1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo from North America - Comments

Alternator at 65,000km.

Brake pads and rotors at 40,000km.

Front swaybar links replaced twice, once under warranty.

Rear wiper motor died.

Front u-joints, steering stabilizer, and centre link replaced just after warranty expired.

Transmission oil pan rusted through and needs to be replaced.

Air conditioning condenser needs to be replaced.

Daytime running light module failed.

Anti-lock brakes have been disabled (pulled the fuse out) due too bad sensor.

Lift gate latch broke.

Rear differential pinion seal failed and luckily I noticed it in time before major damage to the differential.

Terrible fuel mileage.

A lot of rust developing on lift gate around the license plate bezel.

This vehicle was pretty enjoyable to own for the first 60,000 km., which happened to be the term of my warranty. After that it was just one thing after another. Luckily I can do my own mechanical repairs or this dog would have been gone a long time ago.

As a matter of fact, as soon as I get all the current problems fixed I will be getting rid of it.

After owning many GM vehicles over the years this was the first Chrysler product I have owned and it will also be the last!

I will be buying a Chevy Equinox as soon as I can unload this piece of junk.

Hi.

I have just bought a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0l 4x4 and my rear wiper doesn't work either. Did you get yours fixed in the end? What was the problem and how much was it to fix?

Also, my headlights don't work (only my driving lights that come on automatically) and my high beam lights won't stay on either. Was this a similar problem to what you experienced? If so, how much did it cost to fix?

Thanks for all your help.

This is in response to the question about the rear windshield wiper... I just took my car in for an inspection and asked about my rear wiper which also died. It so happens that I also have a 1998 Grand Cherokee 4x4. Dealer said I have to have the whole motor replaced. I took it to Midas and we:

1. Turned the car on

2. Turned on the rear wiper via dash control

3. Helped the wiper move by carefully moving it back and forth WHILE spraying with some WD40.

4. Did this for about 5 minutes.

5. Problem fixed.

Hopefully it's that easy for you.

P.s. I now don't like dealers...

Hey, I just spent 2 1/2 hours taking off the oil pan which also rusted a hole threw. Except after I get all the bolts out, undo the steering stabilizer, and take off the starter. Its still stuck the only thing I can think of to get it out is eather scoot the transmission back a few inches or completly remove the axle. I would rather not mess with this. If you have any ideas tell me. You can recomment back on here or send me a email. Coreylivingston38@yahoo.com.

Thanks a lot,

Corey Livingston.

I agree with most of the comments by the original survey.

I would also add that the Select Track 4 wheel drive gets stuck in part time four wheel drive even though the indicator light says it is in 2 wheel drive. This of course causes major problems when driving on dry pavement.

Warning to the owner of this Grand Cherokee. DON'T BUY A CHEVY EQUINOX, THEY HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS AND APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN RUSHED TO PRODUCTION. THEY HAVE SOME OF THE WORST STEERING WHERE YOU CANNOT DRIVE THE EQUINOX STRAIT, WEIRD I KNOW, but TEST DRIVE THE EQUINOX ON THE HIGHWAY AND YOU WILL SEE WHAT I MEAN. TAKE CARE.

Regarding the Selec Trac:

These systems, as so many older 4 wheel drive systems,

sometimes require you to completely disengage it by putting

the vehicle in reverse and backing up a bit. Believe the

Jeep book may also say to pump the gas pedal a bit

in forward to "jerk" the transfer case a little to

ensure it is disengaged. My 1995 JGC with Selec Trac stuck

in 4X4 the first time I used it, but now I shift to 2 wheel drive, put in reverse and back up a few feet and that solves the problem. I also find a little dirt and spin the rear wheels to make sure it is disengaged. I believe Jeep refined the Selec Trac in later years to make shifting a little smoother, but its important to remember that

transfer case has a lot of stuff goin on (have you ever seen another one that has 4X4 Full, Part, and low? Good stuff.) Older 4 wheel drive systems entailed a weightlifter

to get them disengaged (my father's 1970 Chevy pickup comes to mind. Great truck, but good luck in disengaging the 4 wheel drive easily.)

Also, Jeep rear wiper motors are notorious for burning

out. It does seem to make sense its not the

motor, but the need for lubrication on the moving parts. I grease mine every now and then (after it was replaced) and all seems fine. I mean, would all of the motors be bad? Doesn't seem likely.

My son owns a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and the rear end is out on it. We purchased a new pin and gears, but do not know how to rebuild it. Anyone have a site with instructions or have instructions they could email? would really appreciate seeing on how it would cost an arm and a leg to put in a shop. You can email me at offlimits_2u@hotmail.com.

We bought a 1997 Grand Cherokee Jeep and experienced the recall B02 which we had no knowledge about. I placed the car in park and it seemed stable. While it was still running, the car unexpectantly moved rearward and crashed. Chrylser denyed our claim for help with the repairs and we are out a car along with damage to our garage. I don't even recommend buying Chrysler. We learned our lesson not to.

Buying a Chevy Equinox would be like jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. Try a japanese truck if you want reliability.

My dad has a 97 Grand Cherokee, and it's at about 290,000 miles. The major things that have gone out on it were the computer and the transmission (but that was because he put the wrong fluid in). Overall, it's been an amazing vehicle!