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Question: 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee mileage: 75,000. My jeep would not stay running. It would start but not stay running. It has been broken down for 7 weeks and has had 5 fuel pumps put in, all from Chrysler. It has been at a dealership service department for three weeks and four weeks before that at another garage. The fuel pumps all go out within minutes to a couple of days after being put in. The dealership seems to be at a loss. They have checked out electrical problems. What could be the problem?

Answer: There may be a faulty fuel pressure regulator that is causing the fuel pump failure. In addition, if you have a poor ground connection grounding the fuel pump, the fuel pump will fail.

Question: 1998 Jeep Cherokee  mileage: 37,000. Low Oil pressure. When the engine is cold, the oil pressure is between 40-50 psi. However, after driving on the interstate for about 30-40 miles, the oil pressure drops to between 20-30 psi, and about 9 psi at idle. I use 10W-30 Pennzoil. I don't think there are enough miles on the engine for the pump/bearings to be worn, and I change the oil every 5000 miles. I am going to replace the sending unit, just to see if it makes a difference, any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer: The oil pressure is on the low side when the engine is warm, however nothing to get alarmed about. Try changing to a 20/50 for the summer and see if that does not help. It is also possible that your pressure gauge may not be calibrated correctly. You might want to verify it with another mechanical gauge.

Question: 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee mileage: 67,000. Bought 2 new tires for front & started on vacation trip when noted high pitched noise in front. Jeep dealer replaced ring & carrier bearings, ring & pinion set in front differential. Got 200 miles & front end went out again. Was told I burned out front diff. Chrysler said I created problem cause a diff of 1/2" in tire circumferences will cause power train failure. Second fix included a viscous coupler replacement in transfer case. Spent over $4,000 total for repairs & neither dealer nor Chrysler take major responsibility. Ever heard of such a thing?

Answer:  We cannot conceive that the 1/2-inch difference in the circumference of the tires would cause the differential to fail. Moreover, it is extremely rare to have a differential fail after 200 miles. It would appear from our perspective and based on what you have told us that the repairs were incorrectly done.

Question:  1996 Jeep Cherokee  mileage: 62,000.  1996 Jeep Cherokee, 4WD, automatic transmission: Experiencing 'bump' on acceleration and deceleration.  Feels like a badly worn U-joint or excess play in differential.  Upon advice of Jeep dealership, lubricated rear drive shaft slip yoke - no improvement.   Had differential inspected by transmission shop - was told actual gear lash = .010", spec = .008" to .012".  Had drive shaft checked for balance - OK.  Had rear drive shaft slip yoke checked for wear - OK.  Had rear drive shaft U-joints checked - OK.  Had transfer case pulled and inspected by transmission shop - replaced questionable bearing on main shaft - problem gone for 1 week, came back.  Had test drives performed by 3 transmission shops - all say transmission is OK.  Had brakes checked by 2 brake shops - both say brakes adjusted and working properly.  3 mechanics indicated problem due to axle 'spin', advised new shocks.  Replaced shocks - no improvement.  Test drove another 1996 Cherokee at dealership - same problem but much less pronounced.  Is this typical of later model Cherokees?  Have driven a 1990 Cherokee for 160K miles and a 1988 Comanche for 50K miles, both 4.0L, auto, 4WD - never experienced anything like this with either vehicle.  Any ideas on how to rectify?

Answer:  Here are some things you might check:  1.  The bushings in the suspension may be worn out allowing movement.  2.  Possible motor mounts are worn allowing the engine and transmission to shift.  3.  The clearance on the exhaust pipes should be checked to see if they are too close to the frame.

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Question:  1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 X 4 mileage: 110,000.  When I run my air conditioner the carpet on the passenger side in the back seat gets sopping wet. Last week the front passenger side carpet has also begun to get wet.   I mean wet.  I feel like it is coming from the air conditioner but how and how do I fix it.  Please Help

Answer:  The water is probably coming from the air conditioner.  Check the air-conditioning box or ductwork that surrounds the evaporator.  There should be a drain hole in the bottom for the water to escape to the outside of the car.  The drain hole may be plugged or the ductwork cracked or broken.

Question:  1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee mileage: 91,000.  Trailer Wiring:  My 1995 Jeep CG does not have the factory trailer wiring package. I would like to use one of the new T adaptor harnesses but the part numbers spec'ed for these models list for about $70!   And appear to require a "power converter".  I wired a bunch of vehicles for trailers during my time in a boat shop back in college but what could be so different about today's wiring?  Is it just the separate turn signal lamp?  Any alternatives short of the $70 solution?  I would really appreciate your comment and input before I start probing around with a test light! 

Answer:  The only difference between the old cars and the new ones is the turn signal bulb is separate from the brake light bulb.  Since you have wired trailer lights before, it should be straightforward.

Question:  1999 Jeep Cherokee mileage: under 87,000.   Our mechanic, dealer and auto parts place are all stumped.  We've ordered 5 "correct" rotors none of which match the original.  All the computers & books tell them it’s "this one" but when it’s on the car the wheel won't turn and its visually different.  Our original is more squared off and does not stick up as much.  We are open to any and all ideas.

Answer:  It is not uncommon for car manufacturers to make mid-year engineering changes on their car parts.  Check to see if the part numbers are different for 1998 or a 2000 model.  If so, try one of those.  If you are a car manufacturer and you are making 1999 cars and you run out of 1999 brake rotors.  You have a supply of 1998 parts left over or you have the new 2000 parts available.  Thus the 1999 model gets either the 1998 or the 2000 part.

Question: 1989 Jeep Cherokee mileage: 125,000 I have had on going trouble with the brakes, changed master cylinder, power booster shoes and pads and still the brakes are not great. No matter how slow I am going and how hard I press the pedal they will not lock, when going down a steep incline they have a hard time slowing the car down. Yesterday when pulling out of the garage the rear wheels locked when I just touched the pedal. I have been told to check the proportioning valve but I thought this was just for emergency braking. Any info would be appreciated.


Answer: The Proportioning valve is designed to keep the rear brakes at a lower pressure than the front, and also to provide pressure to either the front or rear, if one system fails. So if the pressure in the front drops too low, the rear brakes will take the full force of the braking action (and lock up). Some are also designed to reduce the amount of air let back into the system if a leak should occur.
Cherokees are a very heavy vehicle, and the braking system on the older ones where hard to lock up anyhow. With the recent problem of having the rear brakes lock up on you, I would suggest that you very carefully check all of your lines for pinhole leaks. You can also upgrade your rotors to drilled and/or slotted, to help to improve the performance. Also check for proper adjustment of the rear brakes and make sure all caliper/shoe contact points are smooth, well polished, and lubricated with a grease designed for brake systems. Use 120 grit sand paper to break any glaze on rotors, or have them turned if they show wear.
I hope this helps you out.

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