1996 Jeep Cherokee: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Apr 23, 2012 · Electrical · 176,010 miles · NM · fire

With time the blower motor wiring harness (which is too small for the amperage) in these vehicles invariably heats up and melts or burns. The melting of the harness and connector behind the blower speed selector switch in the dash and the burning of the switch itself occured in my vehicle, allong with the failure of the blower motor resistor, but in many vehicles the resistor is the first to burn and fail. I have looked at over 20 of these vehicles ranging from 1991 to 1996, and 30000 to 220000 miles, and every single one one them had these components melted and burned to the point of not being usable, and making one wonder how many other vehicles have caught fire and burned because of this fault. Some of these vehicles also showed associated wires burned or melted in the steering column. An associated symptom is that the blower motor ceases to function, or (in the case of resistor failure, will usually work only on high speed). This shows a defect that may take time to manifest, but will always occur eventually in every vehicle unless the blower is never used. The blower switch to resistor wiring harness and switch connector/plug are not even available from dealers, but the switch itself and the resistor are available as aftermarket items. However, if replaced, these will fail too, unless the wiring in this circuit is replaced with heavier guage wiring or somehow protected from high amperage. As evidenced by hundreds of related complaints on internet forums, this is a serious problem that could result in fires, and potentially loss of life. Luckily my fire was minor, did little damage and was quickly extinguished. However, I'm not sure how to resolve the actual problem properly, since oem replacement parts will sooner or later develop the same problems, and available aftermarket parts are not improved over the originals.

Filed Sep 16, 2009 · Engine · OH · fire

1996 jeep cherokee caught fire while driving on the westbound side of the ohio turnpike. *kb ohio traffic crash report # 10-0774-91

Filed Jan 26, 2007 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · OR · fire

Tl*- the contact stated that while driving behind the 1996 jeep cherokee at 60 MPH, she noticed smoke coming from under the vehicle. The contact flashed the lights to get the attention of the driver. The driver pulled to the shoulder, got out of the vehicle and backed away. The vehicle began to burn, and had to be towed. The contact did not know the cause of the fire. The fire department was called and they extinguished the fire. The contact had not received a police or fire department report. There were no injuries.

Filed Sep 9, 2006 · Engine · 171,150 miles · NY · fire

One day my jeep was getting no back pressure, turned around my check in engine light came on on my way home from work it started to smoke and then eventually caught on fire luckily I got out. Fire dept had to put fire out.

Filed Sep 9, 2006 · Engine · 171,150 miles · NY · fire

I one day was on my way home from work one day and the check engine light came on and my car suddenly lost all back pressure I could not climb hills and started to smoke but before I could make it home my car began to smoke and eventually caught on fire leaving stranded with no vehicle in site I then called the police dept they had to put out. They said I was lucky to get out.

Filed Sep 9, 2005 · Electrical · 196,340 miles · IL · fire

Electrical short in the passenger compartment resulted in fire that completely destroyed vehicle. Fire started behind the dashboard, passenger side. Electrical shortage, and burning smell was noted, which resulted in the driver pulling off the side of the road. After quick inspection under the hood, driver walked around the vehicle, at which point the interior dashboard burst into flames.

Filed Dec 17, 2002 · Lights · AR · fire

Consumer states started the vehicle and drove 1/8 of mile, while driving vehicle noticed a heavy smoke under the dash, which caught on fire. Total loss of the vehicle. Please provide further information. Ts

Filed Apr 30, 2001 · Electrical · CT · fire

Vehicle was parked in gear with engine turned off when it caught on fire in engine carpartment area. Cause unknown. Consuer was waiting for further information. Please provide further information.

Filed Sep 21, 1999 · Electrical · OH · fire

Had parked vehicle. Was informed by another individual that vehicle was on fire. The fire dept called & extinguished flames. Had indicated it was faulty electrical wiring. [xxx] *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 22, 1999 · Brakes, Engine · LA

The water pump went out on way out of town. White smoke poured out from behind the jeep. We immediately pulled over and used our phone to call for help. We were told from a mechanic that it sounded as if the water pump went out. We waited for the jeep to cool off, then added water to the radiator. We were able to drive at 35 MPH until we found a service station to pull over at. At that time the technician told us that it was indeed the water pump and there was no more that could be done that day (saturday-5:00p.m.). We got our vehicle towed back home to lafayette, la. The next morning and at that time the towing/service technician also said it looked as if the engine head gasket was blown. Is that common for this vehicle with this milage? Also, the brakes went out and we had them fixed a month ago at lafayette motors inc. Could they have known about the water pump or is that impossible? Also, was there supposed to be any warning as a check engine light? We got no warning, but the smoke pouring out. *ak( dot number: )

Filed Jul 1, 1998 · Electrical · TX

Owner saw smoke coming from igniton area. Notes circuits may be overloading. Cause unknown. Please provide further details.

Filed Oct 10, 1997 · Steering, Transmission · MI · fire

Transmission has been slipping while driving. The compression fittings melted and the transmission caught on fire. The motor mounts were replaced and the computer to the transmission was also replaced. Owner has had vehicle into the dealer for repair on eight occasions. *ak since time of repair, 1 of the compression fittings snapped off, hose was held in place by a screw clamp. Power steering pump failed and was replaced. Consumer is requesting a replacement vehicle.