Jeep Grand cherokee 4x4 problems
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a range of mid-size SUVs produced by the American manufacturer Jeep. At its introduction, while most SUVs were still manufactured with body-on-frame construction, the Grand Cherokee has used a unibody chassis from the start.
Development
The Grand Cherokee's origins date back to 1983 when American Motors Corporation (AMC) was designing a successor to the Jeep Cherokee. Three outside (non-AMC) designers—Larry Shinoda, Alain Clenet, and Giorgetto Giugiaro—were also under contract with AMC to create and build a clay model of the Cherokee XJ replacement, then known as the "XJC" project. However, the basic design for the Cherokee's replacement was well under way by AMC's in-house designers and the 1989 Jeep Concept 1 show car foretold the basic design.
As AMC began the development of the next Jeep in 1985, management created a business process that is now known as product lifecycle management (PLM). According to François Castaing, Vice President for Product Engineering and Development, the smallest U.S. automaker was looking for a way to speed up its product development process to compete better against its larger competitors. The XJC's development was aided by computer-aided design (CAD) software systems making the engineers more productive. Meanwhile, new communication systems allowed potential conflicts to be resolved faster, thus reducing costly engineering changes, because all drawings and documents were in a central database. The system was so effective that after Chrysler purchased AMC in 1987, it expanded the system throughout its enterprise, thus connecting everyone involved in designing and building products.
The Grand Cherokee thus became the first Chrysler-badged Jeep product. Development work for the new Jeep model continued and Chrysler's employees (after the 1987 buyout of AMC) were eager for a late-1980s release date; however, CEO Lee Iacocca was pushing for redesigned Chrysler minivans, thus delaying the Grand Cherokee's release until late 1992 as an Explorer competitor. Unlike the Explorer, the Grand Cherokee utilized monocoque (unibody) construction, whereas the Explorer was a derivative of the Ranger pickup with a separate body-on-frame. A Dodge-branded version was designed as a precaution should Jeep dealers struggle to handle so many Grand Cherokee units.
The Grand Cherokee debuted in grand fashion at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The vehicle that was driven was a Poppy Red Clear Coat 1993 Grand Cherokee ZJ Laredo with a quartz cloth interior and high-back bucket seats. Then Chrysler president Robert Lutz drove Detroit mayor, Coleman Young, from the Jefferson North Assembly Plant on North Jefferson Avenue via a police escort to Cobo Hall, up the steps of Cobo Hall and through a plate glass window to show off the new vehicle. Sales of the 1993 model year Grand Cherokee began in April 1992.
Production of the Grand Cherokee started shortly afterward in the purpose-built Jefferson North Assembly in Detroit, Michigan. European Grand Cherokees are manufactured in Austria by Magna Steyr. The Grand Cherokee "played a significant part in reviving Chrysler's fortunes by moving it into the then-nascent market for high-margin sports utility vehicles."
Upon its introduction, it was the first full-scale manufacture of an automobile in the US using HFC-134a refrigerant in place of HCFC-12 for the HVAC system.
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Jeep Grand cherokee 4x4 model years
Common Jeep Grand cherokee 4x4 problems
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular midsize SUV known for its ruggedness and versatility. However, like any car, it has its share of problems. Here are some of the most common Jeep Grand Cherokee problems reported by hundreds of real owners:
- Temperature Blend and Recirculation Doors Failing: This issue can cause the air conditioning modules not to change or the temperature to be different on one side. For instance, the air would blow cold on the passenger side but hot on the driver’s side. This problem has been reported in 21% of Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, with an average mileage of 104,958. Replacing the air bend doors, recirculation doors, door links, or sub-assembly housing can help remedy the issue.
- Engine Won't Turn Over: If the engine will not crank or start, the electronic lockup of the wireless control module (WCM) or Sentry Key Remote Entry Module (SKREEM) could be the problem. Replacing the WCM can address the issue. This problem was first presented in a 1995 Grand Cherokee.
- Transmission Problems: Owners report the transmission shuddering and "bumping" when coming to a stop and general hard shifting. If your Grand Cherokee starts to have these symptoms, expect to write a big check. In 2018, Chrysler released software changes to address the transmission problems, so many of these reports could be from owners who were lacking these crucial updates.
- Power Window Motor Failing: Replacing the window regulator can cost between $350 and $493, but replacing the motor can cost between $331 and $462.
The early models (2011-2014) have leather that likes to delaminate and bubble. Misfire codes in those same early V6 models are also somewhat common. Notice I said codes and not misfires, as the reading is usually a sign the car will need new cylinder heads.
The "Quadra-Lift" suspension will allow the user to raise and lower the car at their whim, which is great for a vehicle that's supposed to lead its class in off-road abilities. While it's neat technology and popular with owners, it can get expensive if it breaks. Owners don't report many problems with it, but it's worth checking out during a test drive or inspection.
The 2014-2017 V6 Grand Cherokee has a finicky 8-speed transmission and the 2013-2017 V8 is known for having a weak water pump. The newer WK2 Grand Cherokees had most of these problems ironed out.
The first year the Grand Cherokee hit the market was rough as it had some issues in need of most notably from its TIPM sensor. While 2012-2015 models had some of the same issues, the teething hit 2011s hardest. A TIPM's job is to take commands from switches and modules inside. If it fails, you might experience your lights not working, the fuel pump not turning off, the vehicle stalling randomly, the starter not cranking, your radiator fans not turning on.
Luckily for consumers, a lawsuit hit Chrysler due to the bad TIPMs. Chrysler settled the case and as a result, recalled all 2011-2013 Grand Cherokees to install more durable parts. They were also to reimburse owners some of the money spent on TIPM repairs for their vehicles.
What is the most common problem with the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
If your vehicle's power steering system fails while parking, it will be very inconvenient. However, you could be in grave danger if your power steering suddenly stops working while cornering or navigating a curve. Unfortunately, power steering failures are among the most common 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems.
What are the bad years for the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems such as fail-prone TIPM sensors, delaminating leather and cracked cylinder heads are usually found in early model years. The 2014-2017 V6 Grand Cherokee has a finicky 8-speed transmission and the 2013-2017 V8 is known for having a weak water pump.
What is the main problem for a Jeep Cherokee?
Some of the common issues that plague the Jeep Cherokee include engine stalls, transmission problems, and transmission-related recalls.
What is the problem with the Quadra Drive Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It seems that the two major problems in every Quadra Drive are a problem with a progressive coupling in the transfer case that makes the front wheels shudder rather violently when turning the wheels half way or more. When parking, making a U turn or just backing out of a parking space at a parking lot.
Are you having problems with your Jeep Grand cherokee 4x4?
