15th Apr 2008, 09:40

I also had a problem with my 1998 Jeep ignition lock (key would not turn in cylinder). I followed the advice posted Feb 4, 2008. Inserted key, slight tap of the hammer (I put a thin piece of wood in between hammer and key), and viola! No need to call AAA. THANK YOU!

6th May 2008, 13:58

OK, The interior Lights...

The rear interior light on 200 Cherokee Sport (in the back by the hatch) The lamp itself is a push switch.. Push up on it for on, again for off.. Can't tell you how many times I've hit this thing loading/unloading..

Front end shakes... After 50 - 60K need new steering stab AND be sure to lube the front end components EVERY TIME YOU CHANGE THE OIL!! Your under their already... Unlike most newer vehicles, the Cherokee has Conventional steering and all the grease fitting are accessible..

Also be sure to rotate your tires AT LEAST every 12k (I do mine @ 6k) AND get them rebalanced when you do.. I JUST put on new tire (replacing the ones from the factory) @ 80k...

New Belts and Hoses every 3 yrs whether it looks like it needs 'em or not.

My 2000 XJ has 90k miles, original steering components (except for shocks and steering stab), No shakes shimmies or squeaks..

4th Jun 2008, 10:40

2003 Grand Cherokee Driver in the UK - another who has experienced the dreaded 'ignition key wont turn problem'. Will not bore with details except to say that the recovery driver also commented on how common this problem is. My local Jeep dealer diagnosed a new cylinder required and duly charged me £175 - $350 for the privilige of a fixing quite clearly, a design fault !!!

Dealer happily informed me that the problem has been addressed on later Jeep models - whoop di do ! As if this makes me feel better when paying out $350 !!

When will Chrysler/Jeep admit problem and address this properly. I will be writing to Jeep HO in Uk to complain and would encourage all others affected to do the same .

Power to the People !!

12th Nov 2008, 00:28

2000 Jeep Cherokee sport 105,000 miles.

Same shakes at 55mph.. I have gotten used to them. But today my A/C went out. Doesn't blow cold. Mechanic said something about a "relay". Husband tried to change it and it stayed on for about 30 seconds. Mechanic also said something about fan. I just want to pinpoint the problem before wasting money on useless fixes. Loved reading others problems and fixes! Nice to know I am not alone.

22nd Nov 2008, 17:38

Had same key ignition lock problem with 2001 Grand Cherokee. For about 3 hours of key jiggling and wheel turning, no dice. The wheels were turned slightly to the left when ignition was turned off. Local locksmith wanted to charge me 60$ just for coming out. So before I took the L, I read the post about hitting the key with a rubber mallet a few times... problem solved.

3rd Dec 2008, 00:29

OMG! What a post! I have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Laredo. My son brought the Jeep back from college with the same ignition/key locking problem. I just spent 2.5 hours turning and jiggling and all I got was a sore finger. I came home read this problem thread grabbed my rubber mallet and headed back to the Jeep and BAM sweet music! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

5th Dec 2008, 02:55

For the death wobble problem, check your shocks - if you have originals still on it or cheaper ones, that may play a large part.

I bought a 2000 and experienced terrible shakes at high speeds - changed dampener, bushings, etc but none worked until I installed Bilstein heavy duty shocks front and back. Problem solved. They are about $60 a shock but Monroe sensatracs should work too for about 40 each.

The old ones I pulled off were shot and allowed the bounce.

8th Dec 2008, 20:49

Have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport and totally agree with comment on shocks. At this stage with a 2000 Cherokee with stock shocks, if you fill the tank up, you will see your rear end bog down, which affects the drive train. I think is what causes lots of problems.

I solved my evap problem (service engine light on with small leak and large leak code). Jeep's gas tanks are plastic and there is a plastic large nut that tightens the fuel pump to the top of tank. The solution is tightening the plastic ring (nut) and you will no longer smell gas and your check engine light will go off. Of course while your tank is down, follow the lines and make sure none of the rubber connectors are dry rotted.

17th Feb 2009, 15:05

Continuation from the UK owner as to the wheel wobble problem. I agree with a previous comment that Chrysler probably did not put enough caster on these vehicles. It makes sense so probably could be rectified by actually shortening the axle front control arms slightly, but by how much I don't know. Perhaps theres a company in the US that makes adjustable axle lower control arms to fix the pull to left problem and the wheel wobble problem at the same time?

My Jeep does 28mpg and I drive it mostly at 65-70mph, and that's an accurate check so I'm well happy with it so far, even though it's the v. m diesel. No trouble so far at 63000 miles,

19th Feb 2009, 18:48

My 1998 Cherokee Sport with 145K miles suffers from the same ignition problems. Thanks for the advice, it started, I now keep WD-40 inside the jeep.

I also had the A/C problem, the drivers window motor problem, the rear hatch problem, and now I need to replace the solenoid/starter as well.

When there's nothing wrong with the Jeep, it runs great, every 4 months it's something else, friggin' money pit. Never again will I buy a Jeep.

Thanks again guys... Anyone want to buy a used Jeep?

26th Apr 2009, 13:16

I have a 2000 Cherokee Sport. Check Engine light was on, I needed to get my emissions done. The "computer" said I needed a part, can't even remember which one.. regardless... they replaced it, light went off, 2 days later I passed emissions, then the light came back on?!!? So, I know I got screwed there... More problems however...

My brake fluid was really low and I noticed it due to the brake pedal now "feeling" right. I added the fluid but the brake light is on. I can't seem to find any information on why the brake light would be on. I am not sure if this affected the emergency brake somehow...?

Not sure.. any thoughts or ideas are greatly appreciated.

THANKS!

25th Aug 2009, 07:43

It is nearly 9.00pm at night, my 2001 Jeep Cherokee Ltd is about 5kms away with the ignition "locked" for the past 4 hours!! This is the second time it has happened in 6 months. We are timing the trips to the car to "wiggle" the key in between swearing and almost throwing a rock through the window. About to head back after an hour "rest" to try the tapping thing!! I love my Jeep, but I hate the ignition!!