11th Feb 2013, 20:18

2001 Grand Jeep Cherokee with 220,000 miles on it.

Hi - can anyone tell me how much it will cost to fix a cracked radiator? I've been told $1200, but that the radiator itself only costs $150-$160.

Thanks!

17th Mar 2013, 11:07

I had a overheating problem with my 2000 JGC. Came to find out that a chip had gone bad in the computer, at which time my mechanic by-passed the computer and fixed the fan. Problem solved. The computer could have been replaced, but it would have cost a lot more money.

29th Apr 2013, 20:17

Many of the 2002 Cherokee 4.0 engines, where the water is coming through, is by a head bolt in the front. If the engine was put together by an everyday guy like some of us, we don't know that a sealant or lock tight has to be added to that bolt. The bolt isn't very visible with the engine upright, but is noticeable when the engine is out of the vehicle upside down. I also have read about this in the Haynes Repair Jeep manual as well; the 1993 thru 2004 models. Hope this helps everyone.

28th May 2013, 16:52

Even though it's been a few years, I'm glad I came across this discussion! I have a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was making a knocking sound for months. Professional opinion was that it was "probably low on oil" - which was not the case! I was driving the other day & heard a noise like a boulder was stuck in the exhaust/engine & it finally died. When the car was moved, we discovered a piston (or piece of the piston?) had dropped out of the bottom! I haven't even checked on the cost to fix, & doubt it's even worth it?

10th Jul 2013, 22:18

Sad that Daimler-Benz had to redesign the 4.0... Made an ultra-reliable inline 6 into a piece of crap, that WON'T interchange with older models. So the junkyard price is double to triple the 1998-previous models at $800-$1600 for an AMC six cylinder!!! WHY hasn't there been a Class Action suit against Chrysler, as there are VERY FEW of these engines with more than 150k.

The really SAD part is I really liked the rest of the vehicle, and had very few of the issues others voiced: brakes, steering, grinding in axle, transmission until the "valve lifter" noise turned into a broken piston skirt.

11th Jul 2013, 11:47

I have a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo also that I bought new, and I have problems with it overheating. I took it to a Jeep dealer who replaced the heater core. I later found out this should not have been done, because there was no coolant leaking inside the car. It still overheated.

I took it to another mechanic to flush the radiator, then replace the thermostat, the radiator cap, and finally the water pump. It still overheats. I did not know there was a recall for this problem. The dealer charged $800, and my Jeep is still overheating.

22nd Aug 2013, 15:54

I have a 1999 Jeep Cherokee with a 4.0L that has had coolant leaking / overheating issues for a few years. I have replaced 2 leaking radiators thinking that was the problem, but after noticing coolant dripping from beneath the intake and exhaust manifolds, I thought I had a leaking head gasket. I removed the intake and exhaust manifolds, preparing to replace the head gasket, and lo and behold, found two of the freeze plugs had rusted through and they were the source of my leaks. I replaced all five on that side. Two of them seemed like they would have been fine not to replace, but a third one was about to go. I feel better having replaced them all. I'm confident my coolant issues are now over, as those plugs were definitely shot and leaking. I hope this helps someone else.

30th Aug 2013, 11:41

Same problem, piston skirt broken, in the 4.0L. How much should I expect to pay for repairs?

Gary

28th Mar 2015, 22:52

The shift problem is more than likely the throttle kick down cable. The cable goes from the throttle body to the transmission. The problem is it wears out and the valve on the transmission gets stuck, thinking it's at wide open throttle and holds the gears longer and drops to the next gear hard. The brake lights are going to be the circuit boards on the back of the light itself; use a heat gun to heat around the edges and reactivate the glue to make it easy to pull off. Hope this helps.

9th Apr 2015, 20:42

210 degrees is the normal temp for the car. When the auxiliary fan turns on, it is keeping it running at a normal temperature.

9th Apr 2015, 20:49

The problem you are having is due to bad maintenance practices. The oil drain back holes in the cylinder head are plugged, not allowing oil to drain back to the oil pan fast enough for the oil pump to keep up with the demand. After sitting a few minutes, the oil gets back to the pan and starts all over again.

19th Apr 2015, 13:34

I have a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and I am having all the same issues as everybody else, and I demand a recall. I have a two-year-old I have to take to and from daycare, and I can't trust my own vehicle. I want it replaced.

21st May 2015, 23:13

Unfortunately the worst thing I did was buy my 17 year old son a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with 130,000 miles. In 6 months I spent $1,000 to fix leaking gas (anything over $15/gas would come flooding out the bottom of the vehicle). Had the fuel pump and fuel pump relay replaced. Fuel filter, & had the gas tank cleaned. Same problem. Had it back to the shop 2 more times and still have the same problem. Have also had the radiator replaced, thermostat, water pump, and spark plugs replaced. The car was leaking coolant at a rate of two gallons a week... not leaking out the bottom or going into oil. Was told it was the radiator. Had that replaced, & for the first time the car overheated. Paid another $1600 because I was told the overheating blew the head gasket, even though there were no signs of that (milky oil, smell of anti-freeze, bubbling radiator coolant, white smoke from exhaust pipe). Was told that would fix all the problems.

When I got the car back, I topped off coolant. The next day the entire reservoir was empty & the low coolant light was coming on again. Called the guy who supposedly fixed the car, who screamed at me, and told me if I brought it back he would charge me. Told me I could drive it with only water & not coolant. Thank God I had the sense to know that was a lie. Called several places & they told me you absolutely cannot drive the Jeep with only plain water. I have been losing almost a gallon of coolant a day.

I am a truly single mother of 4 that I am (financially) supporting on my own. For the last 5 years I have spent over $3000 on this Jeep and it's still not fixed. I cannot afford $60 of coolant a week. I was told the only recourse against the guy who supposedly fixed it was to sue him. Well that's not helping me now.

This has been the most expensive 15 year old vehicle ever. It also has the problem with the poor visibility head lights. DO NOT BUY a Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially a 2000 6 cylinder!!! It is a money pit. I have regretted every day.