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1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems

 

Offset Upper Ball Joints May Help Alignment Problems

Verified for the Jeep Grand Cherokee

When normal alignment practices do not bring components into the alignment specifications, offset upper ball joints are available.

9 Reports
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Noise When Driving Over Bumps From Transmission Area

Verified for the Jeep Grand Cherokee

If a thumping or creaking noise is heard from the transmission tunnel area while driving over bumpy roads, a transfer case shifter repair kit is available which should correct this concern.

6 Reports
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The Check Engine Light may Illuminate Erroneously

Verified for the Jeep Grand Cherokee

"False" trouble codes may cause erroneous illumination of the Check Engine Light. Updating the PCM software can often correct this concern.

4 Reports
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HVAC Air Flow Switching to Defrost When Accelerating

Verified for the Jeep Grand Cherokee

The AC/heater (HVAC) system may unexpectedly switch to the defrost mode when accelerating. This system is operated by engine vacuum and should be inspected for any vacuum leaks if this problem develops.  There is also a revised vacuum check valve available to address this concern.

20 Reports
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Ticking Type Noise Due to Cracked Exhaust Manifold

Verified for the Jeep Grand Cherokee

A ticking type noise may be noted from the engine area due to an exhaust manifold that has cracked where the pipes are welded; cracked manifolds should be replaced.

11 Reports
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Engine oil leaks at distributor may be misdiagnosed

Verified for the Jeep Grand Cherokee

Engine oil leaks at the distributor can be misdiagnosed as leaks from the intake manifold seal, oil pan gasket, or rear crankshaft (rear main) seal. A revised distributor is available if oil is found inside the distributor.

2 Reports
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Various Engine Oil Leaks

Verified for the Jeep Grand Cherokee

External oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets, intake manifold gaskets (front or rear), and the rear crankshaft seal area are common. The rear main seal is an unlikely source. Normally, leaks in this area are from the bearing cap mating surfaces as well as the sealing surface between the oil pan and bearing cap.

8 Reports
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Increased Oil Consumption Due to Intake Manifold Gasket Leak

Verified for the Jeep Grand Cherokee

On 3.9L V6 and 5.9L V8 engines, the intake manifold gasket may leak and cause increased oil consumption and a spark knock during acceleration; the gasket should be replaced.

8 Reports
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Seat Heater Inoperative Due to Damaged Element

Verified for the Jeep Grand Cherokee

A broken seat heater element located in the seat cover may make the seat heater inoperative. The condition usually occurs in the seat bottom; two repair kits are needed for each seat.

6 Reports
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Front and Rear Differential Pinion Seal and Transfer Case Leaks

Verified for the Jeep Grand Cherokee

Leaks at the front and/or rear differential pinion seal and from the transfer case are common. Leakage from the transfer case normally occurs at the case-mating surfaces and require removal of the transfer case to reseal.

39 Reports
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Loose/Worn Suspension/Steering Components May Cause Wobble in Steering Wheel

Verified for the Jeep Grand Cherokee

Loose or worn suspension and steering components can cause a wobble or shaking in the steering wheel. It may happen at a certain speed and subside as the vehicle accelerates through the range. Tire balance can contribute to this as well.

24 Reports
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Brake Pulsations Due to Warped Front Brake Rotors

Verified for the Jeep Grand Cherokee

Due to warped front brake rotors or variations in the thickness of the rotors, brake pulsations may develop. The best method to reduce pulsations is to use an "On the Car" brake lathe (as long as the rotors are suitable for turning). "On the Car" equipment can correct variations (or "runout") in the rotor surfaces because it also corrects variations in other components (e.g. the hub).

53 Reports
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Chirp Type Noise From the Serpentine Belt

Verified for the Jeep Grand Cherokee

A chirp type noise may be noted from the serpentine belt when the steering wheel is at full lock with the engine idling. Our technicians tell us a revised serpentine belt tensioner is available to correct this concern.

2 Reports
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AC stopped working; won't shift into gear on it's own, and won't go into overdrive

Reported by kwhelan15 for the Jeep Grand Cherokee

I have a '98 JGC Laredo (4.0 liter, inline-6, 4x4) and it will not shift into gear on it's own. Also it won't go into overdrive. I have repalced the PCM and the shifting silinoid. Any suggestions? Also, the AC compressor just stopped kicking on. what's wrong with it?

1 Report
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Carbon buildup at top of piston may cause noise

Verified for the Jeep Grand Cherokee

One the 3.9L V6 and 5.9L V8 the carbon buildup on the top of the piston is common. As the buildup increases with mileage and over time, symptoms may vary from light ticking, to ticking/hammering, to hammering/knocking noises. Fuel injector cleaner often solves the problem.

7 Reports
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