2001 Cherokee Sport 2WD 4door misc?

[jsmiddleton4]

Howdy,

Just picked up my first Jeep. First car for 17 almost 18 year old daughter. 2001 Cherokee Sport, 4 dr, 2wd, automatic, in great condition. Just touched 80,000 miles. We live in Glendale, Arizona.

The '01's sure run good. Have a couple of questions though.

1. A/C compressor cycles on and off quite frequently and noticably when set to 1 for fan speed. Higher and the interior heat exchanger seems to pull enough cold out of the a/c system so as to not build up the pressure to cycle on and off at the compressor side. Automechanic watched it, said it was basically normal. No signs of leaks. My other vehicles do not do this. So is this normal for Jeep Cherokee? A/C coolant not low. Calls for 1.25 pounds I believe. Is this clutch/compressor going bad and I notice it not because it cycles abnormally but because the clutch/compressor is going bad and pulling more load than it should? Experience anyone?

2. Spare tire options. Looked at several. Roof rack with tire mount seems to provide extra storage, not have problems moving license plate and is not as expensive as tailgate options. Any thought?

3. Looks like only performance option which has any impact at this point is exhaust. Bigger bore throttle body, higher output ignition, already done on the 01. Any experience by anyone with headers, exhaust as to value and performance boosts?

4. The "bumper shocks" in the front coil springs drip water. Not the shocks, the extra keep it from bottoming out shocks inside the front coil springs. Any fixes for the water they pick up and then drip? They seem to be working fine.

5. Pull the engine driven fan for an electric one so have two electric ones? Anyone done this and if so what are your thoughts? Worth the expense?

Thanks. My daughter would probably like to know how she gets her dad out of the dang thing so she can drive it!

Jim

[tblack]

All the things you describe are normal. I have had my 2000 since brand new and the AC compressor just does that. It cools it off real good, but if it's been sitting in your sun all day it will take a while.

I live in Southern California, so I can't help with the exhaust mods. I simply wouldn't do that. I have a different smog set-up I'm pretty sure, but even if I didn't, the 4.0L doesn't need a header in my opinion and it is probably more work than pay-off. You can get a chip that will give it a few more horses. It's not like it's a 440 Hemi and headers are gonna sound real cool. It's still a 6 cylinder.

You can get a space-saver spare, that's what I have. It doesn't take much room.

I think I would be happy with the way it is. It's a good vehicle that will last a long time if you don't mess with it.

But you may really know your stuff and can get a few more horses out of that 6. I just think it's gonna be a lot of work for nothing and your daughter will be walking a lot because you have it tore down in the garage. Heaven forbid she ask for a down payment on a Hyundai because of lost interest in something that sits too long!

[jsmiddleton4]

Thanks. Sorry I didn't reply sooner. Busy at work.

Space saver spare. Where did you get yours? How tall is it? The problem I can see with space saver spares is they have such a lower profile the Cherokee would have a major problem with the leans. I know you only use the spare for a short while, but if my daughter needs the spare (assuming I ever get out of the thing) I doubt she'll be next door to Goodyear. So the issue wouldn't be how wide the thing is, but how tall.


As I look at the header on my 01 it looks like an easy flow would not really improve much. So I think you are correct, not worth the money. But if I did them, its not the same thing as a rebuild. Would only take a short while. Probably get the parts and have someone else do the install anyway in a shop. Weld, etc., the stuff for first class install. I can c-clamp with the best of them. Weld? I wouldn't even try at this point.

The A/C compressor cycling is really annoying. Since we are already in the 80's here in Phoenix, it won't be long and being able to use the "1" setting will be a thing of the past. It seems like it is either too sensitive to pressure build up, building up pressure too fast or low on coolant. But the guy at my auto shop said the same thing you've said. It is normal for Jeeps. Just seems very "not normal" compared to my other vehicles is all. How noisy is your clutch/compressor? Can you hear it cylce standing next to the vehicle? On my other cars standing alongside the car you don't know one way or the other if the compressor is cycling in and out. You can "feel" it in the steering wheel of course, etc. But you sure can't hear them.

Thanks again.
Jim

[tblack]

The spacesaver is about 18" round and you are right, the Jeep will lean a little. They are designed to get you either home or to a repair shop safely and that's it. They are a "temporary replacement". You barely know they are stored there in the cargo compartment in the back when they are not in use. They force you to get your tire fixed because the look so lame. But I've seen neighbors go for months on the space-saver because they are too busy or too lazy to replace the original tire. Mine came with the Jeep new in 2000. I'm sure you can get one at any dealership in your area.

I agree, if you really want the header, have someone else do the welding if you are not a Welder. My dad was a Master Welder, but I would not even try welding on a bicycle.

I have been able to hear my A/C compressor loudly standing outside or inside since day one and I had heard other new ones just as loud. I did my homework after I bought the Jeep. I took it back to the dealer and compared it to another one on the lot. My old '94's compressor was noisy too. You know what they say at the Dearlership? "It's a Jeep, it's not a Cadillac or Mercedes". "It's supposed to be noisy, so turn the radio up". Oh and then they add: "Just drive it and don't worry about it" Well I have to say I took their advice and it's still with a noisy compressor and handles like a tank, but I wouldn't trade it for anything right now.
You cannot compare it to a car or even a new Chevy or Ford (car-like) truck. The Cherokee is basically a CJ or a Wrangler with a warm and dry body. They are very rugged and noisy. It's the nature of the beast. Enjoy it.

tb

[jsmiddleton4]

Have you seen a conversion for the a/c compressor/clutch?

[tblack]

Originally Posted by jsmiddleton4

Have you seen a conversion for the a/c compressor/clutch?

Have not seen that. I am mostly concentrating on getting a heavier duty radiator. Summer is coming and I'd like the engine to run a little cooler. I have no beef with the A/C. It keeps the cabin very cool, but I think the 220+ degrees engine temp after heat soak and re-start in the summer can't be all that good even though it is a normal operation for a California issued XJ.
I'm just curious. Why do you want that? Would that make it quieter?
tb

[jsmiddleton4]

Have you replaced the engine driven fan/clutch with another electric so you have two electric fans and no draw on the engine?

Jim

[tblack]

Originally Posted by jsmiddleton4

Have you replaced the engine driven fan/clutch with another electric so you have two electric fans and no draw on the engine?

Jim

I did not know that was an option. Now you've got me thinking. Did you do that to the '01? That sounds like a great idea. You Arizonans are experts on keeping cars cool I can see.

[jsmiddleton4]

It gets hot here no doubt.

There are several places if you do a search on replacing the stock clutch/engine driven fan. Walks you through each step. But basically its this.

1. Carefully remove the shroud sliding it back over the fan.
2. Carefully remove the bolts holding the fan.
3. Lift the fan and the shroud out together.
4. Replace the bolts for the fan as they hold the pulley on for the water pump as well.

Then to install the electric fan.

1. Disconnect the battery if you haven't already.
2. Install the new fan loosely to make sure there is clearance between the fan and the pulley.

(This is where it gets different with various fans. Some seem to fit right in as it seems the Jeep fan does so you just have two fans the same, others require some filing on parts of the pulley.) You may have to pull the top radiator hose off, put in a spacer gizmo which houses the temperature sensor, put it all back together.

3. Wiring. This is unclear to me. If you pick up a third party fan the wiring is part of the package. You put in the heat sensor to the theromstat control box, wire it all up, etc., all seperate of the other fan. BUT if you want to tap into the existing wiring for the existing, left in, electric fan, I don't have any clear direction. You can hook the new fan up to work like the already installed electric fan. Turn on with A/C, etc. So with third parties you basically just follow the directions. To pick up and install a Jeep fan like the other one already in the system, maybe someone can help with that install.

Here in Phoenix I just do the regular maintenance on the cooling system, just had it flushed and new antifreeze installed, I don't do anything fancy, and I'm okay without any modification. I'd like to drop the engine driven fan for noise/power/gas mileage reasons. No so much cooling. Mine stays well within cooling/heat ranges in the default state.

Jim

Check here.

http://www.off-road.com/jeep/cheroke.../cooling1.html

[tblack]

[quote=jsmiddleton4]It gets hot here no doubt.

The hot Santa Anas kicked in today. Thanks much for the instructions.
I'm definately going to do this my first full couple of days off.

At 68,000 and the way it looks I get offers on it a lot. People out here like these things and I think the Liberty made a sorry replacement. I plan to keep it a lot longer time since I bought it new. It will eventually end up my daughter's. It's a cool ride.

tb

[jsmiddleton4]

I just saw an 01, 60th year anniversay edition, 65k on it, in great shape, for sale, asking price starting at 9,000. I just bought my daugther an 01 sport 2wd for 9200. I just hate it when I see stuff like that!

Heat.

Big time solution that seems to be out there. Saw step by step here for the water pump/thermostat:

http://jeepin.com/features/waterpump/page2.asp

1. Both fans electric.
2. High flow lower temp thermostat
3. Three core raditator
4. High flow, at least at low rpm's, water pump

Radiator here:

http://jeepin.com/features/gdi/index.asp

You also want to make sure you aren't running lean or too advanced on your timing.

Jim

[tblack]

I'm going to get all that done before summer. I find there is no peace of mind on earth quite like going across the desert on I-10 in the middle of summer in a cool running Jeep. The engine and trans will last a lot longer.
I really appreciate the tips.
tb

[jsmiddleton4]

Doesn't look to technically difficult. Just time and money kinda thing. So good luck. According to the person who did the project he saw significant changes in engine temperature.

Now if I could find the same kind of thing for my noisy a/c compressor!

Jim

[AlohaBra]

Originally Posted by jsmiddleton4

Thanks. Sorry I didn't reply sooner. Busy at work.

Space saver spare. Where did you get yours? How tall is it? The problem I can see with space saver spares is they have such a lower profile the Cherokee would have a major problem with the leans. I know you only use the spare for a short while, but if my daughter needs the spare (assuming I ever get out of the thing) I doubt she'll be next door to Goodyear. So the issue wouldn't be how wide the thing is, but how tall.


As I look at the header on my 01 it looks like an easy flow would not really improve much. So I think you are correct, not worth the money. But if I did them, its not the same thing as a rebuild. Would only take a short while. Probably get the parts and have someone else do the install anyway in a shop. Weld, etc., the stuff for first class install. I can c-clamp with the best of them. Weld? I wouldn't even try at this point.

The A/C compressor cycling is really annoying. Since we are already in the 80's here in Phoenix, it won't be long and being able to use the "1" setting will be a thing of the past. It seems like it is either too sensitive to pressure build up, building up pressure too fast or low on coolant. But the guy at my auto shop said the same thing you've said. It is normal for Jeeps. Just seems very "not normal" compared to my other vehicles is all. How noisy is your clutch/compressor? Can you hear it cylce standing next to the vehicle? On my other cars standing alongside the car you don't know one way or the other if the compressor is cycling in and out. You can "feel" it in the steering wheel of course, etc. But you sure can't hear them.

Thanks again.
Jim

First....My 22 year/o daughter has the same Jeep-(01 2wd 4door...50K on the clock)...it is in SoCal. My advice is don't mess with it. She is also in college and had the 97 Sport 4wd 2dr since she was 17. This one is a replacement for her. We want her to finish college and not be an auto mechanic. (Besides, it is supposed to be her car not mine.)

Problems will happen and you want to keep it stock so that dealers and such can fix it. She lives 350 miles away and cannot bring it home for repair. (I was a dealer technician for over 20 years.) I am more concern about her not wrecking it in LA...only had one incident with a bent fender and wrecked bumper. Had to pay the guy she ran into though.

The important thing about the spare is not where you keep it, but that you have air in it. Now, you don't expect her to change it on a freeway in LA, so get AAA road service for her. Anyway, the space saver is factory standard and the full sized is factory optional. You can get it anywhere....a Ford one will fit...just a spare...I had one of each but I think the full size with matching alloy is more useful.

The AC compressor cycles a lot (supposed to, it is how some ACs are designed...it is called "flooding" the evaporator) ....Cherokees are noisy cars anyway.....Mine had a bad connection at the weather pack connector to the compressor ....caused a loss of AC after 15 minutes of driving....cleaned it and now it is OK. Buy a R134a recharge kit for 40 dollars and it will have a gauge so you know what the proper low side pressure is. It has directions on it. You also get some R134a for recharging if necessary.

As far as performance, what is wrong with 190HP engine on a 3400 lb. (curb weight) vehicle. She dirves 90mph on the Interstate and was ticketed by CHP at that speed. (Has since, slowed down...costed over $200 and traffic school.) The factory header cracks all the time and is covered by emmissions warranty.

As for cooling, I recommend an external cooler for the AW4 automatic trans (if you have auto that is). Leave the clutch engine fan and you won't have electrical problems....it is more reliable and easy to change if defective....only works at stop lights anyway. (Electric fans need thermal sensors and such to work properly.)

Common problems: crank sensor, NSS, ignition switch, leaks at windshield, plastic pieces falling off, factory premium stereo (with stick fader) won't play CD, cracked exhaust, blown power steering high pressure hose, rear hatch struts, power windows switches, fog light switches, remote keyless transmitter.

Annoying: AC water dripping constantly from the right hand side frame rails...I insulated all the exposed low side lines with asphalt tape to reduce the amount of condesation.

[jsmiddleton4]

Fortunately my daughter going to school closer to home.

The big deal with the spare tire here in Arizona is the heat buildup during the day causes the cabin to fill with hot tire smell. Its really annoying.

Good idea on the AC lines.

I'm going to have jeep dealer look at a/c before too much longer. Heat is just around the bend.

Jim