tazunemono

So my cat is rattling at 166k, and I did a little research online. Turns out there was a recall issued in 2006 for this model year (1996).

August 2006 Dealer Service Instructions for:
Emissions Recall E22 Reprogram PCM and Inspect Catalytic Converter

I called my dealer, and they verified the PCM flash work had not been done. However, they said due to the age of the vehicle they would not warranty the cat. They said if ANY exhaust work had been done it is not covered. Due to the age of the vehicle, they said the exhaust was likely modified. I said I didn't think it had, and they reiterated they would not cover it. Dealer price to repair cat is over $500.

I know the recall is old, but I've seen other posts by people who had theirs covered, as recently as May 2014 ... how do I tell if my exhaust system is "original"?

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/dea...issues-193220/

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/unp...-valid-175354/

rgr4475

I'm pretty sure a recall does not expire but curious to see how this plays out.

Rockfrog

Call a different dealership, up here I travel to another town to deal with Chrysler. Our local dealership is a complete crook and does as little as possible. 45 minute drive away and they step over themselves to help you.

tazunemono

Thank you! I did just that, called another dealership 45 min. away who told me to come in for a free inspection. I left work early and drove over there. They are going to honor the recall! The cat is ordered and I have a service appointment next Wed. In this case, "free" really means "free!"

The other stealership was located in the "nice part of town" and I think this is why they would rather try to upsell me to a '14 Cherokee than fix my old one The service tech told me that that stealership prefers to work with clients with more money than sense (the $50k Wrangler crowd). Not that there's anything wrong with that, it's just not my thing

So yes, the right dealer will still fix it!

Firestorm500

New 4 X 4 Cherokees can be bought for $21,500 in my area.

mr white

I was going to suggest just buying a highflow cat from Mudfrog in the vendor forum for $50 and replacing the whole exhaust. But free is good.

tazunemono

The sticker on the one I looked at today was $32,000 ... 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk w/lots of options. It was a smaller vehicle than I expected! The one thing that I really liked were the easy to access stock recovery points. It didn't handle like a "modern" SUV, seemed a little more capable. I still wouldn't drop that much coin on a IFS Jeep.

Firestorm500

I would imagine the one in my area for that buying price is a base model 4 X 4.

The size of the new Cherokee is right there with its intended competition.

Many potential buyers for a CUV in this class would consider it just right, even roomier than some, I believe.

Whammy

Glad to hear.

Basshark7

Dealership charged $800 to insurance when my cat got cut off in work parking lot 6 years ago. The individual cut it just after the bend upwards to clear the cross member to the front. Dealership put on a new cat and connected it with exhaust pipe adapters and clamps. The front adapter rusted through last weekend and dropped the front of my cat on the pavement at 70mph The u-bolt saved the cat but I had a devil of a time getting the u-bolt off. So just inspect the work and make sure it was done properly.

dmill89

^This, if the dealer will replace it for free definitely take them up on the offer. If not there are plenty of good aftermarket options (both "high-flow" universal and "direct-fit" OE equivalent replacements) for less than $100, no reason to pay $500+ for a Mopar one at the dealer.