The heater console which contains the blower switch is not grounded very well on these new Jeeps. This causes the blower control switch to melt down.

    The switch is not expensive (25 or thirty bucks) but only replacing the switch is only a temp. solution.

    Spent the extra Hundred and replace the console and have a ground cable added.

    I had to have the entire Heater/AC console replaced along with the addition of a grounding cable from the console to the metal dash support.

    If the DealerShip/ServiceManager does not want to listen and only wants to do a halfass repair find another Jeep dealer to do it.

    I think that it is worth the time and trouble to have it done right the first time.

    By the way I think the ground cable might have added five dollars to the cost of the vehicle. Go figger..

    Good luck. Jeeps are still the coolest rides in the world.
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    If you do have a ground problem, as indicated in anothe reply, the relevant grounds (G202 and G203 if you have a wiring diagram) are located below the righthand front speaker inside the dash. Take the glovebox out to access them

    Too late to edit this into my original post! :)

    image
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    There's supposed to be a courtesy lamp for the passenger side? That bottom area has been dark on mine since I got it (mine is a 97).

    -Paul
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    It depends on the model and options. On the SE it would definitely been an option, though if you have illumination in the driver's footwell it may just need a bulb on the passenger side.
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    I'll have to dig around. I don't recall seeing any bulb sockets down there, but it could be something I missed. I HOPE it is there. That would really help my wife!

    -Paul
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Looking in the 'book', it appears as if the basic wiring is already part of the main loom. If the courtesy light is missing I found this part number, which may or may not still be available: "#56042 559AA 1 LAMP, Courtesy, I/Panel Harness". Otherwise you may well find one at a dismantlers.
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Hrm I'll have to look up under there and see what all is hiding. :)

    Thanks, mac! I hope you and your family got to enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend. I took my son offroading not far from the house.

    Got the OME suspension flexin!

    image

    -Paul
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Looks like you had a fun day out! I'm sure it'll be one of the good memories your son will look back on in years to come.

    It's also a good pic to show how well OME suspension allows the axles to articulate, so I changed the title for easier searching. :shades:
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Mac, thanks. I really like how it articulates and am generally pretty comfortable. This was my first wheeling trip after flopping it back in August. I actually ran the same trail I flopped it on - I was shaking like a leaf when I was done. I still get uneasy with off camber situations, but I didn't hesitate to ask for a spotter when I felt uneasy.

    No damage from the trip either.

    Had a climbout right after that articulation too.

    image

    My son was really nervous about it too, as he was with me when I flopped it, but he held in there like a trooper and enjoyed it. We both slept VERY well once the adrenaline wore off!

    -Paul
  • doplee1doplee1 Member Posts: 4
    Hi,

    Unfortunately, my check engine light just came on today. Before I take it in, I was wondering if it could be related to 2 things:

    1) Last week I had my clutch replaced and some bearings and shafts in my transmission replaced as well.

    2) As I was putting gas in my car, the pump kept shutting off (like when your tank is full) after a few seconds. Knowing my tank was near empty I continued to squeeze the handle lightly as I was pumping the gas in my car. It took a while but all of a sudden some gas overflowed. This happened about a week ago. The gas level sensor seems to be ok because I filled up again a few more times with no difficulties.

    Can either events contribute to the check engine light coming on?

    Thanks in advance.

    Steve
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Number 2 can (depending on the year of your vehicle). If you get the code read it may refer to a problem with the 'evap' system. Autozone should read the code for free, but if the Jeep is running ok I'd leave it for a while to see if it resets itself. The CEL only comes on for emission related issues, most of which don't affect the drivability too much.
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    I know the CEL came on for my throttle position sensor back in August, not that the TPS would be a cause for the symptoms the OP is asking about.

    -Paul
  • mac24mac24 Member Posts: 3,910
    Well I did say most don't affect drivability. :shades:

    It would be nice though, and more logical, if a 'check engine' light would let you know if your oil level was low, rather than getting excited about a loose gas cap.

    Actually it's more important to your engine's health to take note if your 'check gauges' light comes on. A gauge reading out of the normal range is more likely to indicate something potentially injurious to your engine or the systems attached to it than the CEL will.

    Oh, and just one final picky point, DC regards the CEL as a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light). :)
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