Grand Cherokee Ask the Question Thread
#616
Seasoned Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Schenevus, New York
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Year: 2000
Model: Grand Cherokee(WJ)
Engine: 4.0/4.7
Use a multimeter and check the actual battery voltage on the posts, not the cables. If it truly is only 9 volts, that's not enough for the PCM to function. You may have losses in the battery cables from corrosion inside the insulation or bad contact at the terminals, especially on the smaller red wire that goes to the fuse/relay box.
The PCM has a voltage controller that changes the 12 volts to 5 volts for the logic. A 25% decrease in input voltage will result in a 25% reduction of the logic voltage, not enough for proper function.
The PCM has a voltage controller that changes the 12 volts to 5 volts for the logic. A 25% decrease in input voltage will result in a 25% reduction of the logic voltage, not enough for proper function.
In hopes its not the pcm malfunctioning but idk what could have caused that in three days of it sitting ....
#617
I had that happen on my first grand cherokee and that was a easy enough fix, did have to cut one of the bolts and get a new one. Lining the axle up after if need be can likely be done with a jack on the subframe. I just helped someone do all four on a lifted grand and that's how we lined them up with the tires on the ground
Once I was able to finally get the bolts off, (PB Blaster, torch, breaker bar) the replacement control arm wouldn't fit. After some head scratching, I realized the upper contorl arm was also bent, making the distance between the connection points too close together to fit the replacement lower control arm in.
I ended up taking it to a local repair shop. I have written off many of the repair shops in my area over bad experiences. I tried a new place and to my surprise the mechanic was knowledgable and helpful. He put the truck on the rack, confirmed my diagnosis, and pointed out a coulple other issues on the other side. I ended up with 2 new lower control arms and one new upper. He did a alignment after as well. Truck drives better than it ever did. $280 for the repairs (I provided one lower control arm) and $90 for the alignment with a 1 year guarantee.
Sucks I had to spend $370 but it is a sweet 94 Grand Cherokee Limited and it was a little beyond my skill level.
Thanks again to all who took the time to respond to my post.
#618
Seasoned Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Schenevus, New York
Posts: 449
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Year: 2000
Model: Grand Cherokee(WJ)
Engine: 4.0/4.7
You're very welcome and it does suck that you had to dish out the money, but at least it's up and going again and handles alot better now. I had one totally fall apart while driving down the road...hit a bump and it collapsed, at 60mph.. Not fun but I got the jeep under control and pulled over...was able to limp it home and repair it. Good suspension makes for a far better ride lol
#619
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
So I have 2 nearly identical '96 ZJ V8s. One has A/C(not working) and the other does not have any of the AC system. How hard would it be to swap the components from one to the other, and what should I just buy new if it's possible?
#621
No, I don't lick fish.
IIRC, 96 was the year they updated the front end. So you'd have a gaping hole underneath your grille. If you went that route, might wanna grab the header panel, grille AND bumper cover... then you'd have an updated entire front end.
#622
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Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Midwest
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Year: 1990
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0
Thanks! Just the info I needed and couldn't seem to find on my own.
#623
No, I don't lick fish.
Glad to help....
and yes, just as I thought...
1993-1995:
1996-1998:
See how the grille is a little bit taller and swoops down into the bumper like that? I prefer the 96-98 style myself. Shouldn't be too hard of a swap. Just have to make sure you get all the pieces. Definitely easier than swapping the 97+ front clip onto the 96- XJ
and yes, just as I thought...
1993-1995:
1996-1998:
See how the grille is a little bit taller and swoops down into the bumper like that? I prefer the 96-98 style myself. Shouldn't be too hard of a swap. Just have to make sure you get all the pieces. Definitely easier than swapping the 97+ front clip onto the 96- XJ
#624
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Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Midwest
Posts: 4
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Year: 1990
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0
Glad to help....
and yes, just as I thought...
1993-1995:
1996-1998:
See how the grille is a little bit taller and swoops down into the bumper like that? I prefer the 96-98 style myself. Shouldn't be too hard of a swap. Just have to make sure you get all the pieces. Definitely easier than swapping the 97+ front clip onto the 96- XJ
and yes, just as I thought...
1993-1995:
1996-1998:
See how the grille is a little bit taller and swoops down into the bumper like that? I prefer the 96-98 style myself. Shouldn't be too hard of a swap. Just have to make sure you get all the pieces. Definitely easier than swapping the 97+ front clip onto the 96- XJ
#625
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
So now that we can talk about emissions, here's my story. So I have a cheap ZJ that I'm fixing up and using as my DD as I plan to tear into the XJ. As I got it from the PO the cat was empty and just recently from there back rusted through and fell off. The O2 sensor bung is no longer there and I'm patching it up so I don't wake the neighbors @ 6am. Is there a temporary way to get the ECU to ignore the downstream sensor so the CEL doesn't stay on? I'd like to have that as an indicator that something else is wrong. If I keep this vehicle I'll probably buy a replacement CAT and weld in the bung for the DS O2. Thanks!
#626
2002 JGCL random nightly headlamps flash on/off...engine off
Three weeks ago I saw my headlights flash on/off late at night when the car was parked. It has happened randomly since. Five days ago I went to start the car but the battery was dead.
#627
Newbie
Front drive shaft was removed for gas Mileage
A previous owner removed the front drive shaft so that my 95 Grand Cherokee is basically a 2wd. I believe this was done to improve the gas mileage since it was not taken off-road. Is this OK? Is there a negative effect on the transmission because it can not sense the front wheels. It drives great.
Thanks
Thanks
#628
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
A previous owner removed the front drive shaft so that my 95 Grand Cherokee is basically a 2wd. I believe this was done to improve the gas mileage since it was not taken off-road. Is this OK? Is there a negative effect on the transmission because it can not sense the front wheels. It drives great.
Thanks
Thanks
Edit: also if you put it in park it may not be parked in the same location when you get back.
Last edited by rcguymike; 08-15-2017 at 07:51 AM.
#629
Newbie
Thanks, How much will a Vc set me back if I reinstall the front drive shaft?
OMG never mind, looks like a 242 swap in my future.
OMG never mind, looks like a 242 swap in my future.
Last edited by Prince95; 08-15-2017 at 01:59 PM.
#630
Old fart with a wrench
It's entirely possible the drive shaft was removed because to VC is shot. With my WJ, I don't notice any difference in fuel mileage between 4wd or 2wd anyhow because I'm still turning all the gears in the front axle in either mode. I have the 242 and love it. I went shopping for a 4.0 with the 242 and found this cream puff!