Hey all, scored a Nice stripper model Cherokee from Nevada County from a person only 2 miles away from me!

Runs and drives well, just needs TLC!



Now the issues, P0700, P0740, P0705

Obviously it needs the NSS cleaned, and a fluid change asap. But it does seem to run and shift just fine.

The other issue is that when you put it in reverse, it has a pretty serious misfire, it happens in any gear really, but was most noticable in R....

Thoughts? Not new to working on vehicles, just not so familiar with Jeeps!

Thanks in advance!

Maybe new spark plugs

Too simple, problem only presented itself under certain conditions, namely that she would run perfectly and then the moment you go into reverse it would start missing again, did an injector drop test, 4 5 & 6 had no effect on engine running, turns out the injector wiring harness was chafing badly on the fuel rail, causing little bits of smoke and three dead injectors, repositioned the wiring harness and will repair individual wires

First off, congrats, and welcome to the sickness.

Stripper model. LOL...did it come with a pole in the rear cargo area? I kid, I kid...

So, you are on point with the NSS cleaning, do that first, clear your codes, and see what sticks. Also on point with the fluid changes, a must for any new to you vehicle...I would suggest a tune up as well, low cost, and well worth the effort. As far as the misfire goes, do your fluid changes and tune up first, then see what it does. Is it a random misfire or a hard misfire? Any codes for this?

Random misfires are a bit harder to diagnose, but if you know how to work on cars, you already know this...LOL...Random misfires can be due to a lot of different issues, check out all your vacuum lines, make sure your exhaust mani doesn't have cracks, blah blah blah....I would start with a thorough inspection of everything, replace normal wear items, fluids, etc...

Keep us posted on your progress!

Oh, one last thing...what year is it??!!?? LOL

Thanks for the welcome!

D'oh! Its a 98!

I already planned on a tune up as well, theres paint marker on the core support, "new plugs, 10/11 171K" That was 29000 miles ago........ Its "policy" for me to tune up and replace many things before it becomes a "trusted vehicle"

I dont have my scanner on me right now, the codes were on a printout from Jiffy lube, but the CEL is still on. The misfire was cured, harness was chaffing on the fuel rail, cut wires. She seems quite happy now. =)

Welcome to the forum nice find!


One nice thing about government owned cars like that is the kept up with things but like you I would go through everything with a complete radiator, engine/heater core clean & flush with new hoses, thermostat.


I san in you title it was a 98 that's good I guess it has the Chy 8.25 and not the D35? If the 8.25 it has the 29 spline axles very strong, if it has ABS most likely it has the D35 not so good.


From the looks of it you have a good platform to work off of if not rusted underneath.


Good luck and check back often with your progress.

Yes it has the 8.25 inch axle and no ABS, the last one my family had also had a limited slip differential, hoping this one has the same haven't had time to check thanks for the welcome!

Nice Jeep! The stripped-down XJ's are always nicer because you don't have to worry about any of the power accessories (power windows and power door locks) going up, as they're manual or crank. Gov-owned vehicles are always nice as well because they're typically lower-mileage and are well-kept, maintenance done on-time, inspections done frequently, and clean inside.

The County Government here had a bunch of XJ 4X4's they used for inspector's vehicles (they'd go around to different sites and inspect them to make sure they're up-to-code). They have a bunch of 3.7L KJ Liberty Sport 4X4's (2002-2004 era) now, and have recently been purchasing MK Patriot Sports to replace the Cherokees and Liberties. I haven't seen any for sale at auction, though, as they must be keeping them longer. I've never seen a Grand Cherokee used as a County or State vehicle, unfortunately. Must be too expensive for them to purchase, even in bulk, LOL.

I have seen ZJ postal jeeps

There aren't a ton of Jeeps being used on postal routes around here, only those box trucks that are supposedly Ford Ranger-based.

I think they were s-10 based?

Figured out it has the LSD, and that the po had two different sized tires on the rear, no wonder I thought I heard something boiling. ...