Sep 16, 2015, 06:18 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:
Browse all: Specifications & General Maintenance
- Jeep Cherokee 1984-2001: Common Problems
Important information to help you understand your Jeep Cherokee
Browse all: Specifications & General Maintenance
Any known common ZJ problems?
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 0
From: Williston, North Dakota
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
From my experience the most common issues I see:
Rear hatches don't like to open
Rear wiper doesn't work
Viscous Coupler goes bad in the AWD(V8) models
The alarm system is a crazy POS
The auto dimming rear view mirror sucks
Thats just about it. I've a 96 with the V8 and tow package, it's got 250k on it and still driving fine, my dad just drove it 1800 miles out to Wyoming. 4 years ago he towed my XJ here from Wyoming the full 1800 miles, no problem with the ZJ at all....but the front driveshaft came loose on my XJ and screwed some stuff up pretty bad lol.
No, they made ZJs with 2wd, 4wd, and AWD. The main difference between AWD and 4wd is that the 4wd system is selectable, you are in 2wd until you switch the selector lever to 4wd. In AWD though its automatic IE the rear axle slips, it sends more power to the front. Being in the south you may even find quite a few 2wd ZJs.
Rear hatches don't like to open
Rear wiper doesn't work
Viscous Coupler goes bad in the AWD(V8) models
The alarm system is a crazy POS
The auto dimming rear view mirror sucks
Thats just about it. I've a 96 with the V8 and tow package, it's got 250k on it and still driving fine, my dad just drove it 1800 miles out to Wyoming. 4 years ago he towed my XJ here from Wyoming the full 1800 miles, no problem with the ZJ at all....but the front driveshaft came loose on my XJ and screwed some stuff up pretty bad lol.
No, they made ZJs with 2wd, 4wd, and AWD. The main difference between AWD and 4wd is that the 4wd system is selectable, you are in 2wd until you switch the selector lever to 4wd. In AWD though its automatic IE the rear axle slips, it sends more power to the front. Being in the south you may even find quite a few 2wd ZJs.
Last edited by Dan91; Oct 15, 2011 at 10:47 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
Model: Cherokee
From my experience the most common issues I see:
Rear hatches don't like to open
Rear wiper doesn't work
Viscous Coupler goes bad in the AWD(V8) models
The alarm system is a crazy POS
The auto dimming rear view mirror sucks
Thats just about it. I've a 96 with the V8 and tow package, it's got 250k on it and still driving fine, my dad just drove it 1800 miles out to Wyoming. 4 years ago he towed my XJ here from Wyoming the full 1800 miles, no problem with the ZJ at all....but the front driveshaft came loose on my XJ and screwed some stuff up pretty bad lol.
No, they made ZJs with 2wd, 4wd, and AWD. The main difference between AWD and 4wd is that the 4wd system is selectable, you are in 2wd until you switch the selector lever to 4wd. In AWD though its automatic IE the rear axle slips, it sends more power to the front. Being in the south you may even find quite a few 2wd ZJs.
Rear hatches don't like to open
Rear wiper doesn't work
Viscous Coupler goes bad in the AWD(V8) models
The alarm system is a crazy POS
The auto dimming rear view mirror sucks
Thats just about it. I've a 96 with the V8 and tow package, it's got 250k on it and still driving fine, my dad just drove it 1800 miles out to Wyoming. 4 years ago he towed my XJ here from Wyoming the full 1800 miles, no problem with the ZJ at all....but the front driveshaft came loose on my XJ and screwed some stuff up pretty bad lol.
No, they made ZJs with 2wd, 4wd, and AWD. The main difference between AWD and 4wd is that the 4wd system is selectable, you are in 2wd until you switch the selector lever to 4wd. In AWD though its automatic IE the rear axle slips, it sends more power to the front. Being in the south you may even find quite a few 2wd ZJs.
Thanks Dan.
Its like walking in a 7-11 and trying to pick out beer.
Don't know if you like a new brand until you had it........
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 451
Likes: 0
From: Outside of RTP NC
Year: 1993
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: V8
Keep in mind, of all the things mentioned you are only GOING to have issues with a couple of them.
The alarm system will crap out, its an easy 1 wire work around
The coupler in the trans case will lock up, keep driving it
Other than those 2 issues, you may have problems with everything else noted.
Ron
The alarm system will crap out, its an easy 1 wire work around
The coupler in the trans case will lock up, keep driving it
Other than those 2 issues, you may have problems with everything else noted.
Ron
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Psiegrist1
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
34
Mar 17, 2022 02:15 PM
stimp774
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
20
Apr 16, 2017 03:46 PM
Jeepy11
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
2
Sep 3, 2015 09:32 AM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)