Common 1999 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems

Mechanic explaining jeep grand cherokee problems

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular SUV that has existed since the 1993 model year. This post reviews the top 1999 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems.

Identify the Top 5 1999 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems

1. Blend Door Failure

Symptoms of Bad Blend Door Actuators

  • Problems with the HVAC controls like the heat not working

Causes of Bad Blend Door Actuators

Blend door actuators divert the air from the blower motor to the heater core or the cabin depending on if the A/C or heat is on. The blend doors tend to bind up on the 2nd gen Jeep Grand Cherokee.

How to Fix Bad Blend Door Actuators

This problem requires diagnosing and checking out the blend door. If a clunking noise can be heard from within the dash with the heat setting on, for example, the actuator is working but the blend door is bound up. There is an updated subassembly with the blend doors to prevent this problem from recurring.

2. Window Regulator Failure

Symptoms of Bad Window Regulators

  • Window won’t move up or down

Causes of Bad Window Regulators

The window regulator is located behind the door panel and lifts the window up or down with the help of an electric motor. It tends to bind up and number 2 on the list of common 1999 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems.

How to Fix a Bad Window Regulator

Check the window motor with a test light and confirm its receiving power. If there is no power at the motor, there may be an electrical wiring issue, problems with a fuse, or an issue with the switch. If the motor has power, it is defective and needs to be replaced.

3. 1999 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems Filling Up Gas

Symptoms of Fuel Tank Recirculation Issues

  • Issues pumping gas consistently—Gas stops pumping even if the tank is not full

Causes of Fuel Tank Venting Problems on the 1999 to 2004 Gen Jeep Grand Cherokee

When pumping the gas, the air isn’t able to travel back up the fuel tank filler neck, which pushes the fuel back up and signals to the gas pump that the tank is full when it’s not. Causes could be the vapor circulation tube, fuel filler neck, or a problem in the EVAP system, like a valve not letting air out when filling up.

4. Thermostat Failure

Symptoms of Thermostat Failure

  • Engine won’t reach operating temperature
  • Engine overheating
  • No heat working if the thermostat is stuck open
  • Check engine light related to the coolant system, like code P0128

Causes of Thermostat Problems on the 1999 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The thermostat helps the Jeep reach operating temperature by controlling the flow of coolant. If the thermostat is stuck shut, it can cause overheating by not letting cooler coolant cool the engine down, and if the thermostat is stuck open, it can cause engine performance problems since the engine will have difficulty reaching operating temperature, especially in colder weather.

How to Fix Thermostat Problems on a 1999 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee

This problem requires diagnosing to confirm there are no other problems in the coolant system. If the Grand Cherokee was running for a while and reached normal operating temperature, try safely grabbing the upper radiator hose, which will likely be hot, to gauge the temperature of it. Then do the same for the lower radiator hose. If the hoses are not around the same temperature and one is significantly hotter than the other, the thermostat is likely defective. If the thermostat is stuck open or closed, it needs to be replaced. The steps typically involve draining the coolant, flushing the coolant system, replacing the thermostat, and replacing the coolant.

5. 4WD Differential Leaks

Symptoms of Differential Leaks

  • Oil spots underneath the vehicle
  • Dirt and debris on the undercarriage

Causes of Differential Leaks

Front differential pinion seal on a 1999 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Front differential pinion seal

The front differential tends to leak along the pinion seal. The driveshaft spins and tosses dirt and debris onto the pinion seal, which eventually wears the seal down and causes differential fluid to leak.

How to Fix a Differential Leak

Pointing to the axle seals on the front differential
Pointing to the axle seals on the front differential

Check the pinion seal and axle seals for leaking. The front axle seals on the 2nd gen Jeep Grand Cherokee are located closer to the differential and can be difficult to replace. Servicing the front axle seals includes removing the differential cover, the gearing from inside the differential, the tires, and axles.

When checking the rear differential for leaks, check along the backing plate area for darkening and build-up, which is an indication of an axle seal leak. The differential fluid can leak onto the emergency brake shoes and even the brake pads. This reduces safety, so recommend fixing this problem as soon as possible.

5. Rear Axle Arm Failure

Symptoms of Rear Axle Arms

  • Steering wheel feels looser when driving or turning
Separated seal on a rear axle arm
Separated seal on a rear axle arm

Causes of Rear Axle Arms

The mounting bushings and the ball joint on the rear axle arm can loosen and separate, which can give the feeling of a loose steering wheel. The arms can also rust and rot if the Grand Cherokee is driven in areas prone to it.

How to Fix Rear Axle Arms

If replacing either of these parts, we recommend checking the rest of the front or rear end and the suspension parts for leaking, rotting, or broken parts or components. Once the repair is complete, we recommend getting a four-wheel alignment.

2nd Gen Jeep Grand Cherokee Model Years

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Summary
Common 1999 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems
Article Name
Common 1999 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems
Description
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular SUV that has existed since the 1993 model year. This post reviews the top 1999 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems.
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1A Auto
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