1997 Jeep TJ Sahara 4.0
Summary:
Great off road for a while then a headache
Faults:
Well first at around 45000 miles the Automatic Transmission went out after I got stuck in a mud hole. It went out because the vent hose had fallen away from the firewall, and acted like a straw. Sucking in the water. I then had it rebuilt. Then it went out twice after that. The last time it was because the torque converter went to pieces and locked it up. Now the transmission it going out with a bang. Its' making a funny grinding noise. Therefore it must be rebuilt again. But, I am sad to say that it will be the last time because before it goes out again. I am going to get rid of the most problematic thing in my life. That darn Jeep. Besides the transmission my passenger side seat stopped folding foward when by pulling the strap on the seat. Now you have to reach underneath and force down a lever which folds the seat forward.
General Comments:
It seems like every time that I fix the strange Jeep problems. Something else seems to go wrong with it. All tougher the little jeep has been good, but quite weird.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 26th August, 2003
13th Oct 2011, 21:16
Dunking the Jeep in a mud hole deep enough to kill the trans may be the cause of a few root problems you have experienced; water and mud get everywhere.
29th Jun 2014, 03:49
The initial problem can't be blamed. As for rebuilding transmissions... This is a critical operation. Are you sure the mechanic was familiar with Jeep transmissions? In my experience, a rebuild will not fail if it's rebuilt correctly. Often the best route is to replace the transmission, with a new one from the manufacturer.
29th Jun 2014, 15:09
I think you're a little tough on your Jeep in more than one way. These little 4x4's are virtually bulletproof as long as you take good care of them. I've owned three, & may go back to another when it is time to retire my Liberty (many, many years from now).
3rd Oct 2003, 04:20
The seat is easy to fix.
Remove the seat from the jeep (4 bolts).
Remove the lower seat cover (doesn't need to completely come off)
Use zip-ties to reattach cable to frame around the area where the seatbelt receiver is.
Done.