I bought a 2001 Cherokee last week. I test drove it on a cold morning, and after scraping the snow off of it, the engine fired up instantly. I drove it to a Jeep mechanic, and they told me it was good to go, so I paid the guy cash.

I put a few hundred miles on it in the past week, including two trips up to the mountains and back.

Yesterday, I started it and had only driven a couple of blocks when the check engine light came on.

What are the chances that the vehicle had a major engine problem that the seller had been able to mask when I bought it? Or is it likely something that failed in the 300 miles and one week since I bought it?

Obviously, I will get it diagnosed properly next week, but I am just wondering what I might be up against.

 

Do you live in an area that is cold cause sometimes sensors will freeze up and wont send there signal so it could be very simple to fix.

 

Hi, go to auto zone and they can help you in the right direction with the light. I know if you disconnect the battery the light may go off for a while but don't know how long...Tj

 

Chances are it's a O2 sensor. Most likely he had the light on and reset the code, and you driving it finely set off the code..

 

I'd say you most likely did not get screwed. You picked up an XJ of the newest year you possibly could. Stuff happens, man. Cars break and most often when the weather turns cold. Beings that you did get a check engine light, it is most likely one of your sensors. If you swao them out yourself, it's less than $100 fix with most of them. If you picked this XJ up for a good price, it's worth having to make a few simple repairs. I gurantee that when you get your new XJ dialed in, you will get years of dependable on road service and off road fun out of it. I LOVE MINE

 

yep ya got screwed, you paid wayyyyyy too much, oh wait theres no price. well if you paid 50 grand then yes you got screwed

 

Like the other guys said, probably a sensor or something minor. The CEL comes on for all sorts of reasons but i would say its not a major engine problem. If your other gauges are reading normal, and you dont have a problem such as severe hesitation, loss of power, or any odd engine sounds, (knocking) id say you are fine. Check your oil and fluids, diagnose the problem, and ride, ride away.

 

its either an o2 or evap or a sensor, oil change spark plugs .... If it has it they could have pulled the battery cable. was a reputable dealer take it back

 

x2 go to auto zone

 

I paid $5,000 for a 2001 Cherokee Limited with 3.5" Rubicon Express lift, 4.56 gears, and 32" tires.

 

THEN THERE IS IN NO WAY SHAPE OR FORM ANYONE GETTING SCREWED THERE, YOU DID FRICKEN AWESOME, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ARE WARNINGS NOT FAILURES EVERYTIME, HECK IT COULD BE A LOOSE GASCAP. i think you did fine, go get her checked for free at autozone and get what you need and have a great time in her. shouldnt be anything big at all

 

X2 good by on the jeep bro. My check engine light cam on right after I signed the paper saying I'm buying "as is" no joke. Don't feel bad. If it starts up fine and purrs with out any obvious noises and is not jerking or jumping you should be alright. something minor. probably a P0455. ##(@(@(( stupid evap..... LOL... and Don't feel bad. I was on my way home and the guy in front of me like popped his clutch or something and I barely bumped him. no damage at all. Only a little paint chip from my bumper was on his bumper. I almost poo pooped my pants though. It was a lambo Murcielago!!!! No joke. My wife was so mad at me. the guy was super cool. we talked for a while and If I promised to take him wheeling some time he would take me for a ride in his lambo. All in all it worked out. the moral of the story... If you see a lambo. stay the *&^k away. 20 ft min!!!!

 

what RPM does that thing do on the highway at 70MPH with the 32's and 4.56 gears.?

 

If you disconnect the battery the light will go off, but you will be prolonging the problem until it comes back on. That is there so you know there is a problem, and if left untreated could cause other issues later, possibly severe. Most parts stores will check the trouble code for free. It could be as simple as a $40-$50 sensor or the PO could have been disconneccting the battery himself and left you with a laundry list of crap to repair.

 

Wow this is an old thread to bring back up.