I am writing this in hopes I can anticipate a few problems. I have a very nice 96 Cherokee with 133,000 miles and I have run across 2 problems that seem to be constant across Cherokees. At 120,000 I had the fuel pump "begin" to fail in 114 degree heat outside of Phonix. This weekend I have discovered neutral safety switch failure. I am wondering if there are any other "problems" that are to be expected and so not end up sitting beside the road wondering what is happening. Any help would be very appreciated.

 

I have been warned about a bad CPS when I first bought my 96. I guess it is a time thing not so much Mileage. Just a thought

 

Heater cores like to clog up, and nobody notices it until winter time. Easy/quick fix, but be prepared for it.

I'm not sure if it's super common, but it's happened on all 3 jeeps I've owned; the 4x4 linkage will need adjusting every now and then, especially after suspension modifications. Every Jeep I've owned has had a problem engaging 4low until a simple adjustment was made.

 

If you run big tires on stock axle hub assemblies, if you ever drain the coolant you might get an air bubble, if your radiator is caked in mud it can't cool, don't use platinum spark plugs. Other wise regular oil changes and maintenance including bushings and you will enjoy years of wheeling. Oh if you go in water often get a snorkel and expect to fry a TPS every now and agean.

 

Hahha, yep. My heater runs ROUGH. Need to replace the blower motor as well as the resistor.

 

lol i just fried mine when i sucked water into the engine aswell as got water in my oil

 

IMHO, the "crankshaft position sensor" is the most common sensor fail on the Jeep 4.0

Sometimes they start by failing intermittently (thermal fail/ heat related fail) is common and you can get your engine started and get home again.

Other times they fail catastrophically and replacement is the only option.

Always keep up with fresh tuneup hardware (champion plugs, wires, cap, rotor) and be sure your cooling system is maintained. Fresh conventional (green) coolant, new 195 degree thermostat, don't forget about your hoses!

Fresh fluids all the way around are always a good investment on longevity. They are the lifeblood of your vehicle. That includes oil of course, transmission fluid, differentials, transfer case and coolant.

 

Why not use Platinum plugs in the XJs? What are some good high end plugs we can run? Sorry for the hi-jack

 

There is absolutly nothing special about the XJ, in regards to your question. You have a 15 year old 4x4 SUV built to fill the low price (Poor people) niche of the market. Assume that while it may be well cared for cosmetically, regular maintenance was not a priority. With this in mind you need to get aggressive on catching up on the maintenance. CPS and NSS failures are common, fuel pumps don't last forever. The NSS switch might just need cleaning and adjusting, 1 hour of time, a wrench or 2 and some solvent, saves $150 or more. Bearings, bushings, U-joints, belts, fluids, steering joints are often neglected, methodically upgrading and changing these goes a long way to preventing failures, and tow bills.

 

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like the CPS is one I should be well aware of and the heater/coolant also. I'll monitor this thread to see if any other thoughts pop into anyone's mind.

 

Hello again,
I have been considering buying a CPS and NSS to carry in my 96 Cherokee (135 K milage). I have been to the Jeep Dealer for pricing and NSS particularly seems pricey (circa $350) and the CPS (circa $150) still higher than found online. What I am curious about is if there is a trade off in price versus quality. Is there an advantage in buying from Jeep, where these parts for older cars are getting harder to find versus buying online. If online is equivalent what online site is best? Thanks in advance

 

I have had mixed (poor) luck with aftermarket crank sensors. Because of that, I recommend buying this sensor directly from Jeep.

I have not personally used one of these, but have heard good reports of the NSS from Team Cherokee. Quite a bit cheaper than dealer. Check their website for availbility.

 

If possible, use Bosch replacement's, that is the best quality you can get other than OEM and you pay about half the cost. If you look under the hood of most top end vehicles, they use Bosch sensors from the factory.

 

My CPS just went out on Monday. The g/f and I were goin to look for a new apartment. Got in "The Nasty" it would not start. A lil research and a phone call later... CPS is bad. Down side is it costs 72.00

 

nothing to anticipate. The engine will run forever. Everything attached to it will eventualy go bad. With all the sensors and such that I have replaced (not a single item has cost me over $120) and it has never left me stranded. I love this car and you will too.