Jeep Grand Cherokee Maintenance and Repair

steve279 · October 2004

I have a 2000 Laredo that had the same problem. The new Akebono calipers are supposed to correct the problem (there is a technical service bulletin on the issue) but there is no warranty for the old ones.

I did two things that really helped. I found that the holes for the caliper slide pins were obstructed, causing the caliper to seize to the pins. At 38k miles, I removed the caliper and spun a properly sized drill bit in each slide pin hole. By properly sized, I mean a bit that was sized exactly to the hole diameter at the outside of the caliper. As I spun the drill bit manually, I found that it hung up as I moved the bit through the slide pin hole. It appeared that the original machining left a burr about halfway through. I removed the burr and reinstalled the pins after coating them with a good anti seize compound. New rotors were also installed. I repeated the process on the rear calipers at 60 k miles and added new rotors as well.

I now have 98k miles on my Jeep. The right front rotor warped slightly about 10k miles ago but the Jeep is still very driveable. The rears rotors have not warped at all. Next time around, I'll check the right front caliper for obstruction and repeat the process if necessary.

So instead of 2-5k miles per set of front rotors, I now have 60k on them. The rears have 30k. the pads were replaced on both axles at the mileage indicated.

If you are not mechanically inclined, this job is perhaps not for you. Otherwise, the de burring, pad and rotor replacement took all of 30 minutes per side.

steve279 · October 2004

Your fuel pump mounting gasket is possibly the culprit. If the fuel pump has ever been replaced, chances are that the tech didn't get the pump properly seated. This happened to my GC and it took the tech three attempts to get it done properly. It is one of those jobs that takes some very close attention.

Also check the hoses on the filler neck. The may be loose.

cor · October 2004

What I'm now being told is that w/23.9k my REAR rotors are SHOT!! the service manager is telling that just to replace the rotors; not pads is going to be like 360.00, in addition to another 150.00 for rotors. I'm am also being told that it is common for them to need to be replaced around this time. is this true?

jcd04 · October 2004

When the headlights are set in the auto position the headlights occasionally come on. Ex. Driving on a sunny day they will come on and about one second later turn off. This may happen several times in a matter of minutes, and then no problems for the rest of the trip. I've also walked by it in the garage and had the lights come on. I opened the door to see if the keys were in the ignition (they weren't) and noticed the open door chime as if I had left the keys in it.

I've read a few other stories about this issue on this site, but has anyone had any success at determining the cause. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
John

abrown · October 2004

I have a 1997 Grand Cherokee with a 100,000 miles on it. Recently, I've got a terrible rotten smell coming from the vent system. It doesn't matter whether I turn the air on or the heater; in both cases it smells very badly. I took the car to a couple places and they are puzzled. One place said there is a leak in the evaporator and I have to replace it and take the whole front dash off (6 to 7 hours of work). Another place said it could be a heater problem and they have to take it apart (8 hours or more). Any suggestions from anyone who had a similar problem? Thank you in advance. Alexia

dms032 · October 2004

Yes this is a common problem with GC I am now the proud owner of my 2nd GC I owned a 00 and had the same problem you are having goto the National Traffic and Highway Safety website and complain if we get enough complaints maybe jeep will fix the problem I just purchased an 04 special edition and I am hoping the problem is fixed what I also did is on my 00 I went and bought some aftermarket rotors and installed them myself.

janz · October 2004

I got them replaced for the second time on my '99 when I was out of warranty on time, but still uner 36K, because I'd had a previous rotor service. My local 5* dealer said that the problem was that the CALIPERS were not releasing sufficiently causing excessive heat and warping the rotors. All were replaced for a $50 co-pay because of the previous service. If you do a search on this string, there is TSB on the subject from a couple of years ago. I'd thought that was fixed by '04. Guess not.

dasabos864 · October 2004

My 1999 Laredo has the exact same problem! And searching the internet today for a solution revealed a lot of other 99 Laredos have the same problem. I don't know how many instances have to occur before a recall is made, but it sounds like there should be one.

First time it happened, I just walked by the Jeep and the lights came on. I opened the door and the keys weren't in the ignition. Then they went off. They came on and went off several times that night, and then stopped. Don't know how many times this has occurred and I never knew it was happening. Then last night my neighbor called to tell me my lights were on. I looked out my window and they weren't on. Later I got another call saying they were still on. Again, I went out to turn them off and they weren't on. Later my son came in and said my lights were on in the Jeep. I looked out and saw them go off. So I switched it from auto to manual and the problem stopped.

Of my search on the internet today, I only found three people who say they've solved the problem. One said it was a short in the wiring behind the break pedal. The other two said they replace the headlight switch and the problem went away. I haven't got around to investigating either solution. Let me know if you do and what you find.

jewels4 · November 2004

I have a 2000 JGC with 75K on it - right now in shop with fuel pump being replaced - dealership replaced and worked for 1 week and ran out of gas cuz sending unit was faulty supposedly not sure if mechanic was faulty or what but anyway I am concerned that I should be trading in since it appears that Jeep or Chrysler doesn't have a good track record for reliability or am I wrong! I really like my jeep and was wondering what others thought about keeping or trading in for a 2005? or maybe a different vehicle - what do people thing?

div2 · November 2004

In almost every case it will cost less money to keep your present car than it will to buy a new one. If you are not paying cash you likely have a loan payment of at least $350/month. Will your current GC require $4200 worth of repairs per year? I doubt it. You must also factor in depreciation-make it $5000-$10000 the first year on a new car. The cheapest way to own a car is to buy a good two or three year old used car and drive it into the ground. My advice? If you like your GC, keep it.

cor · November 2004

Thanks..... I did find the TSB, but it was only for models up to 2002. I spoke w/my dealer here and he claimed that they had fixed the problem the TSB was made for. I think what I am going to do is simply get some aftermarket rotors and try my luck w/those.

jsore13194 · November 2004

I also have a 2000 Grand Cherokee with 40,000 miles, and was about ready to sell it for something newer (NOT another Jeep!), but I agree that even with repairs, it's probably cheaper to keep the Jeep than to buy a newer car. Like you, I like the Jeep when it's running, but after about 35,000 miles, it's one repair after another. Guess I got spoiled driving Hondas and Toyotas for many years; keep them tuned up and they just go and go and go.... I hate to compare Chrysler products with Japanese brands, because the quality in Japanese cars is so much superior it isn't even a fair comparison.

ltlqd · November 2004

I'm seriously considering buying a 2005 JGC but have been reading posts about problems people have had. My fiance & I had bought one in 1997 but Chrysler bought it back after 4 months because it was a lemon. We got a durango instead. I like the size and look of the new JGC and was just wondering if you all had the chance would you buy your JGC again? Thanks!

youn0813 · November 2004

hi, 04 JGC Ltd. less than 12K on it and I've been hearing whistling coming from the outside of my car when driving around. I can hear it well when I am driving near a wall or a curve without much traffic because the sound bounces back. First time when I went to the dealership, the tech said it was the drive shaft so he lubed it and told me they would replace the drive shaft if the sound comes back. It was never fixed and I brought the car back after two months in time to do another oil change. However, this time they just disregard the fact that I was told in person by the technician what they were going to do if the problem persisted and tells me they cannot duplicate the problem.

It whistles after about 10mph and you can hear it especially well when you let go of the gas pedal because the engine noise reduces a lot. First when I heard it it would just do it when I start driving it, now I hear it all the time when I roll down the window driving around.

Anyone have a similar problem where you hear a whistlling? It's not a uniform whistle, but sort of goes up and down. Imagine a cricket sound with instead your whistling. IT sounds like it's coming from the bottom..

I don't understand why they can't duplicate. It's retarded. I pay $700/month and this is what I get. Every time I take it in for an oil change, it takes at least a couple of days to get it back. First when I started to have problems with the car (like steering wheel clicking that simply cannot get fixed after a few tries, wheels creaking/crakcing, other annoying noises, etc) I told myself, these aren't powertrain problems so it wouldn't affect how my car runs, but after over a year with such problems, I've had it. I seriously advise people buying from Jeep. As a matter of fact, I will never buy another American gas-guzzler. I will buy a damn Japanese instead. One of more of this Jeep and if more problems occur/persist, I'm going to file an official complaint and use whatever I can to get rid of it at the expense of Chryslter.

04jgc · November 2004

I hear a faint chatter or clicking noise when I apply the brakes on my 2004 Grand Cherokee. After a long run around and a week at my local 5* dealer they diagnosed the problem a pebble in the parking brake assembly and they determined that there was nothing wrong with the brakes. The next day after I brought it home the noise started again. I would appreciated any replies.

boilermaker · November 2004

2005 Grand Cherokee 3.7L dies while driving (most while turning). Dealer replaced crankshaft position sensor as most likely source of problem, but it recurred. Most times were while not warmed up, but last time car had warmed up. Any similar problems by others?

ryan146 · November 2004

I purchased my 04 Laredo in Nov, 2003.
At 21,000 miles, my HVAC vac hose went which controlled the cruise control and the blower directional. Just wondered if anyone else has come across this problem?

pictureit · November 2004

I just went over 8000 miles and have had pulsating brakes at higher speeds for about 2 months now, along with a noise when I turn left and a clicking noise in the steering column on the highway. Sounds like I am in for lots of repair costs...

tloke1 · November 2004

Why are you in for "lots of repair costs" when your vehicle is still under warranty?

tloke1 · November 2004

Yes, I would definitely buy one again, and again and again. I have owned three so far and have had minimal problems. I love the drive comfort, power, easy-to-use features and everything else about the Jeep. That's why it's one of the best selling SUV's and has been since it came out in 1993.

Pick any vehicle by any manufacturer and then read some of the posts here on Edmunds. You can spend months reading but you will never, repeat never, find a vehicle without problems. Toyota, Nissan, Acura, Honda, no one is immune. Some may "rate" better in reliability reports but a lot of that is subjective. And a lot of those reports do not factor in the severity of problems. There is a big difference, for example, between a Jeep that has a fixable driveline noise and a 4Runner that has a sulfur smell that in so many cases cannot be fixed.

When shopping for a vehicle, buy what you like, buy what is the most comfortable to drive, buy what has the features you like most. There are satisfied owners and there are dissatisfied owners for each and every brand out there.

tloke1 · November 2004

For anyone having trouble with warped rotors on their Grand Cherokee, note that the warranty is 3/36 (NOT 12/12). New rotors and calipers were introduced in the spring of 2002 and have held up much better than the previous ones. There are still a few cases of premature warping on 2003 and 2004 models, but claims have been reduced by 80% for the newly designed components.

wlbrown9 · November 2004

Don't know about the current models, but my '00 JGC Laredo warranty book noted that brakes were only covered for 12,000 miles. Mine warped after that and the 5 Star dealer would not go to bat for me on the warped rotors (15,000). Wanted $75 to turn the fronts. I appealed to DC and got no satisfaction even with documentation on 2 sets of warped rotor on the '99 we traded on the '00. Went to Autozone and put on a set of aftermarket rotors for less than $100 that were still on when I traded it with 66,000 miles in May '04.

Bill

agp · November 2004

For those who think the rotor problems have been solved as of the 2002 Jeep, think again. I have a 2003 GC Limited and have had to have the rotors resurfaced 3 times and replaced once in 23,000 miles. DC covered two resurfacings and the one replacement. When it came time to do the last resurfacing, DC balked saying it was now normal wear and tear. This strikes me odd in that they had replaced the rotors just 7,000 miles before. They questioned my driving habits. Considering I have had three Limiteds. am living in the same place where all have been driven pretty much the same, my feeling is they were just trying to duck the problem. The good news is that the dealership, Star Motors in Glendale recognized the problem and stepped up and covered the resurfacing. Kudos to them but what is going on at DC with these rotors? Clearly, they are still having issues with them. I am looking to purchase a new vehicle, and as much as I love the Jeep, I am now considering other vehicles in light of the rotor problems.

pictureit · November 2004

I too hear that in mine... It is in the shop again as we speak. Today they replaced the rotors, I only have 8000 miles on it and rarely drive through the hills.
Tomorrow they are working on the steering technical bulletin to try in fix the problem you are speaking of.
I am very disappointed!

pictureit · November 2004

No costs yet! But I was told by the repairing dealer that they will not cover me the next time.. I'm sorry but I shouldn't be having all these problems with only having 8000 miles. Don't you think?

oldjeep · November 2004

I own a 1999 GC Laredo. When I purchased it, I lived in Lake Tahoe (California) and drove primarily in the mountains. The car shook and pulsated when applying the brakes immediately after purchasing the vehicle. The rotors were resurfaced and replaced numerous times over the course of two and one-half years. Only the first year and a half was was covered under the warranty or by complaining to DC. (Don't let any dealer or DC tell you its your driving!) After repeated trips to the dealership and other mechanics, I finally got fed up and purchased aftermarket rotors. I went with vented rotors all around. More expensive but well worth it. They were installed about 40,000 miles ago and low and behold no further trips to the mechanics for the rotors. There is a fix for the rotor problems on GC. DC just didn't take responsibility for it.

jeepster25 · November 2004

hey guys im new here so im not sure if im doing this right but here goes... i have a 1997 jeep grand cherokee loreado with a newly installed 2 inch lift and 31 inch BFG all terrains. now my problem is that the jeep sometimes wont start. i will put the key in the ignition and turn it and the engine will turn over just fine, (New BATT), but it want catch and start up. this has happened 3 time so far and i will eventualy get it to start each time after a LONG time and a whole lot of trys. I know that this could very well be causing some damage to my engine and id rather not have to spend hours trying to start it. so,,, what do you think the problem could be and how could i figure it out? some ideas i have,, fuel preassure/ filter? (most of the 3 times i think that the car was runing on the reserve tank and or low on gas...) if its not the fuel then maybe its electrical? do i need to change spark plugs, new cold start unit? thanks for any and all help guys!

naatz1 · December 2004

I did a search on "heated seats" and uncovered a few problems, mostly from 2002 and one Nov 11 03, so I am not the first but it's not rampant like the brake thing. I have been relatively satisfied and have a few postings on this forum in the past few months. I do have a 70K mi extended Max Care warrantly on my 2001 Laredo I6 Selectrac 58K mis, only using warranty once in the past 22k mis, but in the past 2 weeks:
1. The Drivers heated seat stopped heating. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IN THREE YEARS this has quit - the last fix was using a new ECd part which was supposed to fix it for good - HA! Granted not a life/death thing but irritating and a concern based on 2002 posts it costs from $1200-1400 to fix if I was paying (trust me, even in MN I would not pay that for a warm tush).
2. The battery has been run down and I have caught both while driving and also while sitting in a dark garage no key in the ignition, the auto headlights coming on for no reason. The dealer says they have to let is sit for a couple days to verify that prior to knowing what to replace, so I do have a loaner at least. Draining batteries (which checked out fine BTW) not a good thing in MN winters.
3. Monday the Engine Malfunction or to most people Check Engine light came on. That was the "icing on the not so nice cake", causing me to hassle with taking the vehicle in for some fixups.

Interesting that when I called the dealer on 1. heated seats, they said that was bad 3 times to fail and to request reimbursement of the $100 Max Care deductible from Jeep customer service. After waiting on hold for 10 mins, I did what the recorded message said to send them the info on their internet address. Now 3 days later I get an email saying I should direct all inquiries by hardcopy letter to them: unless that is some legal requirement that is really nuts (why have an email?!?!).

So any others have heated seat problems happening multiple times? Did you have any luck w/DC reimbursement?

So yes, I do like the Jeep, but have 1 year to go on Max Care and am concerned now. I bought the I6 Selectrac old technology package based on recommended reliability vs the V8 AWD, and so far that seems to be doing fine. It's all the other gotchas like of course the brake problems (which they did seem to fix for me, been running 25K miles OK now knock on wood), seats and other nitty stuff. Hopefully my new 300M will live up to improved reliability, which so far seems much higher than the JGC based on 300M users and consumer reviews plus I have had no problems in 8 months - nice car.

andy6 · December 2004

I have a '99 GC Limited with 67k miles and have had the mysterious headlight malfunction within the last year. I had to have the headlight switch replaced at a cost of around $215 which has solved the problem for now.

naatz1 · December 2004

Well after 4 working days in the shop, the dealer did not ever see this mysterious headlight malfunction happen, even once. So I need to keep our posts and others for reference if it ever happens again. I may just replace the battery since at almost 4 years for the OEM unit even though it tests good it can't have more than another year in it, so plan to check out BatteriesPlus 850 CCA vs the DC Jeep deal with a $10 rebate (I need to call their parts dept and see the rating/warr on the Jeep batt).

I did get the engine malfunction (check engine) fixed, which turned out to be a bad gas cap! For reference there is a list of these codes on wjjeeps.com - go there to figure out how to spew out codes with the old "ignition on/off" trick I know GM used for years. Luckily this was covered along with the bad heated seat 3rd time replacement for my MaxCare $100 deductible.

BTW, the service manager did not give me any warm fuzzies that jeep.com would return my $100 deductible even though this is a 3rd time defect in < 4 years. He did say they put in a new element in the seat: a $200 part but labor intensive (doable by a skilled do-it yourself person). The alternative is the $1200 seat bottom replacement others have referred to earlier on this forum ... or a cold butt. This is always amazing as 2 heated seats and all the control wiring is a $250 option when new - go figure. I sure hope 3 times is the magic.

lukeboy · December 2004

I recently purchased a new 2005 gran cherokee does anyone else who owns one have problems with brakes, it seems like I have to push the pedal to the floor to stop should I be concerned or is this normal for this model please help.. southeye

jaguar1 · December 2004

Hi,

Are you sure your whistle is outside? I have one thatcomes in on off load and continues on tick-over for about two minutes then dies away. It won't return on fast tick-overbutdrive it a few miles and its back again.
Fotunately ??? I have tinatus that is inthe same key so it does not bother me as muchas it does my wife. It is pressure bleeding off somewhere, but I can't find it.

mrrnt2005 · December 2004

I have a 05GC, my brakes seemed to be fine. However, I test drove a new vehicle that they used as a demo, and on that vehicle the brakes seemed "squishy" or they seem to have a lot of air in the lines. This probably is a result of people test driving the vehicle hard (driving over 40 mph and jamming on the brakes). I'm not sure if this is the same problem that you are having, but if I were you...I would make sure that I take the vehicle back while it is still under warranty.

bill4445 · December 2004

2002 GC Limited with Select-Trac Transfer Case (The only Limited I have seen with a Select-Trac transfer case) Great SUV! However, If I shift from Park to neutral then to reverse there is a large amount of slack before reverse engages.(You can hear the wind-up taking place) The same if I shift from neutral to drive. Has anyone had this problem with their Select-Trac transfer case?

The dealer says that this is Normal! Only two months before warranty expires! Any comments would be appreciated!

Thanks, Bill4445

bill4445 · December 2004

Bought my GC used and when I test drove it the brakes pulsated. I took it to my mechanic and he said this is usually caused by mechanics over-torqueing the wheels with a impact wrench during tire rotation or other tire work. After I purchased the GC He removed and trued each rotor on a brake lathe and hand-torqued each wheel. I haven't had any complaints since. Perhaps some other readers with brake rotor problems could check this method out before going to more expensive repairs.

Thanks, Bill4445

donf1 · December 2004

man after reading about all the brake post and seat heaters i hope 2005 will fare better

regret · December 2004

Don't want to be your party pooper... But check out my experience on an adjacent topic group.

just click on my name, and see my experience with my 05 Jeep w/Hemi.

Watch out before it's too late. Make sure that you have even the slightest squeak checked...

wannatt1 · December 2004

2001 JGC...already had calipers and rotors replaced twice at only 27k miles. Right now that problem is "fixed". Newest problem is no heat from the passenger side vents. Warranty expired last month so I'm looking at some major expense as whole dashboard has to come out to repair. I cannot find TSB's on this, but a Google search turned up comment that it's a common problem. Anyone have experience with or advice on? Thanks.

darknight1 · December 2004

Greetings,

I recently test drove a limited w/ hemi and the truck had a distinct whistle that changed with speed. Has anyone else noticed this (presumably wind) related issue?

ammomike · December 2004

The whistling is coming from the cross bars on the roof rack. The dealer knows where they need to be positioned to stop it. It almost killed the deal for me buying one. I took them off and now more whistle. I haven't put them back on since I like how it looks without them on.

In regards to the brake issue, they should be perfect. If not, have the dealer fix it. A squishy brake normally means there is air in the system that needs to be bled out.

paule · December 2004

It's not all that uncommon for the cross bars to be positioned fairly close to each other from the factory which will cause a whistling sound. I might add this is not only on Jeeps. I know about it from minivans that exhibit this symptom.

Move the crossbars so that they are at least 3-4 feet apart and see if the noise diminishes.

cor · January 2005

According to my warranty/service info, the brakes are only covered for 12mo/12k.....after that you're on your own!!!

hughes · January 2005

I just bought a 97 GC. It has a 318 with 139,000 on it. Runs fine. The person I bought it from said the engine light came on evey so often and then went out about a day later. He never knew why, but car still runs fine.

Any ideas? Thanks

stever · January 2005

Lots of auto parts stores (like AutoZone) will check your car for any check engine light codes for free. That might give you some clues and the price is right.

Steve, Host

itsme0151 · January 2005

Is your truck AWD? If so, the chain inside the transfer case may be stretched. I had to change mine in my explorer and now my jeep is starting to do the same thing, both of which are AWD. It can be expensive but after I had the work done on my other truck it was like night and day...it was well worth the money spent! I already have a day set up for the jeep to go in too. Let me know if you find anything different.

russla · January 2005

The JGC's do funny things if the battery is on it's way out, I just replaced my battery on my 96, and before I did, I was getting random lights that disappeared and idling problems. All have since abated.

I would verify you have a good battery, a good ground to the chassis, and good terminal connections

regards

rixon · January 2005

I am new to this forum and have been checking about a particular problem with my'04 Overland. There is a very annoying hiss that seems to cycle with the A/C. Loud to the point where people in the passenger seat ask me about it. I test drove two other idential truckes and couldn't believe they both did the same thing! I can't believe I haven't read one comment about this (unless I missed it somewhere). This has to also drive others crazy. I've had three dealers look at it, pressure check it, remove freon and put back in. They all say it is normal. My '00 JGC never did this. I bought this in Feb. '03 and put a lot of miles on. I considered replacing it with an identical '04 (it is the best looking SUV on the road), but can't put up with the hissing all the time.

Any body else know how to fix this?

jhinsh · January 2005

2000 JGC, 50k miles, brake calipers and rotors replaced by previous owner. The heat on the driver side stopped working this fall due to defective blend door/blend door actuator. There is a TSB addressing this issue (2400104), issued post-warranty for most of us. I contacted DaimlerChrysler Customer service twice, with no relief. This is their reply, as you might expect: "Your concerns, particularly in view of the expense and inconvenience involved in this issue, are understandable. However, your request for consideration in this matter must be declined, because the vehicle in question has exceeded the time or mileage limitations of the manufacturer's warranty at the time the expense was incurred. Although a more favorable reply could not be provided, sharing your concern with us is appreciated." This appears to be a very common problem on 1999-2004 JGC, and a recall should have been issued on this problem rather than just a technical service bulletin, particularly since their TSB implicitly acknowledges the need for better design/more substantial parts. I would like to hear others' experiences with their dealers on this problem.

damaso-peru · January 2005

Hi everybody.

I am Damaso from Peru. I am planning to buy a Jeep cherokee Country Diesel (1996), but some friends told me that this is not a good car. Is It really?, this model is very bad?

Thank you for your answers

bill4445 · January 2005

No, it has the Select-Trac transfer case and is in RWD only until selected into part time or full time 4WD. After starting in Park, shifting to Drive seems to be normal. However, if I shift to neutral first then to Drive or reverse thats when the delay and windup is heard and felt. Perhaps, I am being anal about this. I plan to go to a different Jeep dealer before the warranty is up to have them document what is happening and get their read on if is a normal condition or not. No service bulletins found on the all-data website about this. Thanks for your response !

Jeep Grand Cherokee Maintenance and Repair

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