Top 5 Problems Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 2nd Generation 1999-2004 

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I own a 2001 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0 I6. Problems I’ve run into that seem to be common with the 4.0 I6 WJ: -Brake light housing bad connection (causes brake lights to go haywire while running lights are on) -Window regulator failure (always keep wedges for windows on deck) -Calipers tend to warp rotors (causes death wobbles only when braking) -Radiator leak causing overheating (plastic top hose intake cracks) -Cylinder 3 misfire (caused by heat soak) -Struts fail (struts under hood and tailgate fail) -Knocking noise from transmission (flex plate and torque converter bolts come loose and make knocking noise) -A/C doors get messed up -Valve cover gasket oil leak -Body Control module failure (running lights flicker, horn honks, displays flicker, etc.) -Side mirrors get loose and fold too easily (can be pushed close by wind) -PCM failure (power control module fails causing car to stall while driving or idling/will not start) -Transmission fluid leak -Carbon build up in throttle body (just needs cleaning) -Hose to pcv dry rotted (easy fix) -Water pooling up in passenger floorboard (AC condensation drain gets clogged, clean line with a wire) -Cam shaft position sensor failure (can also cause misfire) -Door skin panel clips break easily (I have a burning hate for those clips) -Brake dust covers ABS sensor causing ABS light -OEM Front door 6X9 Speakers blow out easily That is about all I have run into over a long time of owning a WJ. Quick tip: if you have a OBD II scanner that isn’t picking up codes always check the onboard scanner, start with key in off position then turn it to the start position without cranking, repeat 2 more times and this will tell you all the codes.

I have a 2004 with 301000 miles and I've only a few issues. Best automotive purchase I ever made.

You didn't say anything about all the broken wires in the door jambs

Window regulators: If you live in a hot area like central CA, the plastic in the window regulators break easily. Here's what to do to avoid breakage, when you roll the windows all the way up, release the cable tension by momentarily pushing the "down" on the window switch. When lowering the window all the way, push the up on the switch to release the cable tension. You can thank me later.

This is actually very interesting I've owned 4 of these guys for over 8 years now and I only get the seals issue. super interesting! They are super reliable, and I haven't had your specific problems, and on top of it the jeeps are way easier to work on than modern cars. but great video very interesting to learn what people get into working on these things, also great topic with the rear control arm that was a great touch.

I replaced my thermostat with a cheap one from the local auto parts store and noticed that it didn’t have the small circulation hole near the top like the old one, reside in the warm climate of Hawaii. So I put the new thermostat in place to mark where I was going to drill a small hole towards the top. I used a 7/64 drill bit and made my circulation hole, then did the install. While I was at it, I replace the coolant sensor, which is easier to replace outside the vehicle. The whole job took me about 35 minutes and has been working great for almost a year now. Great video! 5 Stars in my book. I love my Jeep!

I have an 04 limited as well as an 18 cherokee trailhawk and the WJ is still my daily driver. I put over 200k on it myself after I bought it in 05. Over the years I've had plenty of issues: thermostat, new radiator, starter, alternator, FIVE window regulators, rebuilt front diff, new crankshaft, front cd player eject broke and no clock or radio display. Also a few batteries, brake jobs and tires and tons of light bulbs. There is also a gremlin which will turn on the rear lights that won't turn off unless u drive forward. Original exhaust, although the hanger broke a few times. It also leaks oil like a civ having said all that, it runs great, has a perfect driving position, excellent vision all the way around and it's a blast to drive. I love it!!

great explanation my friend! of everything... very humble, great job! keep up the good work .

Very helpful info. Thank you very much. I love to watch your videos.

Thanks...you just solved the ball joint sound coming from the rear end that I couldn't find.

I have a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD exactly like the one in the video and I've had it for 7 years now. It's still the most reliable car I've ever had but the issues he described are very accurate because I'm currenting having differential problems which is not cheap.

2003 4.7L HO Overland, owned for 15 years now. Blend doors was the only one I have encountered. 3 times. Eventually had them welded open so only warm air comes through. AC in UK is hardly an issue. Other than that, best motor I have ever owned. Nice vid.

thanks for the info..much appreciated! I have a 2002 JGC, but unfortunately I've had to replace the 4.7 engine only weeks after buying it!

Restoring my 2000 Cherokee. Redoing entire suspension system with a lift. Front and back bushings were gone. Found no leaks down there. Replaced my window actuators too. Radiator and Brake lines I would add to your list.

Love your channel, very informative. Keep it up!

The extra added problem fit my 2004 Grand Cherokee to a "T"! Drove far too many miles before I found the problem, but once fixed, my Jeep runs like brand new!

I have a 2004 4WD 4.7 H.O. that I bought in 2010 with 49k miles. I've had it ever since (for over 12 years) and it has been great! I've had, or have, some of the issues brought up in the video. I got tools to help me work on the Jeep now (jack stands, floor jack, and a creeper) so I can better work on it. Pretty soon I'll be replacing the power steering pump, oil pressure sensor, the thermostat and possibly the water pump.

100% true!! only miss O2 sensors problems in v8 version, but still worth it, its an amaising machine!!!

Good video. I love the WJ series Grand Cherokees. I have 2 2004 WJs, one with the inline 6, the other one is a special edition with the 4.7 V8 all time 4WD. I have had to replace the window regulator on the special edition and I had to do new seals on rear differential, axels, ball joints on the 6 cylinder. Over all these are great vehicles for where I live (Colorado) and would probably buy another one if it was in good shape with lower miles. So much more comfortable than the XJ.

Very helpful. My front diff is leaking and this helped me realize how to fix it

Excellent video. Thank You.

I’m about to go look at one, I took notes! Thanks.

I have this H.O 4.7 from 2004 with the current mileage of only 10,500 miles, half a year after it was brought, it was 6.400 miles, then it was brought from Chicago and stood for 13 years

This was super informative thank you!

I have owned 28 of these Jeep grand cherokees (buy sell trade all the time) I find a lot of issues in the 4.0 heads and the 4.7 valve seats. But great explanation on all the other issues! My 04 currently has the blend door issue that I’m just to lazy to fix 😂😂

Have an 04 with 150k on it, great reliable vehicle. I have had 23 different cars/trucks over the years and this thing is a runner...4.0. It Does suck on gas though, other than that it’s awesome

You should add the door harness wires breaking from normal use of the front doors, causing power windows, power locks, power mirrors to fail. In some cases a ground wire in door can cause issues with ECU that controls the fuel trim and other things

This is like 10% of the common issues in these jeeps

yo! @ 9:13 is by far my favorite part of this video lol love this guy. 1a auto is my favorite youtube channel by far!

This is definitely a sign. Was looking into this specific model & years. Good information to use!

Brilliant feedback🤗👊

I Love My 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, I Love You Man... Thank You for Major 5 Problems about 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee...

Got a 2004 gc with 285k on it, had very little issue with the jeep. Mechanic say very clean underneath it. Love my jeep.

Thanks for your information, i will buy a Jeep 3.1L from 2003 im from Germany and this is my first jeep and you help my very well with your information, thanks a loot for your video !!!

Great Video.!!! Thank You Very Much. I have subscribed to your channel. Awesome Channel

Awesome video, mine have 4 of those problems

2004 overland 4.7HO qudradrive.... Daily driven every day since I bought it... Best suv I ever had.

My favorite problem on these jeeps is the door jam wires that break and cause all sorts of wierd electrical gremlins.

Thank you brother I had just replaced all of #6

I love your videos very educational. Also I have a question I have a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0 and recently I notice the tachometer started jumping up and down from 700 to 500 rpm’s and I also vibrates mostly when I’m on a complete stop because I notice the issue goes away once your actual in motion and to times it almost drop behind 400 but only in that moment when I was a complete stop

The first two issues are almost a given with Chrysler. Have been for the last 50 years. Poor wiring, poor grounding, poor attention to details and low bidding of parts. Broken locks, windows, gauges, etc. Most of the other items are pretty much in the box for all vehicles. Chrysler always had great engines, differentials and transmissions. Heck , the rear end in the Jeep Cherokee from 1985 til the end had the same dif as the 1964 Doge Dart/Plymouth Valiant. Nobody ever complained about that. But we sure complained about that window that didn't work or the door locks that failed.

Great info here!

Great video

2003 GC Overland 4.7 .. Had the blend door issue twice. Replaced 3 window regulators (both rear windows and drivers window twice). Rear axle seals replaced. For the last 2 years I have been fighting seized brake calipers. All wheels have had seized calipers that had to be replaced with fronts being done twice. Replacement calipers were under warranty but still why?? I think it is the material the pistons are made of .. shrugs. Currently have to replace rear seal on transfer case but no hurry. I use mine mostly in the winter now. Was my daily driver for work until this year. Other than the rockers rusting out (Ontario salt for winter) it has been fairly good vehicle. You definitely want to be able to do the work yourself if you own a Jeep.

#1 Death Wobble #2 4.0 Engine Tick #3 Crankshaft Sensor #4 Fuel Injectors #5 Dent On Hatchback

I love his personality ❤️❤️

Appreciate that you had mentioned all the problems, please make a video how to fix as well

Great video, but i would like to hear if a job is hard or easy and whether its cheap or not to get repaired. Really adds to my purchase descisions. :)

I've owned a 99 and a 04 two of my favourite vehicles I've owned

I have had a 1st generation 1995 gc and it was awesome. Best jeep off road and so reliable. I bought it for $600 and in 10 years i only had to replace battery twice and brakes once. I now have had a 2004, 2000, and now a 1999. The 00 and 04 lasted each one summer before everything started breaking. The 99 has blinker and tail light issues but other than that it has been ok. Nothing beats a 1st gen 1995 with a 2" lift from factory and the only jeep with true part time 4wd and true 4wd low. Look it up. Made it amazing off road.

That video nailed it. I'd love help researching a problem I'm having with that exact same jeep. The front axle loses power randomly when in 4 low. I can leave an email address if need be. It's very frustrating because mechanics are unable to duplicate this. You'd have to try & drive over a large rock to really notice most times though. Thanks so much!

Great video bud thanks

These are very solid made vehicles The WJ Are awesome these are very reliable if you take very good care it and do your maintenance they will last 😊

Literally bought a 2000 WJ Limited at auction for $4,402 last week. Probably the same day you posted this video~

Brake master just went out on my '01 - already replaced a radiator, rad fan, fan relay (the one hidden behind the bumper cover), waterpump, thermostat, coil packs, upper and lower rad hoses, and the valve cover gasket. Dreading the day I have to replace the heatercore

Seems 2b a lot of crossover & similar problems same years w/ Dodge Durango & Dakota. Have you done a video for the Dodge? Still a ton of them on the road, & they have proven 2b durable and sought after. Thanks

Leaking rear axle at the pinion and inside left tire so i have to top it up with oil once in a while. also the abs warning light is on. Oh almost forgot a small leak at the transfer case also. I have resent changed alternator, thermostat and did a AC pump bypass

Crankshaft position sensor is #2 common issue with door jamb wiring being #1

Love my WJ, '02 Overland 😎

Nice video

My 1999 has all those problems and more :) Latest issue is a phantom load that drains the battery and a drivers side door key that no longer opens the door. It goes in the hole, will turn left and right, but won't unlock the door. Battery is dead, so key fob won't unlock the door either. Had to figure out how to pop the hood with a long pole, then recharge battery, then could use the key fob to unlock. What a pain.

Also, I've had recurring problems with Radiator Perforations & Coolant Leaks all over . . . need to add that too.

hi love ur video many things u discussed have been fixed, problem im having only moves in 4 wheel low, transfer case?? we rebuilt but not new oil pump ran out of time🤦🏻‍♀️help

You didn't mention the most serious problems ones with 0331 heads cracking between 3/4 cylinder and piston skirts breaking off and the wiring in the driver's door shorting out or breaking causing your security system to go off every time you put the key in to unlock the door

Loved my 2000 GC. But the 4.7 had a bad head design that is prone to cracking. It was an awesome engine for power but it wasn’t worth it to just do the heads or drop in a new motor.

Got that "Mad Money w/ Jim Cramer" feel towards the end ! ; )

The window regulator on WJ is cable driven and usually the plastic guides break. The Blend doors that bind are only the Dual Zone heater systems. This is what the Blend door sub assy was releasd for.

Good video

My WJ had the blend door issue. The blend door were broken at the rotation pivot. This meant I had to pull the dash and HVAC out. I replaced all blend doors with aluminum doors and also replaced the ac condenser and heater core. This was 6 years ago and its still going strong. When I purchased the WJ, I had to replace the engine as it had a spun big end so I purchased a complete reco motor and installed it. I still love this WJ as the paint and body work are near perfect, interior clean and also near perfect.

I have a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7 Liter Limited. I changed all four oxygen sensors and I still have the same issue. The issue is that sometimes it stalls on me and sometimes when I hit the gas it starts ti jerk and makes a loud noise while I’m pushing on the gas. Once I let go of the gas after a few seconds it goes back to normal and drives ok. However it does it every day while I drive. Sometimes when I turn it on I can hear the idle go up and down and sometimes it shuts down the engine. I thought it was the TPS but after searching on RU-vid it doesn’t give me all of the Simpson’s that a vehicle have when it has a bad TPS. Thanks for talking about the top five issues. I know I have a bad blend door on my Jeep. I have to fight with it until it finally blows either cold in summer or hot in winter. I hope to hear from you, thanks, Ed.

I replaced almost everything in my 2002 4.0 6 cylinder engine for under about $400, so I won’t have any problems later on once I got to 165,000k. Replaced radiator, all hoses, 😂water pump, alternator, starter, battery, coil pack clutch fan and electric fan, ac compressor along with a few $10 engine sensors. Parts are so cheap. I just put 4 tires on it and it’s got 245,000k. Doesn’t smoke doesn’t burn oil doesn’t knock or tick. I drive this daily around town and best deal I’ve had outta owning 40 plus vehicles. . Paid $1600 for it. I’ve got tvs in seat head rests and an Xbox hooked up for football tailgating. 😂

While WJ's have a lot of little issues the 4.0L is a cockroach of a engine and they are very easy to fix ( minus electrical issues) They share alot of engine parts and some suspension parts with XJ and TJ so they can be upgraded fairly easily. I have two and would never get rid of them.

I've owned a 99 wj since 05 and I've had to do most of the things on your list. Blend door sucked! Here are some of the things that have happened to mine. Blend door. Window reg on drivers door. Window lock out switch( sometimes the rear drivers side window goes down by itself). The auto climate resistor pack connector melted. Overhead console constantly says hood open even though this car has no hood switch. Early brake systems have the brake clip rubs on hub. Crank sensor on the back on the motor. "Distributor" went Radiator tank cracked Rear axle seals are a constant pain Rear upper link rusted out. Rear lower links rusted out. And the big one. #6 piston cracked! Yup. 120k. Probably the most annoying thing is the alarm. If your ignition switch starts going your auto lights might randomly come on when parked. The alarm will not let you lock the car with the key or open with the key or the alarm will go off. Mine is a 99 with 4.0. With the v8 tease and d44 varilock rear cause of the factory towing pack.

Lets be sure if you have the 4.7 V8 ANY TIME YOU DRAIN THE COOLANT read the label on the radiator covering. You must blead the engine or you can drop some valve guides on one of the heads.

I really appreciate the way you explain everything to fast for me but good info .BIG QUESTION AFTER I CHANGE THE FRONT BREAK AND OLIO. THE NEXT ASTAR LIKING FROM POWER STICK FROM JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO . HOW CAN I FIND OUT FROM WHERE? I NEED HELP ASAP

In my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with the 4.7L V8 engine (J-VIN), I’ve experienced blend door and thermostat failures. Other components I’ve replaced due to failure include the PCV valve, coolant temperature sensor, crankshaft position sensor, idle control valve, starter, alternator, and ECM. Additionally, I’ve upgraded various parts like shocks, battery, brakes, spark plugs, and exterior light assemblies. The stock rims were also replaced because matte black looks way better. As for the leaky sunroof track, I’m considering removing the glass and welding in sheet metal. Sunroofs can be quite a hassle! I don’t even want to deal with them.😄

Idk how they narrowed it down to 5… I was constantly wrenching on my WJ. 😂 Still loved it tho.

Very accurate. I have a 2002 & my heater doesn’t work. I’m unsure if it’s worth fixing. Where are you guys located?

I took out my glove box out and manually turned the blend door for heat everytime I started it in winter

We have a 2001 Jeep Grand Laredo with 153,000 miles on it. It had oil leaks and suspension problems. Five thousand dollars later it is mint except for the power steering hose needing to be change due to slow leak. The only problem is that my niece is afraid of it because it has a high center which scares her because she feels it sways a little. I guess we'll have to lower it now.

Do you have a video on the 1st Generation Grand Cherokee 1993. Would be great as I know many that have them to this day.

I had a '02 with the 4.7 HO for 270k miles until it got hit by a drunk driver... replaced one window motor, radiator, heater core, thermostat, and a starter besides the usual battery, brakes, etc..

I Have a 2015 dodge journey nice to see they still haven't figured out the blend door actuator problem

Love it

you talking about 20 years old car, it look like the old man 80 year old, of course it get sick everywhere. but I am lucky. My 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee 270,000km did not see the problem like you said , only change oil, battery, and drive nice. love it

Fun jeeps I have a wj right now lifted 4 inches 31 inch tires different bumper just took it to a jeep park and had a blast got stuck 3 times but broke nothing my has that wobble he was talking about f it it’s more of a trail jeep than a road jeep might put 5k miles on it a year so fun. Can’t wait for the next time.

hi there my way is drop the pan change the fluid in the pan and filter about 5 1/3 quarts ,full up with 5 1/3 quarts drive 30 mile ,repeat again 5 quarts drive 30 miles again repeat 5 1/3 quarts best way changing ur trans with out flushing i have 2014 grand jeep takes total 16 quarts,,this is with out checking or flushing, what do you think

Was hoping maybe my problem was one. Got an 01 with the 4.0. Misfire is my issue. Starting up cold, it works great. Most of the time it works great starting warm. However, occasionally it will misfire and run like crap on startup. Only until I get moving, then it smooths out. Also, if I leave it running while hooking up to tow, doing a lockout, jumpstart (roadside/off-roas recovery) for more than 5 minutes, sometimes it misfires when leaving for a few seconds. Seems to be pretty much #3 cylinder. I've changed the coil pack and plugs.

2004 Grand Cherokee Laredo (Special Edition) 4.0L - converted my QuadraDrive (249 transfer case) with a Saginaw front driveshaft to a Select Trac (242 transfer case) with a double cardan front driveshaft.

You mentioned an updated Bkend Door assembly that helps alleviate Bkend Door issues in the future. Do you have a specific part number for this newer, improved Blend Door assembly?

I have the same but 03 and 242 selc trac. I love it. But ive already replaced so much my self. Its having trouple getting out of 1st gear now.

Saludos desde Tampico México.

The window regulator is definitely the biggest issue on my WJ... for me, it's the driver's side rear window, and it's off its track. Luckily, it's almost all the way up, and I have wind deflectors, so it prevents rain from coming into the interior. I also have evap leak codes, which I fixed once for the safety inspection when I bought it, but it's happening again. Those are the two biggest issues I have with my WJ.

No mention of the notorious 4.0 clatter. The top bolt on the water pump oxidizing to the point of being impossible to remove. Fuel injector bodies cracking. And steering stabilizers losing their charge causing the death wobble. Other than that, good vid.

I have a 2002 GC 4.7 liter that “groans” when turning at low speeds. I’ve changed out the differential transfer case lubricant and made sure as used the Mopar specified stuff that matches the tag on the case. It didn’t seem to help, at least immediately. Will it take time or could it be something else. Thanks

I have a 2016 jc sport and have had the window thermostat and the heat/cold air problems. But my check engine light goes on and off often. Ill hit a bump it comes on, I hit another bump it goes off..idk

I have a 02, and recently lost power to radio/ climent control and cluster.(cluster is intermittent) and suggestion? Personally was thinking it could be the body control module (BCM) and advice would help. Have already replaced battery and terminals. Thanks

Hi there, how do you do fuel adjustments, richer or poorer...

These are just general common problems you run into 9n any vehicle. My current chevy truck has issues with blend doors, and i had 2 Ford freestyles that had blend door issues also. My Chevy astro has an issue with a window regulator, my lincoln ls had an issue with it, and my focus, I also had a cutlass that had a regulator issue. I've had to replace e the thermostat in about half the vehicles I've owned in my life, my current chevy truck had a front diff leak any my lincoln ls had bad bushing all the way around and I had a trailblazer and a Taurus that had fuel vent issues. That said I want a second gen jeep grand cherokee so this is helpful info to look out for.