So Fix it

Most likely you have multiple oxygen sensors in your Jeep Cherokee. Figuring out which one needs to be replaced will be more challenging than actually replacing it. A code reader can condemn and position a particular oxygen sensor, but since the sensors average around $75 or more a piece, you might consider leaving the code reading up to a professional. Most parts stores that sell quality direct-fit oxygen sensors usually have code readers and can find out the information for you at no charge as long as you purchase the part you need from them.
Once you have the required information and tools, you can change the oxygen sensor on your vehicle.

Instructions

How to Change the Oxygen Sensor to a Jeep Cherokee

1

Locate the oxygen sensor that needs to be replaced. The very first sensor is in the manifold and can be accessed under the hood on the drivers side of the engine. The rest will have to be accessed from under the vehicle in the exhaust system. There is one at the rear of the manifold in the front exhaust pipe, another in the pipe going to the catalytic converter on the passenger side under the Jeep.

2

Raise the front of the Jeep if necessary by driving it up on car ramps. Apply the parking brake and place a wheel chock behind one of the rear tires. Crawl underneath on a creeper (if you have one) with the tools and the new sensor.

3

Put on the safety glasses.

4

Spray WD-40 on the threads of the oxygen sensor and allow it to soak in. Be caul the engine is not too hot when replacing the sensors, especially the very front one up in the manifold.

5

Follow the wire of the oxygen sensor to the plug and unplug it. You can use the screwdriver to press in and release the clip lock.

6

Remove the oxygen sensor with the oxygen sensor socket and ratchet. If it is stubborn, you may want to try and heat the pipe area up with the hand torch to expand the pipe. Once the sensor is loosed from the threads, allow the pipe to cool down if you had to use the torch.

7

Remove the old oxygen sensor.

8

Screw in the new oxygen sensor and make sure there is a coating of anti-seize lubricant on the threads. Most quality direct-fit after-market sensors will already have a coating applied to them. This will make future extraction a little easier.

9

Tighten the sensor with the socket and ratchet, but be caul not to over-tighten. If you strip the threads of the sensor, youre going to have to buy another one.

10

Plug the wire back into the plug.

11

Remove the tools and lower the Cherokee and/or close the hood.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee grille is attached to the its reinforcement at the front of the vehicle, making it more rigid and increasing its durability. The grille is constructed from plastic and can crack or break with an impact, necessitating replacement of the grille itself. Replacement grilles can be purchased at your local dealership. You might be able to obtain a good used part from a salvage yard, however, and save yourself a significant amount of money.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of your Grand Cherokee and locate the two bolts on the top of the radiator support that secure the grille to its reinforcement and radiator support.

2

Remove the two upper mounting bolts from the grille with a 10-millimeter socket and ratchet. Set the bolts aside.

3

Locate the retaining screws on the front of the grille. There are three screws inside the vertical slats of the grille.

4

Remove the retaining screws from the front of the grille with a Phillips screwdriver and remove the grille from the front of the Jeep.

If you plan to remove the oil seal in the rear axle housing of your Jeep Grand Cherokee, it helps to have a seal puller. Rental pullers are available at many auto parts stores and will help prevent damage to the pinion shaft. The oil seal is in the housing where the pinion shaft passes through the differential and keeps the oil from running out of your axle. Replacement seals are available from Jeep or most auto parts stores.

Instructions

1

Raise the rear of your Jeep with a jack and support the truck with a set of jack stands under the rear axle. Locate the pinion yoke, where the axle and driveshaft meet. Place an alignment mark on the yoke and the driveshaft with a paint pen for use later.

2

Remove the four 10-millimeter bolts from the pinion yoke with a wrench, then separate the drive shaft from the yoke. Caully set the drive shaft aside.

3

Locate the pinion nut in the center of the pinion yoke. Install a large socket and breaker bar on the nut and rotate it counterclockwise. Remove the nut and washer from the shaft.

4

Remove the pinion yoke from the shaft with a yoke puller. If you do not have a puller, you can rent one from many auto parts stores. If you cannot find a puller, heating the yoke with an oxyacetylene torch will allow it to swell and come loose. Caully slide it off the shaft.

5

Place an oil drain pan under the pinion shaft to catch any oil that might seep from the differential when you remove the seal.

6

Place the seal puller over the shaft and engage the arms with the inside edge of the seal. Turn the puller counterclockwise with a socket and ratchet, pulling the seal from the bore.

Removing the neutral safety switch from your Jeep Cherokee may be necessary if you have to wiggle or otherwise manipulate the transmission shifter for the engine to start. The neutral safety switch is designed to keep the engine from starting with the transmission in gear. If the switch fails, the Jeep may start, but more often, the Jeep will not turn over at all. Replacement neutral safety switches are available from any auto parts store and through the Jeep dealer network.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of the Jeep off the ground with a jack and position a set of jack stands under the frame to support the vehicle while working under it. Slide under the passengers side of the Jeep and locate the neutral safety switch on the side of the transmission just above the transmission oil pan.

2

Position a drain pan under the switch then depress the locking tab on the wiring harness connection where it meets the switch. Pull the connector loose and set it aside.

3

Place a wrench on the hex-shaped portion of the switch and turn it counterclockwise until the switch is free of the transmission case. Pull the switch straight out of the case.

Engine oil acts as a lubricant inside the engine and breaks down over time, theore your automobile requires a regular oil and filter change in order to extend the life of the vehicle. Learning to change your Cherokees oil and filter on a regular basis can help save you money on maintenance and expensive repairs later.

Instructions

1

Find the oil filter located at the oil pan of the engine. Place a container directly underneath filter.

2

Turn the filter counterclockwise, using an oil-filter wrench, and remove from the engine. Allow the oil to drain completely from the engine.

3

Apply a small amount of oil to the rubber seal of the new filter. Attach the new filter to the engine turning it clockwise until tight. Only use your hand to tighten the new filter and not a wrench or other tool.

4

Remove the oil pan drain plug, using a socket wrench and turning counterclockwise. Be prepared to grab the plug before it drops into the container below. Allow the oil to drain completely.

5

Reattach the drain plug without overtightening and remove any excess oil from around the oil pan with a cloth or paper towel.

6

Locate and remove the cap for engine oil at the top of the engine. Add the amount of oil and weight specific to your Cherokees engine, either 6 quarts of 10w30 or 5w30. This information is located in your automobiles manual as well as underneath the hood. Replace the cap to the engine.

7

Run your engine for one minute and let it sit for a few minutes. Using the oil dipstick, double-check the engine oil level is between the two indicators. Dispose of the old oil properly at your local oil-recycling center.

Is one of the taillights out on your 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee? Removing either of the two taillight assemblies on your Grand Cherokee will allow you access to the corresponding taillight bulb so that you can replace it when necessary. The Grand Cherokee uses a dual-filament bulb, part number 3057, for the taillight/brake light combination. The bulbs are very common and therefore easy to find. Most auto parts stores and retail stores, and even some convenience stores/gas stations, will have them in stock.

Instructions

1

Open the lift gate at the rear of your 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and locate the two retaining bolts on the inboard edge of the taillight assembly. Remove the two bolts with a 10mm socket and ratchet.

2

Pull the taillight straight back from the Jeeps body. Find the bulb sockets on the rear of the taillight. There are several bulb sockets there; the top one is the taillight/brake-light socket. Twist this socket counterclockwise, pull it out of the taillight, and pull the bulb out of the socket. Discard it.

3

Install a new 3057 bulb into the bulb socket, making sure it seats completely, then install the socket into the rear of the taillight and turn it clockwise to lock it in place. Position the taillight back against the body of the Jeep.

4

Install the two retaining bolts and tighten them with a 10mm socket and ratchet. Do not over-tighten them or you will crack the plastic taillight housing.

5

Close the lift gate and test the taillights by turning the headlight switch on or stepping on the brake pedal to verify that the repair was successful.

If the windshield on your 94 Jeep Cherokee is cracked or chipped, you can replace it yourself right from home. You do need a helper to complete the job. You can find a very inexpensive replacement windshield by visiting your local junkyard. You dont need any specialized automotive or glass experience.

Instructions

1

Place a tarp on the entire dashboard and tape it in place.

2

Use a screwdriver to remove the wiper arms.

3

Pry the gasket out from around the windshield using a screwdriver. Cut the adhesive attaching the windshield to the frame using a box knife.

4

Get a helper to help you remove the old windshield.

5

Examine the used replacement windshield to make sure it is free of any cracks and chips. Thoroughly clean the edges of the windshield with a rag and window cleaner.

6

Sand the replacement windshields edges.

7

Spread silicon windshield adhesive on the edges of the Jeep Cherokee where the windshield will go. Put the replacement windshield in place with the help of your assistant. Fit the new gasket around it by hand.

8

Screw the wipers back in place. Wipe any extra adhesive from the windshield. Allow one day to dry. Dont drive the Jeep while it is drying.

You can reset the computer in your Jeep Cherokee from your home garage, saving yourself time and money. The PCM (power train control module) or computer controls the Cherokees ignition, fuel system, emission and other systems. When it detects a malfunction in any of the vehicles systems, it will alert you with a warning light on the instrument panel. It will also let you know when your Jeep needs regular servicing. After you have had the repairs or servicing done, you or your mechanic will need to reset the computer to keep it functioning properly.

Instructions

1

Find the Data Link Connector port next to the fuse panel under the drivers dashboard. Plug the computerized scan tool into this port.

2

Check the computerized scan tools owners manual on exactly how to clear the codes and reset the computer because each model is a little different. Most scan tools will have a "delete codes" command on the faceplate or within the menu that you can scroll to and select.

3

Delete all codes. This will reset the vehicles computer. Unplug the scan tool.

4

Put the key into the ignition and start the vehicle. Verify that all warning lights and service lights have shut off on the instrument panel.

Chrysler has issued various safety recalls for manufacturing defects that could result in Jeep Cherokee engine problems. Concerned drivers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to verify whether their Jeep transmission problems are associated with these or other recalls.

Control Module Defect

On February 5, 2008, Chrysler recalled 1,338 Jeep Grand Cherokees because of a manufacturing error in the front control module. This defect could cause the engine to stall unexpectedly, a potentially dangerous condition.

Fluid Leak

On September 8, 2005, Chrysler recalled 101,925 Jeep Grand Cherokees equipped with 3.7L engines and NAG1 automatic transmissions. A leak may develop in which air conditioner evaporator condensate water gets into the transmission and causes shuddering when the torque converter clutch engages. This leak can cause an engine fire if the water gets hot enough and transmission fluid is subsequently purged into the engine.

Sensor Wire Defect

On March 2, 2004, Chrysler recalled 14,621 Jeep Grand Cherokees equipped with 4.0L engines due to a manufacturing defect in the crankshaft position sensor wire. The wires insulation may crack and leave the wire exposed, which could lead to a stalled engine if the wire gets wet and the sensor malfunctions.

Gear knobs on Jeep Cherokees may need to be replaced after a lot of wear. This is especially true if the Jeep has a manual transmission. The knobs start shifting on top of the gear shifter, causing discomfort when shifting. The automatic knob will last longer, but sometimes will need to be replaced because there is a breakdown internally in the shift-lock mechanism.

Instructions

1

Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. This will keep the car from moving.

2

Locate the locking ring on the bottom of the shifter knob. It will be around the bottom of the gear shift knob. It actually holds the shifter handle in place.

3

Pry down on the locking ring with the screwdriver. This is done by forcing or tapping on the screwdriver to loosen the locking ring when you try to move the locking ring. Because the ring is under the handle, the only logical direction is down to loosen it. Clean it with one of the toothpicks to remove debris or dirt. You can also pour some hydrogen peroxide on a soft cloth and wipe it to loosen the grit.

4

Remove the gear shift knob. This is done by grabbing both sides of the handle and pulling directly up. There is nothing holding it in place but the friction from the locking ring. On some models, you may have to pull up and a little to the left using a twisting motion.