I recently bought a 1993 Cherokee to fix up and have some fun with. I knew it had some problems, didn't mind, engine and most other areas looked good. It ran, 4X4 worked. It had a shake at 45 MPH so I had it towed to a shop I trust. They told me it has a misfire somewhere, we will know exactly tomorrow (they got to it kind of late in the workday). I realize this covers a wide range of issues, but what I was wondering was what is the most common cause? Most common repair shop cost (including labor) for whatever the different causes are? Like I said, we knew it had issues and we had some money set aside to fix it. I am just worried it will be too much... It has 203k miles and the "high output" 4.0.

 

I had a 91 xj that had horrible problems with misfires. I pulled the codes and it was just a map sensor. You 100% absolutely positively have to get an oem replacement from the dealership or Napa, at least my local Napa, had an oem map for $60.

If you just need a map sensor it will cost the price of the New sensor and 5 minutes to swap it out.

 

Well, I have around $900 to pay for repairs. I don't have the tool or ability (currently) to fix anything myself, that is why I need to pay a shop to do all the repairs. I am just worried about cost... Is there a ballpark estimate for what a shop would charge, what I can expect, for whatever the different issues could be? Also, the Jeep isn't smoking at all.

 

What do you mean by shaking? Like the jeep will not go past 45 mph or the engine was choking and guesting at 45 mph...?

 

Like... really strong vibrations, borderline going over a washboard. Starts at 45 end at 50 - 55ish. I thought it was the death wobble thing, my mechanic said it was a misfire. Just to rehash - 203k miles, 4.0, no smoke of any kind... Oh and yes, it will go past 45.

 

a misfire usually doesn't happen at a certain mph then go away.. it would happen at a certain rpm usually or load...

if it has to do with speed... it could be bad tires or out of balance ,a bent rim... u-joints... suspension parts etc...
but when i first get a jeep it is good to get a good tune and change all the fluids...

 

Sounds like death wobble or axle u joints...

 

If your gonna it off road then get tools, a Haynes/chilton, and get familiar with it inside and out and you will save thousands in repair shop and towing bills. I take mine to a river with 4 other xjs and literally every time something breaks on one or more of the jeeps, but luckily two of the guys are mechanics and we NEVER tow anything home.
I know it's not what your post is about but that's my advice for ya

 

I just don't understand why the mechanic would say it is a misfire. I mean yeah, seems more like a death wobble to me... I read somewhere of people having a misfire that caused a problem just like this though.

You should be happy to know, I am going to school to be a mechanic. Just in the super early phases of that!