Hi there


I have just bought a Jeep Cherokee but have never owned Jeeps before so am very inexperienced! I live in the UK and my model is a 1997 model 2.5 Litre turbo diesel model and of course right hand drive.

Probably like USA models my owner's manual states that the 4 High position is only for off road or at least snow, loose surfaces etc and must not be used on normal hard road conditions. I have tried to use it in 4 High mode and the part time warning light came on which I believe is correct. I found the ride a little lumpy on tarmac and wanted to know if this is normal . By the way I was just trying this out once!

A friend of mine several years ago had the 4 litre petrol model but was manufactured in 1994. He was told buy the Jeep salesman to use it in 4 high position on normal road use. His Jeep did not show signs of hesitancy when this was done.

Does anyone know why this is ? Are they supposed to have a rough ride if used incorrectly in 4 high mode when on a hard road surface?

The other thing I noticed was that also in 4 high mode on a hard surfaced car park was that when the steering was put onto a full lock at slow turning speed the car juddered. Could I have a problem with my front axle etc?

Thanks

 

Part Time T Case should not be used like a full time.

http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/def_turnpart.html

Read up

 

Sounds normal. The 4wd on these will cause the front end to buck and bounce pretty good if used on dry pavement. It is very hard on parts. On gravel, snow or even wet pavement, I don't have any issues with mine. 4wd on dry pavement will reduce transfer case longevity.

 

Hi Hoatson

Another UK guy on here!!

From what I have been told don't engage 4 PT or 4H unless it is Muddy, VERY Wet, Snow or Icy.
4 LO is only for very low speed stuck in mud situations according to the Jeep dealer.

Where abouts in the UK are you?

Stuart

 

Unlike an all wheel drive car, the Jeep is a 4 x 4 vehicle, and if your Cherokee doesn't have a Full Time transfercase in it to allow differentiation between the front and rear axle it will bind from the excessive torque built up in the transfer case. Don't drive it in 4 high or 4 low mode on pavement!! You can end up busting an axle or breaking your transfercase. That is why the owners manual states not to use 4 high on hard road surfaces.
Your friend had a Cherokee with the 242 transfercase which has a full time 4 wheel drive position.
The full time case has 2H Full Time 4H N 4L positions on the T case selector.
The part time case has 2H------ 4H N 4L positions on the T case selector. No full time.