leezer5@yahoo.com

Hi just had my oil changed and everything checked out before driving from WI to IL. Noticed oil on the plastic piece under the radiator. Smells like motor oil and is clean. Not sure where it's from and why it's there. Oh If ya can't tell I'm a female.

dave1123

Welcome to CF!

I'm betting you have the 4.7 V8, right? Those use a hydraulic motor to drive the cooling fan. Why? Ask Chrysler! It's driven by the power steering pump and do tend to be a problem with leaks. They are expensive to repair, so much so the some people replace them with the electric fan from the 4.0 I6.

You can either take some power steering fluid with you for the trip or get it fixed before. Your choice.

It's not a simple matter to change to an electric fan and the dealer won't do it, so check with local shops or friends about it. The trick is fooling the computer into thinking there's nothing wrong with the system not having it and installing a temperature control on the electric one.

leezer5@yahoo.com

She is a v6, 4x4 Laredo. I checked all her fluids and none are low. Temp stayed in the normal range on the drive down here. Will take some fluid with me and have her checked when I get back. Thanks Bunches!

dave1123

I'm sorry to tell you it's either a 4.0 straight 6 or a 4.7 V8. These are the only 2 engines available in the 99 Grand Cherokee.

There is only one other place it can be coming from. It could be transmission fluid from the cooler. That's red in color. Try wiping it with a Kleenex to see the color. OR the mechanic spilled some oil.