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Comments
Funny thing too – the fact that it was the front making the noise and not the 44 rear. I know this because with the Selec-Trac I was able to first add in the front drive (FT4W) and compare that with (2WD) mode. The howl came on in the 55-60 mph range under accel in 4WD. There was no noise on decel and no noise on accel or decel with 2WD.
I thought about taking it anyway and just hope the noise goes away. But I have worked on Diffs in the past, and this noise rarely goes away with time.
This thing had 3 miles on it. I could smell the engine coming up to temperature – probably for the first time. I was so close – but I had to turn it down.
I have waited over 2 years for them to fix this thing and it looks like they still don’t have it right – simply unbelievable! Trouble is, I need a car badly. Don’t know what I’m going to do now.
Thanks for letting me vent
I remember you posting at this conference well over a year ago about buying a Grand Cherokee Jeep. I use to be one of the more active members here 1 1/2 years ago. I purchased my 99 Grand Cherokee limited in June 1999 and returned it to Chrysler through a lemon buy back in March 2000.
My question to you is why would you want to spin the dice on Chrysler's Grand Cherokee Jeeps. If you have been coming here at this conference for as long as you said then you know about all the probems that this Jeep has had and continues to have? I could never understand why someone would consider buying a Grand Cherokee if they read about all the problems associated with them. I remember finding this site about 3 weeks after purchasing my Jeep and all I could say to my self was "What a mistake I just made, I wish I found this site before I purchased my Jeep".
Have you looked at the 2001-2002 Pathfinder? I almost purchased the 2001 Pathfinder after my buyback. I ended up with a 2000 SE Maxima. I strongly would sugggest staying away from the Jeep Grand Cherokee. I am truely amazed when a I stop back to this conference and still see the same problems occurring now that were happening 2 years ago.
Good luck with what ever decision you make.
George
Transfer case under the seat and maybe limited slip control in the glove box?
Any ideas?
From reading other posts, I realize previous model year Jeeps had many problems. I think Jeep has done a terrific job addressing old problems in the new vehicles.
So you enjoy your Maxima and I will enjoy my Jeep.
still smiling...
leo
However, My brother's '99 GCL with V8 and QD is a totally different story, the whining is unbearable and he had replaced the rotors 3 or 4 times within 50000 km. BUT, I spoke to him this morning and he said DC had finally replaced the front shaft / yoke or something and the rotors are still good after 15000km. Both items were replaced under new DC bulletins and he said dealers should know. For the first time for a long while, he is really enjoying his GCL.
Keep bugging your service rep. and good luck.
So anyway we go for a spin in a Slate 5.9 - real sweet and muscular. Nice sounding but a little too much exhaust note for my tastes - I'm pushing 50 so you understand. Love the wheels and the upscale interior - but of course, the rear diff started screaming at about 65 MPH. So I had to turn it down. They had two white 5.9's but I don't care for white too much.
So then we went to the 5.2's - 1998 still. Got on board a Platinum with agate inside. Started it up and faintly heard lifter noise that didn't go away for about 10 minutes. The engine never did idle right - kinda lopped. Got it up to speed and at around 50 or 60 the whole thing kinda shook. You could feel it in the steering wheel. It felt like one of the drive-shafts was out of balance. Couldn't really tell if the diffs were noisy, I was too busy trying to figure out where the vibration came from. So I turned that one down.
So then we jumped in a Slate 5.2 1998. Seemed perfect. Engine idled and ran great, no vibrations and couldn't detect any noise. I told the salesman - "looks like we got a keeper". So we went back to the dealership and they let me have it for a few hours - I took 3. I went all the way to the mountains to visit my dad (45 mi. one way) and took him for a spin. Well there were a few minor things wrong - Transmission seemed to want to rev a little before hitting second, Right seat back rest adjuster had a stripped gear and, of course, the rotors were warped. But nothing that couldn't be fixed. But then I heard it - that little bit of wine that came on right at 65 MPH. Granted, it wasn't bad but it was there. It may have been the front diff - couldn't really tell. That's the trouble with Quadra Trac and QD. The front diff just goes along for the ride about 99% of the time.
Since I wasn't really crazy about the Slate color I turned it down. If it had been platinum, I would have made an offer. I almost offered 18,500 or 19,000 because he kept asking me to make him a ridiculous offer - end of the month an all.
So that was my day - up to my armpits in noisy diffs and warped rotors. Just another day drive'n a jeep
George -
I always wanted the jeep because of the V8 power. Everything else was gutless or way too expensive (eg. land Cruiser) or too big. Also the cabin luxury offered by the GC LTD is far above all other brands IMHO. I also liked having control of the 4WD modes like you get with Selec-Trac. Everyone else is going to Slip before grip AWD couplings - aka 4WD for Dummies. Finally, there's the styling which I think is much more attractive than the other "boxes" on wheels. However, I agree, there are a lot more choices available and Pathfinder finally put some muscle under the hood. I may consider it.
The check engine light keeps popping on and the ride is absolutely atrocious. At speeds over 40 the thing starts to shake like there is a 60 mile an hour wind hitting it.
The first time the light came on, we took it to the dealer and they seemed totally confused. They first told me it had something to do with wiring, then they changed the spark plugs and "de-carbonized the engine". Sounds like a bunch of hog wash to me. They seemed to look totally confused as I watched them working on my truck.
Subsequent to that visit the truck seemed to work fine... for two days. I got in the truck two days later went to turn on the lights and realized I had none. My wife took the keys out of it and went to call the 800 service number and as I was standing there with the door open... the lights suddenly came on. This of course led to service 2 for which they couldn't find anything wrong with the vehicle (looked at me like I was crazy).
Again truck seemed fine for a few weeks until yesterday when the friggin engine light went on again and the rough ride returned!!!!
Any suggestions.... we've taken in to two different clueless dealerships for service and the dealer who sld us the car can shove their 5 star service because it has been non-existent.
Anyone have any ideas??? I'm about ready to start looking into lemon laws!!! At this point I'd settle for just having my money back.
Anyway, I know you have a 2000 but it's all pretty much the same. I'll just give you some possible leads. First the diagnostic chart "possible cause" for rough engine idle: idle speed set to low, idle mixture to lean or to rich, vacuum leak, faulty coil (as you may know this a coil over plug engine - i.e. 8 coils!), incorrect engine timing, dirty or incorrectly gapped spark plugs, dirt or water in fuel system, faulty fuel pump, blown cylinder head gasket, low compression, burned, warped or pitted valves, plugged or restricted exhaust system.
I do know that the 99's and the 2000's had a rash of fuel pump problems and the main symptom was rough idle and stalling. I know people who went through several fuel pumps.
Regarding the "Check Engine" light - aka "Malfunction Indicator Light" (MIL) - man that's a tough one. This light can come on for one of two reasons. 1) one of your engine sensors, that effects emissions has created a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) that is being stored in the Power Train Control Module (PCM) which can only be extracted by using a DRB scan tool connected to your Data link connector - lower left edge of instrument panel. Keep in mind, it takes (3) good [driving] trips (nothing malfunctioning) to make the MIL go off by itself but the DTC stays stored. If the problem is a non-emission problem and the problem is repaired or ceases to exist, the PCM cancels the code after 40 warm-up cycles. Also it can take up to 2 failures in a row to turn on the MIL. 2) one of your engine sensors is malfunctioning.
Well, this might at least allow you to ask some probing questions. The manual fills about 100 pages on the subject.
Regarding the shaking, really only (2) things could cause this: Either something rotating (tires, wheels, driveshafts) is out of balance or you have an instability problem (Death Wobble). Usually the DW is caused by improperly installing suspension mods - not very common on a stock vehicle. I really need more info (rhytmic vib?, steering wheel shake?, etc.).
Good Luck
The 2001 Pathfinder will not compare to the Jeep's V8 power, not much will. But nothing will even come close to the dismal reliability records of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have to agree with you about the interior layout and exterior styling of the JGC, but all these features have little meaning if your Jeep is sitting in your 5 Star dealership's repair shop.
George
I've returned it to the dealer three times for repairs, but the mechanics find nothing wrong with it. I am quickly approaching double figures in the number of times I've had to call Daimler/Chrysler Roadside Assistance, including two calls within two hours. Does anyone besides me have this problem? Thank you for passing on your ideas and experiences!
I am thinking of installing a set of after market rotors., like :
www.brembo.com
www.powerslot.com
http://www.gr8ride.com/cgi-
bin/am/articles/howtoview.jsp?
http://www.outdoorwire.com/4x4/jeep/tech/brakes/
channel=Truckin&community=Street&oid=23009
Good luck.
"GCL" and "Barney" , respectively. Sorry folks.
does anybody else have this problem? has anyone had this resolved?
This is my first posting but have been a reader for sometime. I am on my 3rd JGC and finally having a problem. The new one is a 2001 Limited with V8 and 5spd. auto 2WD and trac lok rear. My problem occurs when shifting into drive. There is a slight hesitation, and as it shifts into drive there is a fairly loud clunk, sort of like gears grinding. Been in two different dealers,six times. New rear end, new driveshaft, no help. Chrysler now says it is the transmission clutches, they don't why, they are working on it but no fix as yet. DC says there are numerous complaints. Does not occur into reverse and only in drive after the trans is warm.Considering the buy back or exchange trail. Like the vehicle a lot but can't stand the noise.DC tech rep says it is characteristic of the car. BULL. Zone was a farce, "nothing we can do." Wondering how wide spread it might be.Thanks
I finally found some time to drop the hunk -o- junk off at a dealer. Who has now had it for three days. First thing they thought was screwed up was the powertrain control module..... WRONG. They got one in and replaced it and it didn't fix it. This of course now has them baffled and they have been looking into my fifth cylinder (apparently it is misfiring) for the last two days. Still no official word on what's wrong. At least these guys are pleasant.... and they've provided me with a rent-a-car.
Still waiting for the official word on this thing. Will let you all know when it comes down.
The big issue to me is that the problems that plague the 99 JGC's are the same problems that haunt the 01's. It appears Jeep has done nothing to fix the transmission, window, fuel pump, brake, etc. problems before they leave the line. Instead, your wife may very well be in the service shop quite often having band-aids applied to the problems.
You may find yourself in this situation: For the first 36K miles you experience numerous problems. These are covered by the warranty. However, you are afraid of keeping the car past the warranty because these same problems will reappear along with new ones. This will cost you a good bit of money. So, you decide to unload it. However, noone, not even Jeep will give you anything worht your while for the vehicle (you could sell it privately, but I couldn't live with myself). So, you sell it for less than you owe and find yourself in a real bind when you actually shop for SUV's with quality (4-Runners, Pathfinders, etc.).
I wouldn't buy another JGC. If I did, I would negotiate the price as low as you can imagine, then say I'll take it if you throw in a very extended warranty.
i found this site while doing some research on a new suv and i've come back frequently to find possible customizing ideas and offer my pov when i felt i could add something helpful. when you accept that a majority of the people who post here do so to vent frustrations on whatever and often resort to hyperbole, it puts things in better perspective. i can't speak for other jgc owners or on other suv's but for me, i've been very pleased with my new jeep. take this post under advisement as you should all the others but there isn't anything better that 1st hand experience. go for plenty of test drives and decide for yourself what's best for you.
good luck!
Also, I've owned many vehicle's in my 26 yrs. of driving (age 42)and almost every car I had eventually had some issue whether is was an American car or foreign.
Mark
However, for those that think the problems are in the minority, look at sources such as Consumer Reports that evaluate thousands of vehicles. They give the Jeep the worst reliability rating possible. Look at the SUV reliability comparison chart and you will see JGC at the bottom with the graph bar broken because it is literally off the chart. That chart is based on number of problems per 100 vehicles - not on what a few people on edmunds day. They give it a poor depreciation rating as well. Furthermore, I hardly consider replacing the drive-train an insignificant problem. We'll see how insignificant it is after the warranty.
MY single opinion is, if you want a very reliable SUV that looks pretty good, performs well, and that will keep it's value, the 4-Runner is a great option.
If you are less concerned with the possibility having to replace major components and with depreciation, and style and/or power are your most important attributes, the Jeep wins hands down (the Pathfinder has it it beat on power). Trust me, as I shop for a replacement (buying a 4-Runner), it is depressing to give up some of the style and features provided by the JGC. Don't get me wrong, I'm jealous of those of you who got the good ones, because there is no better looking SUV with such great features in its class.
The Jeep has just the right combination of size, power, and comfort for me. Call me irresponsible, but the Jeep stays on my list of possibilities for 2002. If I do buy one and live to regret it, I'll be right here letting you know.
We recently decided to give this to our 16 yo for her first car and buy the wife a new vehicle. She insisted on a new JGC and would have nothing else. We now have a '01 JGC with S package and the I6 ('96 is a I6 also), it does have the Up Country suspension and a towing package that gives it the 3.73 rear end. So far with 1,000 there are no signs of any problems.
I have to admit this board scares me a lot! I did purchase from 5 star dealer, but he is 60 mi away. It will be a big hassle to return there for service. Local dealer is a joke, wouldn't send my worst enemy there.
The '96 is great! Much more reliable and enjoyable than the 2 Pathfinders that proceeded it. Are we just lucky with it - yes I guess so. Hope the odds hold with us on the '01. (two bad Pathfinders, maybe we're due with 2 good JGC's). Anyway glad to see all the info here in case we need to go to arbratration, and to give a heads up on what to watch for.
Even if I had read this before we bought, I wouldn't have had a choice, wife demanded a JGC, even offered a Lexus - BUT NOOOO!!! Had to have the JEEP! Better to put up with a few problems in a car VS an unhappy wife!
Keep the info comming
Not too sure why you posted here rather than in the Jeep Cherokee Topic Consolidation, but at any rate...
Does it have the original [closed system] radiator? Pre 91 XJs came with a crappy radiator system that was prone to overheating. The solution is to replace it with an aftermarket 2 or 3 core open system one (one where you add fluid directly to the radiator, and the overfill bottle is not pressurized). Bleeding all the air out of the old style is difficult.
Does anyone with the shift clunk have a remedy? We have had our transmission flashed many times. The clunk returns. One of the service managers at the dealership where we had the most recent work done asked me if we were driving the Jeep differently or if one person drove the vehicle most of the time. At this time, I drive the Jeep most. My driving style around town is quite different from my husband's. The manager explained that after the computer is flashed/programmed it learns your driving style. With differences in driving styles the clunk could reappear; the clunk will happen when a person who does not drive the vehicle most of the time drives. It does happen most often when my husband drives. ????So, is there a rememdy to the hard downshift (clunk) problem?????
We bought our JGCL,V8,Quad in 9/99 and have had many repairs. i am trying to get all of the paper work together to make a comprehensive list of the problems with a list of the repairs done,including TSB#'s when possible,not to complain but in the hope that it will help some of you to get your repairs done. i'll try to get the info posted soon. We know what the problems are. Now, solutions are what we need. What repairs have been successful in fixing the whine, clunk, windows, rotors...?
Thanks so much,
scsg
I agree the vehicle looks nice (almost bought one) but it doesn't do you much good if it's in the repair shop or you are in the hospital.
As someone said previously, do your own due diligience.
Has anyone installed an after-market exhaust system on the JGC I6? What brand did you install and how much power did you gain? How loud is it, that is, can you sit in the front seat and carry on a conversation with someone in the back seat?
I'm tired of being told that this is normal or we can't duplicate the problem. I'm no rocket scientist, but this doesn't sound normal.
Also, my transmission goes 'clunk' when shifting to reverse.
I just had the rear end replaced to due to a whining/whirling sound coming from the rear. Not to mention, I had brake work done, ABS light came on, etc.
Please email any information to FIVEN3QTRS@AOL.COM
In the Subject line please put: 1998 Jeep Information.
Thanks in advance