QuestionQUESTION: 1996 Grand Cherokee 318ci 4x4. Problems: voltage too low during operation (sometimes stalls when in drive with brake on, also "check guages" light comes on at times), runs too hot (210+ while idle with "check gauges" light coming on at times - temp rises farther when moving - has not yet reached red zone), oil pressure gauge too low (fluctuating from 0-40). Steps taken to fix problem so far: thermostat replaced, radiator replaced, fan replaced, cap replaced, upper and lower hoses flushed and replaced, belt replaced, water pump replaced, altenator replaced, battery replaced, tensioner replaced. Check engine light is on. Diagnostic test oxy sensor bad. Have not replaced that yet. Was told would not affect temperature, oil pressure, or voltage. We have been chasing this progressive problem for two years. Any suggestion for this "shade tree mechanic"?!?
ANSWER: Candace,
I know this is going to make you sick after all of the extensive repairs but check the owners manual and look up fuses in the index. There should be one that has gauges listed on it. Check the appropriate fuse and replace it if it is blown. The problem lies in you gauge cluster, no contest. Don't trust the gauges they are wrong! If this isn't the issue you may have PCM (computer) issues and this would require a dealer to replace
I hope this helps you and I'm sorry you have this much trouble with it. If I can help with anything else don't hesitate to ask
Matt
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hey. Thank you so much for your help. I'm sorry that I didn't mention this before (so many replacements to list :)) but I have had it to a dealership. They replaced the entire fuse box and said that they dumped and reprogrammed the computer. This made a very small difference. I normally don't get worked up when my gauges fluctuate, however, I can hear a difference in my transmission when the jeep gets hot and I can feel my a/c warm up. Shocker with all of this is the dealership is stumped!! Said they would have to start "process of elimination". Can we say EXPENSIVE?! All diagnostic tests show that the jeep is operating "within" factory specs. Voltage is a little low, temp is a little hot but all are within tolerances. Problem I have...I don't think stalling sometimes, and a whining transmission when it's hot (yes, we have replaced trans fluid and filter) is within specs. I'm so very frustrated. Any other ideas?! Thanks again for your time and I won't be surprised in the least if you respond with "Time for a trade-in" :)
AnswerCandace,
Thanks for the compliment! :) I wouldn't tell you to trade it in, people just don't have the availability to do this all the time. anything can be fixed, The question is do you really want to put the money into the Jeep to do all of the extensive repairs and it still not fix it? One other thing I thought of and I know this too will sound totally crazy but I have seen it many times. this may not help with the temp and trans whine but it could be a lot of the issue. If the PCM has a ba ground it can do some crazy things and seem like there is no fix. I have had dealers tell me that I needed a computer$600 worth. I went home from the dealer and was working on it myself in my early days as a shadetree mechanic. while I was trying different parts I noticed the positive battery cable was corroded...so I cleaned it...and low and behold it fixed it! Voltage was low before to the PCM and was causing the Mustang to run rough and guages to act up almost like in your case. I know it is a shot in the wind but hey, what do you have to loose. Try cleaning those battery cables by taking them loose and cleaning with a wire brush inside and out and give that a try
Maybe you will gt lucky as I did?!?
Matt
