1997 Jeep Cherokee electrical problems

Filed Jan 18, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 199,000 miles · VA

Headlights while driving were occasionally turning off and on. Side lights remained on and instrument panel lights remained on. Upon investigation for cause, discovered connector on headlight/dimmer switch was melted due to excessive heat buildup. Suspect due to several connectors on dimmer switch were loose adding resistance to the flow of current creating excessive heat in switch and connector. Switch was replaced and problem was resolved. Since the switch provides power directly to the headlights, this creates a potential fire hazard. There should be a relay configuration to the headlights to reduce current flow through the headlight switch.

Filed Aug 24, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 130,000 miles · FL

1997 jeep grand cherokee laredo 4.0l i6 began stalling in 2010 under seemingly random conditions. Replaced several parts (spark plugs, wires, distributor cap & rotor, ignition coil, PCM) over the past four years to no avail. The difference currently is that the stall now only seems to occur at temperatures less than 65-70 degrees f. The colder the environment, the worse stall probability. Colder temps also increase probability vehicle will not start after a stall. Vehicle will always fire up on a cold start. Stall occurs at varying speeds (including at idle), but above approximately 40 MPH stall becomes what seems like a misfire. Believe I have narrowed the problem down to an intermittent connection in the wiring harness, either at the gray PCM connector (closest to body), or in the wire leading to this connector. Putting enough pressure on the wires under the PCM in a certain direction will cause the vehicle to hiccup or stall. Only code ever shown related to stall was the unspecific p0351 ignition system code. Fortunately, if a stall occurs at higher speeds, engine/vehicle speed must still drop to a certain level before power steering/braking are lost. Otherwise vehicle would be too dangerous to drive. Nevertheless this is still a hazardous condition.

Filed Aug 3, 2014 · Electrical · CA

Stalling while driving. No code = onboard computer bad?, no accident yet!! When it stalls I have a hard time to start the jeep ... It happened 2 times ... Once while driving, the other was at a stoplight ........already have a recall 10583287 for a trailer hitch to make the gas tank safer and still waiting...no accident yet!!

Filed Nov 12, 2013 · Electrical, Fuel system · GA

Car stalls ,shuts off while driving, hard to start. Instrument panels lights will not work. Dome lights will not work. Had to take fuse out to extinguished dome lights, otherwise stay on all the time . Gas gage shows that more gas in tank than really is.

Filed Oct 3, 2013 · Electrical · 210,000 miles · UT

The gauges on the instrument panel started bouncing back and forth, the check engine light came on. I had the code read and it said the coolant temp sensor was bad, changed that still says that sensor is bad. I cannot pass emissions and inspection to get licensed.

Filed Jun 19, 2013 · Electrical, Fuel system · 140,000 miles · NC

The vehicle stalls unexpectedly when slowing down or coming to a stop. The check engine light is on, however; the code that comes up is for the ignition which was already repaired and not the issue causing at hand. This malfunction is freakishly common when I look it up online for this make, model, and year. This problem is very dangerous as it may or can cause death or serious injury if in intersection or busy road/highway. Please notify me of any solutions or information on this matter. We have also changed spark plugs as well as wires & coil.

Filed Apr 15, 2013 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 150,156 miles · GA

Vic display show "coolant sensor bad." online investigations reveal many owners have experienced the same problem over the years. Their trial solutions have ranged from replacing the "coolant temperature sensor," the coolant level sensor," replacing "connecting wiring" to the vic, and to removing the vic to repair solder joints and cracks at the circuit board that is located in the vic. Most report that the first three attempted remedies did not resolve the defect. Some report success in re-soldering joints on the circuit board. The latter,--removing the vic and repairs at the circuit board-- is an involved process and requires extensive knowledge and repair tools and equipment. All report that this condition left unresolved could lead to the engine overheating and/or faulty data sent to the fuel injection system, and possible engine fire. With so many complaints on this defect, a recall or a manufacture repair bulletins, should be issued at the manufacturer's expense.

Filed Oct 7, 2004 · Electrical, Visibility · 87,000 miles · OH

Blower motor failed at 78k miles excessive liquid draining when running AC was told that motor had been "redesigned" and that parts alone would cost over 300.00 because in addition to redesigning the motor, a new wiring harness has to be installed!!! Remember the 300.00 is for the hard part and wiring only, not the labor to install...this is completely ridiculous when a motor for the same model manufactured a year earlier is only 20.00!!!!! As far as the excessive liquids running from under the vehicle while the AC is running, this site was the first indicator as to what is wrong with it...(I simply though it was a design flaw) also this complaint has been edited to let you know that "running boards has nothing to do with this...it seems one has to go through the process flawlessly or begin again completely!!!

Filed Jun 19, 2003 · Electrical · 83,000 miles · IL

Wire harness has burn marks due to excessive heat from the engine. Dealer notified.

Filed Aug 30, 2002 · Electrical · MN

My guess is the water build up from the A/C evaporator is causing some kind of short to the left turn signal, horn, and radio