1996 jeep grand cherokee laredo electrical problems

The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee was among the first drive models to come with sport utilities, stability capabilities, and improved safety features. The Jeep Grand comes with a 47l V8 engine pumping under the hood. It also comes with time 4×4 antilock disc brakes, dual airbag systems, among other luxury interior accessories. Further improvements were made on the 40l i6 engine to deliver more usable torque, quieter operations, and excellent off-and on-road towing capabilities.

Most Common 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee 

Although the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee has revised styling, dual airbags, improved suspensions, and a better engine, it has been termed one of the worst vehicles. This is because it’s prone to numerous car problems. Most of these issues are highlighted below:

  • Engine Problems

Both the Grand Cherokee Laredo and Grand Cherokee Limited have restyled interiors, integrated kid safety seats, quality brake lights, and other standard safety features. However, the constant engine failure is claimed to be the worst issue with this Honda Pilot by most Jeep Grand Cherokee owners. Some of the typical engine drawbacks a Grand Cherokee owner should not ignore include; clogged hoses, broken plugs, cracked head gaskets, and burnt out radiators. These lead to engine overheating and failure.

Other signs of engine defects are stalling while driving, oil debris after changing the oil, default piston skirt, and damaged oxygen sensors. A check engine light warning is a renowned sign that the issue needs professional attention. A reliable dealer can replace the O2 sensors, fuel filter, sensor ignition, or any other engine-related parts at an average repair cost.

  • Transmission Failures

The 1996 Grand Cherokee boasts about memory seat, power window, mirror, and radio settings. Further, the wheel drive is incorporated with heated-front seats and variable-assist power steering. Despite these refinements, transmission slips and failures remain the leading car complaints.

Most Cherokee Laredo owners state that they have used a lot of money to fix the issue, but the problem keeps reoccurring. The known signs of transmission flaws are delayed gear shifting, engine light warning, vehicles run rough, and an oil burnt smell coming under the hood. The only solution to end this and ensure that your drive system is running fine is to have the whole transmission system upgraded. 

  • Air Conditioner Flaws

The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is claimed to have numerous air conditioner problems. The car research reports show that the Jeep Grand Cherokee hybrid is prone to bad air compression, broken blend door heater, clogged condensers, and faulty mechanical fan. These are all contributors to air conditioning issues.  Calling an experienced car repair professional can diagnose and change vehicle AC defective parts.

  • Cooling System Problems 

The cooling system is one of the crucial parts of your crossover SUV. The car consumer reports indicate that the Generation Grand Cherokee vehicles are vulnerable to overheating.  The leading contributors are low coolant fluid levels, coolant leaks, inequality coolants, or cracked water pumps. It is good to turn to a reliable automotive expert with a customer-friendly repair cost if you realize symptoms of these problems with your dodge Durango.

  • Electrical Issues

Although the 1996 Grand Cherokee model comes with powered front seats and standard fog lights, the electric system flaw is one of the most raised vehicle complaints. The known causes are poor wiring harness, default plug wires, throttle position sensor faults, and distributor cap defects. Some Jeep car buyers have claimed that the issue remains prevalent even after they have replaced the crank sensor. The only solution to electrical problems is taking your wheel drive to a Jeep dealership to have the sensor ignition, positioning sensor, and crank sensor diagnosed and replaced if necessary.

  • Fuel System Problems

Fuel system flaw is a significant downside that can decrease car values and overall performance. The most common causes are clogged fuel pump, faulty gas tank, dirty fuel filter, and cap rotor flaws. The best option to curb fuel system failures is to change the fuel pump and fuel system related components.

Minor 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems

Apart from the defects mentioned above, car news and consumer reports indicate other minor issues. Although the cost to fix these issues is lower than the above problems, having them checked can give you some peace and rests. The reported complaints include; body paint flaws, interior accessories defects, faulty seat belts, light problems, and cracked window panels. Unlike suspension issues or the above major issues, the mentioned minor issues are not death wobble because they don’t affect the overall car performance.

Conclusion 

The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee was one of the biggest threats to Ford Explorer and other best-selling models. The vehicle-like feel of sports styling, pavement stability, and quality safety features helped this model gain popularity. The book values of the 1996 Grand Cherokee model range from $591 to $2,614, depending on gas mileage, option, and vehicle condition.

However, the Grand Cherokee cars buyer have reported numerous problems. The issues are said to remain even after users have replaced the PCM.  Although regular maintenance can help prevent some of the mentioned side downs, replacing the 1996 jeep cherokee Engine Control Module (ECM) is the best solution.

FAQs

  1. Are 1996 Jeep Cherokees reliable?

Although the 1996 Grand Cherokee cannot be one of the most reliable vehicles on the market, it’s equipped with a reliable engine. It’s an excellent daily driver commuter due to its superior off-road towing capability and gas mileage of more than 200k miles.

  1. Do Jeep Grand Cherokees have transmission problems?

Not all Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles have major transmission issues. The most affected model years are 2014 to 2016 Grand Cherokee categories and the 2019 Cherokee model year. The cited engine and transmission faults cause poor engine performance, delayed response time, oil leaks, and hard shifts.

  1. What problems do Jeep Cherokees have?

The NHTSA reports show that the worst problems with Jeep Cherokees are severe engine problems, automatic transmission issues, and brake rotors failures. The 2015 Grand Cherokee is rated one of the worst vehicles across all category years.

  1. Are Jeep Grand Cherokees really unreliable?

No. The Jeep Grand Cherokee hybrids have gained praises over the years for their excellent performance on and off-road. However, the numerous drawbacks and low reliability have ruined their reputation in the market.

What are the most common problems with the Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The four most common Jeep Grand Cherokee problems are erratic electronic shifting, engine stalling while driving, alternator failure, and ignition switch malfunction.

Why is my Jeep Grand Cherokee not turning on?

The most common reasons a Jeep Grand Cherokee won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue.

What does the battery light mean on a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

If your 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee battery warning light comes on while driving, be positive to turn off your accessories, so the battery doesn't ditch further. The warning light usually means that the alternator isn't working appropriately meaning you are operating solely on battery power.

How long do Jeep Cherokee Laredos last?

The Jeep Cherokee is known for its longevity and can last anywhere between 200,000 – 400,000 KM. That's an incredible lifespan for a vehicle. Your Jeep Cherokee can easily last between 15-20 years if well maintained, even with lots of driving and adventure.