1998 Jeep Cherokee

Hi folks,

I just purchased a 1998 Cherokee. It's in pretty good shape and seems to be running quite well. It's very strong and shifts smoothly with it's automatic transmission.

As a new Jeep owner (I've never owned a Jeep before), is there anything in particular I should pay attention to with my truck?

It's a 2WD, has the towing package, 4.0L 6cyl engine.

It's extremely dirty though. Under the hood is just a mess. It doesn't drip oil, but it does have a lot of oil on the top of the engine. I bought some degreaser and was going to take it to the pressure washer to clean it up.

I'm looking for any advice or insight that you could share with me.

Thanks in advance!

I would suggest browse the old threads in this forum. There are a few issues that may come up and the old threads tend to discuss the issues in much more detail than I can give you now.

As for washing under the hood, I was never a big fan of doing this unless there is a specific reason to do so. Some people will wash components before disassembling them, or to make a leak more visible.

However, unless you know where all the electrical components are, you are better off to leave it alone, since the Jeep is running well and does not have any obvious leaks. Some pressure washers can easily soak delicate components.
Yes, I know Jeeps are pretty waterproof under the hood, but thats for water that is splashed on. Water under great pressure can cause problems that you do not need right now.

Thanks for the response. :)

I have read several posts on here about the Cherokee. I've been watching some "how-to" videos on maintenance for them.

Prior to my Jeep, I owned my other car for 12 years and new almost everything about it. I feel like I'm flying blind now, not knowing where everything is yet.

I did find a manual on Ebay though. I'm hoping to win the auction. It didn't come with a manual.

The reason I'm interested in cleaning the engine, is that it's really dirty. It has dried dirt on it and there's a fair collection of motoroil on the top of the valve cover, towards the rear of the engine. I'm used to seeing a nice clean engine and this has me worried.

You say not to worry about it though? Just drive it like it is? Here's some links to some pics and what I'm talking about. Please advise.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/Kalwren/Cherokee/IMAGE_192.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/Kalwren/Cherokee/IMAGE_193.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/Kalwren/Cherokee/IMAGE_194.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/Kalwren/Cherokee/IMAGE_195.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/Kalwren/Cherokee/IMAGE_196.jpg

I'm also having a problem with the drivers seat. It's powered. It tilts forward and backward and I can adjust the angle. It doesn't go forward or backward however and I'm not sure why. Where should I start with troubleshooting on that please?

Edit: Added another picture

Do not worry at all about the dirt on the engine. IMHO that 'dirt' is just an average accumulation for any 10-11 year old vehicle and is nothing to worry about. I have seen (and owned) much, much dirtier engine compartments that also work just fine.

I still think washing the engine is just asking for trouble. However, if you insist on cleaning it, get a mechanic or auto detailing shop to do it for you. They should know how to do is safely; and it's their responsibility to fix any subsequent damage.

As for getting to know Jeeps, there is a lot of info and support out there on the Web about these vehicles. Any possible issue that may concern you has likely been thoroughly discussed on the various Jeep forums.

As for the seat......... I think the forward-rear motion is controlled by it's own electric motor. If you can identify it, you can remove the plug going into it. With a test light, you can operate the switch while probing the wires to see if they have power. That way, you can tell if its a motor or a switch problem.

Awesome, thanks again for the info! I'll leave the dirt be. :)

More questions...

I took it out on the road/freeway for the first time tonight.

I checked the oil level earlier today and it's fine. When I drove about 22 miles on the freeway and pulled off, I noticed that my Oil Pressure Gauge dropped really low (halfway between the 40 and 0 mark). Is that normal when the oil gets hot that it looses pressure? as soon as I started driving again, it went back up to 40. I've not had a vehicle with an oil pressure gauge in many years.

Also, I noticed something odd that I've not come across in any automatic I've driven and I'm wondering if this is a problem... When sitting in traffic for several minutes (waiting for the light to change), the truck would shift as if it was going into neutral. When I would apply pressure on the gas when it was time to move, it would slip back into gear and would drive fine. It would only do this when idleing for a couple minutes at a stop light. I was on level ground, not on a hill.

Thanks in advance... again!

Is that normal when the oil gets hot that it looses pressure? as soon as I started driving again, it went back up to 40.

This is normal for older engines with lots of mileage on them.
Oil pumps tend to get a bit worn and loose inside. Cold, thick oil is fine, but some hot, thin oil tends to leak past the worn parts in the pump, so the pressure is lower. Remember, the oil pump spins faster as the engine RPM increases, so the problem is most easily seen when the engine is idling and the pump is turning slowly. When you step on the gas the engine speeds up and pump can overcome this internal leak.

IMO the situation is okay for now, but maybe within the next 25,000 to 50,000 miles, consider changing the oil pump.

Also, consider the viscosity (thickness) of the engine oil. If the manual calls for 5W 30 oil, then try 10W 30 oil in summer, and use 5W 30 in winter time only. That way, you have thicker oil and more pressure for hot weather driving.


Also, I noticed something odd that I've not come across in any automatic I've driven and I'm wondering if this is a problem... When sitting in traffic for several minutes (waiting for the light to change), the truck would shift as if it was going into neutral. When I would apply pressure on the gas when it was time to move, it would slip back into gear and would drive fine. It would only do this when idleing for a couple minutes at a stop light. I was on level ground, not on a hill.

Check the transmission fluid level (engine warm and running with transmission in Park). It might be a little low.
Also consider having a mechanic change the transmission filter and fluid, too. (In fact, doing this every 2 -3 years or so should be part of basic car maintenance).

Hello again. (:

I have another question about my truck and I can't find the answer to it. I've looked through forums, through Google and my owners manual and can't find a straight answer for it.

My Cherokee isn't a 4WD. It's a 2 door, 4.0 liter engine.

I'm wondering if the rear end is posi-track or if just a single wheel is powered?

Anyone know?

Thanks in advance!

Hello again. (:

I have another question about my truck and I can't find the answer to it. I've looked through forums, through Google and my owners manual and can't find a straight answer for it.

My Cherokee isn't a 4WD. It's a 2 door, 4.0 liter engine.

I'm wondering if the rear end is posi-track or if just a single wheel is powered?

Anyone know?

Thanks in advance!

There is a simple test:

Raise the rear of the jeep so both rear tires are off the ground, about an inch or so is plenty. One can use a jack and jackstands (on level paved ground) under the rear axle to do this.

Turn the ignition key one notch, just enough to unlock the steering wheel. Move the gearshift lever into neutral. (4wd trucks need to have the transmission is in 2 wheel drive mode). Do NOT have the engine running. Make sure the parking brake is off.

Turn one rear wheel with your hands. It should turn quite easily. If you see the other rear tire (on the other side off the truck) turn in the opposite direction, then you have an open differential. If you see the other tire turn in the same direction, you have a limited slip rear end.

BTW, an "open" differential is not "single wheel powered". Both rear wheels are 'powered'. Both wheels always receive the same force (torque). However, if one wheel has less traction then that wheel will start to spin first. However, even if one wheel is spinning, they both are receiving the same driving force.

A limited slip differential (posi-track is actually an older brand name of differential) will always direct more torque to the wheel that is spinning slowest, whether the truck is stuck or not.