Jeep Liberty: Problems & Solutions

stever · October 2001

I'll give it a shot (I had to switch to Yak round bars when rain gutters went away and my Quik n Easy Racks made with 2x4 rail's wouldn't fit my van).

Yakima and Thule both make wind fairings that might work on your crossbars.

Can you move the rack forward or back (or swap the bars if they aren't symmetrical)? If so, experiment with different locations on your roof.

What I did was take two 1x4's, stain them, and attach them to my rails with U bolts. That did the trick for me and gave me a nice surface to put my canoes on - might interfere with a cargo box or whatever you're putting up there though. Good luck.

Steve
Host
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montsue · October 2001

I installed the Jeep Cross Rails and have no wind noise. I have placed them as far apart from each other as possible. The rails are slightly different. One is marked for the front, the other marked for the rear. Hope this helps.

ravens538 · October 2001

Thanks for the responses. I will give Steve's advice a shot and let you know what happens. Unfortunately my rails have to be 28 inches apart to accomodate my carrier which clamps onto them. I will try moving both of them forward as far as possible and see if that helps.

Dean
Bel Air, Maryland

marspa · October 2001

I have a silver select-trac 4x4 Liberty Sport, auto, offroad package, 4500 miles. Overall, I am very pleased with the build quality, paint job, ride, interior. Took a trip from Texas to Arkansas, put 2000 miles on it. Drove fantastic. Being a completely new vehicle, I was expecting a few bugs.

Problems so far:
1. Squeeky windows on rolling up: Silicone will help rid you of the squeek.

2. Fan belt noise on start up: Replaced belt(warranty).

3. Wind noise coming from front passenger window at highway speed: Haven't pinpointed it yet. Suspect antenna or noise seepage thru window. Possible fix: Vent shades, don't laugh, wax antenna.

4. Annoying noise from rear. Lube the rear door latch and lower guide with white grease or petroleum jelly.

5. Clunk from rear when approaching a stop. I noticed this, asked dealer, could not duplicate. Still happens, but sporadically. Suspect transmission shifting back into 1st. Usually happens when I've accelerated quickly then stopped quickly. Plan on keeping an eye on it.

6. Rear seats fold flat enough for me.

7. NO wheel shudder. Alignment is fine.

8. Gas mileage roughly 17mpg with AC on all the time. Live in Texas.

9. Not really impressed with the 5-star service, but it will do.

10. Don't have horizontal roof rails so no roof noise and I suspect that is why jeep left them out.

11. Select-trac 4x4 works great.

12. Brakes could be a little better (ie, stops take a little longer than I like). Have to remember this thing weighs in over 4000lbs and its not the little hatchback I got rid of. I just leave a little more room to stop.

13. HAS PLENTY OF POWER. For those of you who want a sports car, go buy a sports car.

14. Did not care much for brushed aluminum parts of LTD, that's why I got the sport, however, all one color (black) was a little boring. Just installed a carbon fiber overlay on dash, around radio, climate controls, shifter, power window buttons, horizontal strip across dash. Looks very sharp. For those interested: Exoticwooddash.com. Different kits from $100-350. Comes in different wood tones also.

Thanks for reading. MARSPA

ravens538 · October 2001

OK. After a few days of trying different positions, I pulled out the installation instructions again (only pictures for the instructions, no text what so ever). After carefully studying the pictures, I noticed that there is a sticker on each rail which has the maximum weight. These stickers MUST be towards the REAR of the vehicle. Once I flipped the rails everything was fine and there was no wind noise what so ever. Hopefully this helps people in the future.

They also have stickers on each rail telling you which one goes on the front and which one goes on the rear (I already had these in the correct location).

It's a JEEP thing!

mile_high · October 2001

I've had a black (I love black) LTD Liberty for a couple weeks and have put about 600 miles on it. I have noticed what feels like the engine missing on occasion. Normally it is fine and the miss hasn't caused any problem, but my wife and I have both noticed it. I haven't been able to re-create it by accelerating or shifting down or driving up hills etc. Has anyone else noticed this?

I don't get any kind of a "check engine" or any signals on the dash so I wonder if the dealership can do anything about it.

BTW, I love the truck. It is a very solid and tight SUV.

cheryl3038 · October 2001

I hate to admit it, but I think I might have experienced the same thing you did. I don't know much about cars, but atleast three times that I can remember I've noticed it almost chug while I'm pushing down on the gas pedal. It's always happened around speeds of 60 mph. There is no change in the needle on the tac. when it did it either, I did think to look down at it. I haven't had a check engine light come on either. I really just thought it was my driving :-) Now I'm beginning to wonder.

PS~Mine is at 1400 miles now, not sure when I first noticed this though. Otherwise things are great and I love it! When I take it in for my first oil change I'll mention something to the service dept. unless I have a major problem before then....if that's the case they will be seeing me ASAP :-)

djasonw · October 2001

Hmmmm.... maybe there is something to this missing if you will. I thought my foot fell of the gas pedal. It only has happened twice in 3000 miles. Like Cheryl said, it happens at highway speed. Weird. Hard to replicate and I'll ignore it for now. Otherwise.. a fantastic truck.

bgolfv · October 2001

I ordered but haven't received yet a Limited edition with the "Limited Edition G Package", antilock brakes and six disk cd player. Final price including taxes etc. $26,255. You have to find a DC employee and use there employee #. The MSRP without anything else was $26,678.

klbrmb · October 2001

I also have noticed my liberty missing. It has approx 4,000 miles and it has done it a total of 3 times. At first I thought it was my driving. Then I wasn't so sure what was going on. It only seems to happen when I am going at speeds over 60 mph. I have noticed that one of the times I had the cruise set and it happened.

I also have been having problems with my gear shifter. When I shift from park to drive or reverse it makes this crunching sound. Like plastic on plastic. I figured something was sticking so I took it to the dealership.

Unfortunately, they couldn't replicate either of these problems so they took the shifter apart and greased everything. The crunching went away for a while but I notice it again the other day. At this point I really like the liberty despite my problems but I am glad I decided on a lease instead of a purchase.

dan172 · October 2001

My transmission clunks when my Liberty is about to stop and also when I'm about to go. Sometimes when the vehicle is just sitting there in "drive" it clunks and gives a little surge forward. This all started when the vehicle reached the 5000 mile mark. It does not happen all the time but it happens every day.

rvbroker · October 2001

My Liberty Limitied started an annoying rattle at about 3,000 miles (right after the first oil change). Quiet on the highway but occurs around town and on bumpy roads. Took it to the dealer last week and although they heard the noise, they could not find the culprit. They had it on a lift and found nothing. They checked their computer for service bulletins and found one about the front skid plate could be the problem. So they adjusted the front skid plate and sure enough the noise is still there. I have crawled under the truck and can find nothing loose. Any thoughts or anyone else had a similar problem?

jeepersx5 · October 2001

to rvbroker,
you might have tech check the rear shocks, as new ones took care of our problem. It sounds like a loose shock, but it is the shock itself making a noise when it reacts to a bump while driving. Probably not a problem that will leave you on the side of the road, but it is annoying. Try to determine where the noise is coming from, front or rear, etc. Good luck and I hope this helps.

rvbroker · October 2001

Thanks for the help. The shocks or the exhaust were my first inclinations although not evident from my inspection (or the techs) . Rather than a drive-on lift, perhaps the techs should use the other type lift whereas the suspension is unsupported. I would imagine that they will balk at the idea of replacing shocks. Better call for another appointment.

RV Broker

winbro · October 2001

I had the same problem (as did other people too),
clunks when you slow down at around 20 MPH. this happened mostly for me when the car was cold. once it warmed up thoroughly; (driving 10 miles or so) it did not happen as much if at all.
I reported this twice to my dealer and the technician test drove it with me & felt it too, but this was also after it warmed up. the second time, I was in for an oil change & reported it again. they connected the car's computer to their computer to check the tranny programming & performance. then gave me some BS about how the tranny "adjusts" to different drivers' habits etc...also showed me in a service manual about this phenomenon. whatever the case, since that visit, the tranny has been FINE (3 weeks now). I suspect connecting to the computer re-established (or corrected) some program error.

the_shoe · October 2001

Have had the Jeep for 9 days.. 700miles on it.

Problems I've had:

First time I used the back wiper it went halfway across the window and stopped.. The position it was in prevented me opening the back door and window. Problem resolved by service.. They replaced the whole wiper assembly.

One of the rear seat latches needed ajustment.. Seat wouldn't lock into place properly. Fixed by service..

My foglights are also strange.. Intermittent problems getting them to go on.. (Will have looked at next O/C)

Other than that, no problems.. I've taken it through a couple state parks and the national forest down fire roads, etc. Handles well.. No rattles or anything.

I have a sport. patriot blue.. 6 cylinder automatic. power moonroof, infinity sound controls on steering, crusie, tilt, the nice aluminum rims, foglights, power windows locks, security and keyless entry.

got them to $24,250. I also made them pay my registration and fees $220, they gave me $330 towards my sale tax (MA sux!) because they had an online registry and get a discount or something, also got them down on their interest rate. I still think its a sham that they aint offering any real good rates for the liberty, but I'm happy with the vehicle so far

winbro · October 2001

I also had the fog light problem. they worked fine at first but then, like you, had the intermittent problem of NOT working. sometimes, I jiggled the switch and they would work. At the same time I had the oil change, and they checked out the tranny, they also fixed the fog lights. they found a broken wire in the right front wheel area which they fixed & re-routed and secured better. I have not had a problem since. have your dealer check this out.

geeprz · November 2001

I have a clattering sound on the driver's side in the front; it was checkws about a month ago and service dept. said everything was ok. Went back last week and had them re-check while getting an LOF. They had to order a new skidplate. Skidplate was replaced today and I still have the sound. I plan on calling again in the am for another appointment. Any other ideas?

rexconde1 · November 2001

I just haggled the price on my sisters Bonneville Jeep Liberty Trade in.

I think that we got a really good deal!

27G
Sunroof
ABS
Front Heated Seats

After figuring out what the dealer finagled with the numbers (trade in value and Liberty cost) he sold the Jeep for approximatly $25,900! There were only two on the lot and the first was sold. We got the 2nd one.

First impressions are good! I like it better than my 96 JGC. V6 is smooth. I'm waiting for her to try it in Snow!

Robert

dan172 · November 2001

My transmission "cluck" was fixed at the dealer.
The shop forman at my dealership knew exactly
what it was. The driveshaft needed to be greased.
Apparently theres a half inch of play at the end of the drive shaft. The driveshaft was hanging up
occasionaly. Just greasing the end of the shaft
solved the problem.

justintx · November 2001

I've got about 1300 miles on my G LMTD 4x4 and am experiencing a creaking noise. This noise started about 400 miles ago and seems to be mainly coming from the front. It occurs most often in the morning when it's cold, but also occurs throughout the day to a lesser degree. It is most notable when I apply the breaks, but also occurs when I turn the steering wheel back and forth. I can't tell if it's two different problems or not. It really sounds like some needs to be lubed. When I took it in to get the plates, a service guy looked at it. At that time I was thinking it may be the steering so he was probably focusing on that, but he told me that everything was sealed and to give it a week or so to "work out". Needless to say, it hasn't worked out and I'll be making an appointment this week. Has anyone else experienced this creaking noise? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thx

denisecr · November 2001

My husband and I are thinking about getting a liberty. Message #94 said getting black was the biggest mistake she had made, I am curious why?? My husband wants black. I also want to know if anyl of you have figured out what the "noise" was/is????

tidester · November 2001

denise,

I have never owned a black vehicle so I can't say for sure why anyone would call it a mistake though the arguments I hear usually have to do with black looking worse with dust and dirt buildup than other colors and that it makes the car feel hotter in summer.

Perhaps those with hands-on experience will share their experience.

tidester
Host
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rsholland · November 2001

about black are that it shows dirt more easily, and therefore it's harder to keep clean; it shows scratches more easily; and that retains heat more, thus is hotter in the summer.

I like black cars, when they're clean. They're very classy looking.

Bob

hartman · November 2001

Just traded in my first AND LAST black car in on my Liberty. I will be the first to say I love the color when washed and waxed (especially with beige leather), but... if you are more than a little bit "into" your vehicles, like I assume most people who bother with these boards, black will drive you crazy. Looks dirty/dusty 10 minutes after detailing, you can see every little scratch and chip, and swirl marks - breathing on it gives you swirl marks. I will admit that I can't get my silver Lib all polished up with that really deep shine like my black car, but the trade off is well worth it. It hides dirt, minor scratches, and chips extremely well. I am one who actually enjoys to detail my vehicles, but black made it a chore, not the labor of love that I like it to be. To sum up my babbling, I don't want to sound like a freak, but I really advise against black. I may own another black car someday (they just look that good when clean), but it will be when I'm retired and can have a garage queen - NEVER, EVER again as a daily driver. I give up the box!

Jonathan

gypsy116 · November 2001

I too will have to agree with everyone that black is extremely tough to keep clean. Especially if you are living in the northeast, where you have the snowy winters. Snow on the ground equals salt on the cars. However, I have owned three black vehicles and loved them, when cleaned and polished. Also be prepared..EVERY minor scratch and chip will be very noticeable. None the less I would never suggest not getting a black vehicle. Just be prepared to clean it more often than usual. I was initially looking at the Liberty in black, until I saw the Stone White with the tinted windows. I feel in love with that and figured it was time for a change.
-gypsy-

tidester · November 2001

You love black ... then switch to white! I can't think of a more radical change!

Enjoy your stone white Liberty!

tidester
Host
SUVs

gypsy116 · November 2001

Thanks Tidester... I will enjoy my Liberty LE, once I get it. I am on week #9 and getting tired of this waiting.

--gypsy--

cheryl3038 · November 2001

Can someone that has had their Liberty for awhile give me any idea what RPM's they are running while going about 60 mph going over a flat surface? I think mine is shifting oddly. It started after my first oil change last week. I could run 70-75 mph and only hit 2500......now at 60 mph it will be at 2500 and eventually it will shift and go back to 2000 where it ususally is at 60 mph. Am I just being paranoid or should I get this looked at??

edholliman · November 2001

I just got our Jeep Liberty (Silver/Dark Grey with Tope leather seats) it has 27G, sunroof, towing package, the works! My wife and I have been extremely pleased with the Jeep. It drives great! We havent had the leaking, pull to the right, noises or squeaks. We Love it!

The only problem I can see so for is that the Overdrive Off button only seems to work when the lights are turned off. Do the rest of you Liberty owners have the same behavior? I shouldnt be turning the Overdrive at night all that much, but if I am pulling a trailer, I may want to turn off the overdrive for hills. It doesnt make sense to me that the overdrive will only work with the lights off.

Any ideas?

dewumpy · November 2001

I have an idea... the dimmer switch for the dashboard is on the same column... maybe there's a crossed wire somewhere? Does the OD actually disable when you push the button?

mad0865 · November 2001

When pressed, there is an O/D light that appears on the dash. I tested this, even with the dimmer switch set at the lowest setting, and it still appears. It should also appear regardless of the lights being on or off. You should have your dealership check it out.

-mad

psu93 · November 2001

Hi everyone. I've decided that I'd like to buy a new Liberty, but I'm on a budget and want certain options only on the Sport model. Every dealer I've spoken to has said they don't have what I want and made no offer to help otherwise. I've heard that dealers will usually check with other dealers to try and find what you're looking for, or they may offer to order it, which is why I'm at a loss. In addition, ever though they're not applying any of the finance deals to the Liberties, they're trying to sell them for MSRP which I refuse to pay. Any suggestions?

basepro09 · November 2001

I was in the same boat as you're in. I had to fit my Liberty into my budget and I only wanted some options. What I did was call around to at least 15 dealerships and got a lot of quotes. Now all of them were looking for the one Jeep that I wanted, my way. They searched through all of California, so they said. But they couldn't find it. So I went to a nearby dealer and picked one off the lot pretty close to what I wanted. I got a Flame Red Sport 2wd, with speed control, fog lights, tint and that's it. The other option I wanted was ABS, but let it go because I just wanted it.
Now, all of the dealers were willing to order for me. But of course at first they're going to want to sell you one off the lot. I think you have to be stern and know what you want. If you tell them that you're ready to buy now, this is what I want, can you get it? I hope this helped. By the way what kind of Liberty w/options do you want and what state are you in?

Oh yeah about the price, just tell them you're not paying sticker when you find the one you want. They'll ask what do you want to pay, then give them a price below what you don't mind paying so you can come up to your price. Be strong. :-)

Matt

stevek18 · November 2001

I would take basepro09's suggestions. But definitely, at a minimum, use Edmunds TMV for an indication of what you should pay. It's not perfect, but it beats paying sticker & gives you more confidence in sticking with a value lower than MSRP.
Also, I've never used them, but could you try locating your exact vehicle (or close to it) by using one of the many internet vehicle searches (like carpoint.com, autotrader.com or vehix.com)?
Best of luck. I ended up ordering one, now I'm only hoping the jeep plant does not strike

psu93 · November 2001

Thanks for the advice. I'm looking for a Patriot Blue Sport 4x4 with pkg 27B, tinted windows, a sunroof, and a cd player.
I told all the dealers I visited that I priced the Liberty Sports on the internet and had a good idea of a fair price. The comments I received were that the markups on Libertys are not that much, I'll never get one for the price I want to pay, and that the internet underestimates the dealer's actual costs.
I visited one more dealer this afternoon and made some headway, but I still haven't signed on the dotted line. The nice thing is that I still have my G.C. Laredo, which I love, so I don't have to settle.

winbro · November 2001

there is a REGULAR jeep liberty chat room for the kind of discussion the last few messages have been about. lets leave this one for the liberty problems which have been few so far.

thanks

stever · November 2001

Jeep Liberty

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

rexconde1 · November 2001

At the last moment call another dealership and see if they would be willing to come down a bit farther to the price that you asked your original dealer. If they meet your demands tell the original dealer about the other dealer, and you'll find that surprisingly find that they found that extra margin of negotiable power.

They seemed to find an extra $600 when we did this

Good luck

tikken · November 2001

I purchased a new Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD on 11-10-01. On 11-16-01, the Jeep began making a loud, high-pitched squealing sound at low speeds. The sound was most noticeable while coasting at low speeds (with foot off the accelerator, without applying the brakes). On 11-19-01, the sound became increasingly louder, so I took it in for service. I was told yesterday that they believe it is the front drive shaft. The part is on order from Los Angeles, and will hopefully arrive today. I am quite disappointed that my car has been in the shop for 3 days out of the 11 days I've owned it! I hope this isn't a harbinger of things to come! I will keep you posted.

-Scott

lars · November 2001

After I test drove a liberty today, I opened the rear door and noticed that the moulding of the trailing edge of the rear door, closes into the wheel well. Won't the rear doors be frozen shut when the tires build up ice and snow against the walls of the wheel well?

lilshug · November 2001

I'm thinking....that ur thinking too hard. That's why they make De-icer. If there is that much ice and snow to clear...frozen door is pretty much part of the clean up on any vehicle. If weather conditions are that bad...its gonna freeze. Other option...put it in the garage if available.

lars · November 2001

Lilshug,

Where I live we have 10 months of winter and 3 months of road construction. The only roads that get de-icer is the freeway and only within a few miles of a city and the temperature is above 20. I'm thinking....that's probably where u drive your Liberty all the time in NY. An hour or so of driving in the winter here can build up enough ice in the front wheel wells so that you can't turn the wheels very much. That's why the Cherokee's doors opened before the wheel well moulding and thus made it harder to get in and out of.

lilshug · November 2001

I was actually referring to the spray kind for car doors and locks. The past few winters I'll admit we haven't had alot of snow but what we do get, are freezing rain ice overs so when you come out to your car in the morning it's covered in a block of ice. Sometimes a few inches thick. De-icer has been a life saver. Now if only I could get an auto-start system that didn't void out warrenty on the key chip theft deterrent...I'd be in the money!

geneseedepot · November 2001

I've never seen a fender-iceberg develop on the forward side of the wheel well. I'd be surprised if enough snow accumulated on the forward surface to freeze a door shut. Unless, of course, you do a lot of high speed driving in reverse.

cheryl3038 · November 2001

Alright, here's a new one.....I was driving today and could hear a clicking noise coming from my steering column or the insturment panel. It was very faint, but still annoying. It wasn't consant, just every 5-10 seconds. Any ideas on this one from the Liberty owners out there? I'll be calling my dealer in the morning.

mad0865 · November 2001

Could it be your keys knocking against the steering column? :>

curtc1 · November 2001

Just took my Liberty Limited in (7,000 miles) for a dull rattle from rear underneath. Service department let me know they have heard of a rear shock problem. Turns out that is my problem, too. Nothing dangerous, a simply bushing problem. According to my dealer, parts are on national back-order, which suggests mine is not the only Liberty with this rattle.

Other than this service visit, the Liberty has been exceptional. Just returned from a driving trip to Colorado (I live in Indiana). On the highway it zoomed, effortlessly climbed to 11,000 feet in the Rockies, and handled some minor off-roading with ease. I have had a Wrangler, a Cherokee, and two Grand Cherokees. This is the best Jeep I have owned. What a blast to drive.

dewumpy · November 2001

I have what might be something similar. When I turn the turn signal on, there's a strange creak in the steering column. I think it's probably just a wire or something, but it's weird that it only happens when the turn signal is on (either direction.)

Also, I have a dull rattle too, that only pops up on city streets. Good to know it may be a universal problem and easy to fix.

My Liberty has 7000 miles on it and I love it!

cheryl3038 · November 2001

"keys knocking against the steering column?"

I thought about that too :-( not the problem. I'm thinking it's a wire or something.....to give you a better idea it's sounds similar to the turn signal, but not as loud.

Jeep Liberty: Problems & Solutions

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Jeep Liberty: Problems &amp; Solutions

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Jeep Liberty: Problems & Solutions