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Jeep Grand Cherokee Maintenance and Repair
I have owned my 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo for about 2 weeks and have a very annoying problem with it. I get a rubbing/screeching noise from the steering column when I make a turn. It is even more noticable when making a sharp turn at a higher rate of speed. The dealership couldn't fix it and said it will work it self in.([non-permissible content removed])It took it to the mechanic that does our fleet work, he sprayed the column at the firewall and the noise got noticeably better. Alot of people warned me not to get a Jeep because stuff like this is common and I will have to used to it. Does anyone have the same problem? Any other areas of concern that I should be aware of?
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Does anybody else have this problem? has anyone had this resolved?
All in all, it was the dumbest purchase I've ever made. Okay, they do look good, especially in the shop.
Well, I have been having problems with the Jeep idling low/stalling. They updated the computer and raised up the RPM's. The stalling/low idling problem is solved, but the vehicle shakes every time I stop. I went to the dealer and they test drove the vehicle. The service manager stated that he felt the shaking, but stated that it was normal for the jeep. I test drove the 2001, and it had similar shake at the stops, at a lesser degree. I guess I will have to live with that problem.
I then went and test drove, Infinity QX4, LX 470, and GMC Denali. None of them come close to all the comfort and luxury features of the Jeep.
GMC Denali has similar power, but just does not feel right.
Well although I hate the reliability of my Jeep, I'm considering taking out extended warranty because nothing comes close to the V8 power, 4x4 capability, and luxuries of the jeep.
when you read this and the jgc topic consolidation, you'll see that most jgc compliments are regarding either pre '99 jeeps, '01 jeeps with too few miles to tell yet, or from people who are very loyal and therefore toleratant of the problems in exchange for luxury and great off-road performance.
Just wanted to say I am a happy... and very pleased owner of a 1999 4.0L I6 Grand Cherokee Laredo. Exclusively Dealer serviced and maintained, I don't even check the synthetic oil they recommended between 5K mile oil changes.
Engine is so quiet, more than once I have tried to start it from idle while parked because I couldn't hear (or feel) that it was already running! My rear end diffs were apparently failing... but it brought me home faithfully from a nearly 1,000 mile road trip without a single complaint. Didn't know that anything was wrong until I took it in for a routine oil change shortly thereafter and the technician noticed something was amiss.
Vehicle is just over 40K miles... nearly two years old... and I drive the umm... err... (can I say pee?) out of it. (Very much a lead foot... did you know they can handle over 100-105 mph fairly well?!? 85mph is a nice Sunday drive... 65 feels tragically slow, unless you are exploring some creative alternate routes.) Not sure what the difference is between my experience, and the horrors told here... but I absolutely adore my Jeep. Wish I could clone it for those of you obviously up to your gills in service visits.
Tara
I do not want to get stuck with another one of these paint jobs, Dodge offered me $300. to fix
it when even Macro wanted $1500. just to strip down to bare metal.
I have paint chips on my hood, and edges of 2 doors. Dealer says they were caused by rocks etc. All my driving is city, highway & suburban not off-goading. I have owned cars for 20 years and never had paint chips occur or shall I say any that were noticeable. Last year I sold a 92 white Grand Am that didn't have a pic or scratch. Is there some sort of defect with the paint or clear coating etc?
Lastly, my sunroof visor covering is ripping in the front at places where it contacts the car when closed.
I am worried about the brakes the most, for obvious reasons. I don't know if I should believe the dealer or take the car to someone else to look at.
Anybody else in the same boat?
Thanks.
The only thing about wich i wonder if it is normal is the "bump" with is heard when i put the automatic gear in the rear.
Can anyone tell me if he/she has the same experience and if it is normal?
Thanks.
(aj.middel@quicknet.nl )
One question I have for anyone out there is this: I am alittle concerned about the depreciation value of the JGC. In Oct 2002 I plan to turn in my JGC otherwise I pay an 18k ballon payment. Edmunds says the car is worth 18k now (trade-in) and the '99 GJC is worth 15k now. This means I can assume that my Jeep will be worth about 15 k this time next year in which case it would benefit me to just hand over the keys instead of trying to sell it or trade it in. If I turn over the keys in Oct 2002 with the vehicle in perfect condition, will Chrysler try to nit-pick the JGC so they can gouge me for cash to make up the difference for what the car is really worth?
1) Never again buy a new design on an American car
2) Never expect a good resale on a car that has such a large market share. Like the JGC, the Ford Explorer looses a great deal of value simply because of the large supply out there.
I am now the proud owner of a Lexus RX 300 and I wish the best to all of you!
Never had any real problems with the first two, and when there was a problem, it was fixed the first time.
But now HELP!!! I have a Champagne LTD 2001 V-8 4X4, every option with 9100 miles.
Here is the list, If anyone has any ideas please HELP.
1. Brakes, mine started the vibration. The front cylinders were both leaking and the rotors were warped. Sounds like this will come back. They did say there was a service bulletin.
2. An intense vibration in the steering when you turn the wheel to the right, while stopped. This just started. They replaced the steering box assembly. Drove it for 15 miles and the problem was back. They started giving me that song and dance about this being normal.
3. When you turn right into a drive way you here a metal to metal snap. The dealer even heard the sound and then wrote on the repair order that they could not duplicate, another, this is normal line.
4. Stains appear on all the windows except for the windshield when water or dust gets on them. It's like some type of stain. They cannot remove this. I think it must be some chemical used in
shipment.
5. Rough idle from time to time.
This is a shame that such a beautiful ride is turning into a nightmare. What get's me is the "could not duplicate" and "normal" lines.
I told them that I expect a car with 9100 miles on it to feel and drive EXACTLY like the other 2001 units sitting on the lot, and if they cannot fix the car then they should contact DC and start the process of returning the car.
By the way, if anyone is interested, I know a great group of attorneys in San Francisco that deal with massive failures of autos.
If you have heard of the Dodge Dakota CT then you know that DC lied to all of us about it's owning capacity. To make a long story short, we won in a court in LA.
The sad part is I love my Chrysler Products, I have a 94 RAM that is a great truck.
This may be the last straw, this time. maybe some of us should write the new President of DC.
Front Axel Leaking
It's currenty at the dealer because the left front axel is leaking. Not more than a weep but its still unacceptable. Service mgr says first one he's seen leaking. Can anyone dispute?
Rough Idle
It idles a little rough and had the service manager sit in it when it was idling where he quickly responded "its normal".
Excessive Steering Wheel Movement
The steering wheel moves excessively (1-2" radially) when going over bumps or uneven surfaces on paved roads. This is supposed to be an off road vehicle and I was expecting a more stout feel. Dealer says its because of the 17" wheels. Yeah right. Anyone experience similar?
Other than that its been ok.
As to satisfaction, I am overdue in getting into the dealer ship for my warped rotors. It's a '99 Laredo, V8, QT II just hitting 20K at 22 months. The only time it's been in the shop, after a few small details at purchase, was for a recall on emission.
Am not excited to hear the answer to the rotor question, but aside from that I LOVE MY JGC!
I drove a 01 with Quadra-Drive and it had the same right pull problem. Quadra-Trac and Select-Trac do not have the right pull problem. There was no Quadra-Drive cure when I went to arbitration and won in March of 01.
Jeep sold my 99 at a Chrysler Dealer auction and then the dealer sold it to an unsuspecting buyer who was not apprised of the maintenance record/problems.
The new owner found my insurance tag in the vehicle and called me. They had experienced some of the problems that prompted my arbitration hearing in their two days of ownership. They were headed back to the dealership after our conversation.
All prospective buyers of used Chrysler products, from a dealer, should question and demand the entire vehicle record from the dealer to help determine vehicle reliability prior to finalizing a purchase. Buyer beware.
The current owner said that the dealer told him this is common and it works itself out after a few minutes of continued driving. Which it did during my drive.
I'm concerned that there is a problem with the transmission or axle.
Anyone have this problem? And what action was taken?
Is it that big of a difference? I need whichever one will last longer and be tougher. Please HELP!
everything works beautifully EXCEPT the rotors ---I am going in for the 3rd set and the last under warranty (expiring at 12000 miles under warranty)tomorrow morning.
My 93 I-6 GCL had no similar defect.
Thinking of putting in Stillen rotors after this saga . Any one had experience with Stillen on a GCL??
This is a problem whereby when you hit bump at highway speeds (like 50-65mph), a violent shaking occurs throughout the front-end and steering. It's as if the front wheels are shaking back-and-forth, or up-and-down, or left-to-right.
It doesn't build up or die-down gradually, as if it where wheel balance, but generally requires a trigger (like a bump...even a small bump). And it doesn't attenuate smoothly as I rapidly slow in utter fear for my life...sometimes it remains very intense until I get down to about 30mph!
I've spent $1100 dollars already on new:
steering damper, trac-bar, all tie-rod ends, steering link stabilizer bushings, shock absorbers, brake rotors, and front-end alignment.
This is really scary. (And expensive!!!)
It took less than 45 minutes to change them last night.. jack up one side, put on jackstand, remove wheel, remove 2 bolts, slide caliper out of way, replace rotor, 2 bolts on caliper back in, replace wheel, etc. Cured the problem for now. I have the original in case Jeep ever answers my complaint... warped at about 15,000 miles. The '99 I had previously warped at 5,000 and 20,000. Jeep still declines to admit they have a problem.
If worse comes to worse and the new one warp after their 24 month warranty, I can at least get the original ones turned and put on just before trading....
Good luck.
So I am on my own after Sept and so far one friendly garage reccommanded Power Stop rotors and also my service rep has been using Power Stop on his Labaron for 3 months . No negative feedback so far. Any one has comments??
They cost is C$149/side. Stillens are more --US$350 both sides and they don't have distributor here. I will fight with DC first and Power Stop later.
Also Parts rep and one Jeep mechanic said 2001 GCL has the same rotor problem as '99 and '00 even though they have 17" wheels vs 16" on '99 & '00 (dumb move not to enlarge the rotors and cut DC warranty cost at the same time)
My brother's '99 GCL with QD gear-whining problem had been solved finally after 2 years of repeated attempts. It's been a few months since the repair and no recurring noise. He mentioned a DC bulletin and replacing a diff yoke.... or axle. I can get specifics from from if anyone needs.
but the gas is killing me.
Is it normal to get about 12 miles per gallon???!!