My Grand Cherokee keeps overheating
#1
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Model: Cherokee
My Grand Cherokee keeps overheating
I hope you can help. I have a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have been into the Jeep dealership at least 8 times in the last year for various things. The last visit, I had my radiator replaced because of a seem crack. Today, while sitting outside my son's school, the 'check gauge' light came on and I noticed the Jeep was overheating again. I called my rep from Jeep and he said the Jeep might have an air pocket. I did some reading, and that is feasible. I also read that if your heater is working, it's not an air pocket. My heater is working fine...always has. I made a list of things to ask my rep but I feel that with so many visits and the fact that my engine light still goes on and off after all this time, I'm really missing something. I know nothing about cars, so any suggestions would be great.
#2
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Year: 1994
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: v8
Make sure that your electrical radiator fan is operating.
Once it is at operating temperature, pop the hood and take a look/listen when you are parked. If it goes above 210 and the fan does not operate, you have found your problem.
It can be a couple things. Obviously make sure that the connector for the fan motor is not failing (wiggle it and take note whether this makes the fan come on or not). The motor itself might be bad... I had to replace mine three times before I got one to work. Or it might be the fan relay. Not terribly expensive but a PITA to replace.
Once it is at operating temperature, pop the hood and take a look/listen when you are parked. If it goes above 210 and the fan does not operate, you have found your problem.
It can be a couple things. Obviously make sure that the connector for the fan motor is not failing (wiggle it and take note whether this makes the fan come on or not). The motor itself might be bad... I had to replace mine three times before I got one to work. Or it might be the fan relay. Not terribly expensive but a PITA to replace.
#7
Old fart with a wrench
I wasn't aware a 91 4.0 HAD an electric fan! Are you talking about the heater?
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#8
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Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
yep, I do in my limited anyway. I just ran a positive wire from the accy slot on the fuse box through the grommet in the firewall. Always on when ignition is on. I'll switch it later. I don't go past 210 anymore. Was getting up to 230 with heater on full blast in icy weather.
#9
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Year: 1994
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: v8
On my 99 it is near the passenger's side headlight. You get to it through the grill.
One of the early problems I had when I bought the car in 02 was the fan failing. I went through three and then changed the relay. I haven't had a problem with it in 5 or 6 years now.
One of the early problems I had when I bought the car in 02 was the fan failing. I went through three and then changed the relay. I haven't had a problem with it in 5 or 6 years now.
#10
Old fart with a wrench
Hey, Ranger. Not to seem critical, but why did you change the fan 3 times before you changed the relay?
#11
I have a 2004 jgc v8 and last week, it stalled out of no where. after about 25 minutes it started and i drove it to my mechanic. they did a full diagnostic and no codes were thrown or pending. Today it overheats, the coolant levels are normal and the radiator was full was well. my fan came on so that is not the issue. any thoughts?
Last edited by amina; 01-05-2011 at 07:58 PM.
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Year: 1994
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: v8
The replacement motor lasted a year or so. The third one died, but didn't act like the other ones, so I replaced the relay. No problems since.
I don't believe that the motors were affected by the relay, any more than a light bulb is affected by a faulty wall switch.
#15
Old fart with a wrench
Sorry man. I didn't mean anything by it. I was just curious.
"Dear Lord. Please teach me to keep my big mouth shut!"
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"Dear Lord. Please teach me to keep my big mouth shut!"
Caution! Make certain brain is engaged before putting mouth in gear!