Electric Mayhem

[bcraig]

A couple weeks back I was driving and check engine light came on and it seemed the transmission was slipping. I had it towed and no one could find out what was wrong. Now I know it is an electric problem, but need to know how to fix it. Currently, the check engine light is on, but everything runs fine, fluids are okay and car doesn't run hot. Also, the airbag light will stay on and occasionally my entire panel, gas gauge, fuel, oil level, etc. will be dead. I then can turn the air on and then off, and everything goes back to normal, but the check engine light.

I am driving a 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport with 127 K.

[GregA]

Originally Posted by bcraig

... check engine light came on ...

Have you pulled the codes yet?
If it is like my 92 cherokee:
To do that just turn the key from OFF to RUN three (3) times within 5 seconds, leaving the key at RUN the last time.

Then watch the check engine light ... it should flash the codes to you (like flash - delay - flash - flash for a 12 code).

If you get the codes, post them here and I (we) can probably help identify the possible problem.

Take Care,

[AlohaBra]

Originally Posted by bcraig

A couple weeks back I was driving and check engine light came on and it seemed the transmission was slipping. I had it towed and no one could find out what was wrong. Now I know it is an electric problem, but need to know how to fix it. Currently, the check engine light is on, but everything runs fine, fluids are okay and car doesn't run hot. Also, the airbag light will stay on and occasionally my entire panel, gas gauge, fuel, oil level, etc. will be dead. I then can turn the air on and then off, and everything goes back to normal, but the check engine light.

I am driving a 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport with 127 K.

The 98 has ODBII, you can get code tester ($100), but your problem is probably the NSS, a common problem problem on this model. It can be rebuilt in a couple of hours or replaced at the dealer for about $500. I rebuilt mine..also the back up lights stops working at times because of this. My 97 started doing this at 110K and I fixed it 6 months ago. Airbag lite is the airbag module which is a recall item at Jeep Chrysler. Mine was replaced for free at 70K. It gets mounted higher in the console area to prevent water ingess and corrorsion.

There are other posts on this site about these two issues.

[95xjsport]

Mine did something like that, but, I would turn the heat on, the lights would go real dim and the engine would die, it wouldn't start or even click, the seatbelt light or anything in the car would work almost as if there was no battery in it. a few minutes later it would come alive again and everything would be normal... happens almost everytime I touch the heater controls, unless I ease it up from the lo setting to the high one... I replaced the battery, heater motor, heater switch, alternator, I nor the dealer can figure it out?

[AlohaBra]

Originally Posted by 95xjsport

Mine did something like that, but, I would turn the heat on, the lights would go real dim and the engine would die, it wouldn't start or even click, the seatbelt light or anything in the car would work almost as if there was no battery in it. a few minutes later it would come alive again and everything would be normal... happens almost everytime I touch the heater controls, unless I ease it up from the lo setting to the high one... I replaced the battery, heater motor, heater switch, alternator, I nor the dealer can figure it out?

Air Bag module recall does not apply here.
NSS does....but that is not your problem.
Skip the dealer and find a mechanic you can talk to...not the service writer (salesperson) or the good looking girl that types your work order into the computer.

Check the VEHICLE GROUND.

[bcraig]

Well I got the codes and although I can't remember them exactly, the problems were my (according to the codes puled) shift solenoid circuit and a malfunction in the transmission control module. The mechanics (family friends and highly trusted) have the car again, going on the second day. They are trying to find the problem, they seem to think that replacing the transmission would fix it, but do not recommend it. They hear 'something' in the engine and feel that the engine may not last too terribly long. 128K, is this typical for a Jeep. I just may have to jump ship after my first one. Not a single problem up until my radiatior, then this and now possible engine problems. Anyone else have these problems?

[AlohaBra]

Originally Posted by bcraig

Well I got the codes and although I can't remember them exactly, the problems were my (according to the codes puled) shift solenoid circuit and a malfunction in the transmission control module. The mechanics (family friends and highly trusted) have the car again, going on the second day. They are trying to find the problem, they seem to think that replacing the transmission would fix it, but do not recommend it. They hear 'something' in the engine and feel that the engine may not last too terribly long. 128K, is this typical for a Jeep. I just may have to jump ship after my first one. Not a single problem up until my radiatior, then this and now possible engine problems. Anyone else have these problems?

********************************
I did a search for you for NSS on this forum....start here.
This causes the code P0705.
*********************************
This tip saved me $2000.

Skipping, stalling, OBDII 45, or P0705. clean you NSS
http://www.jeepin.com/features/nss/index.asp

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The 4.0L is renown for lasting a long time......200k plus miles.
But to be truthful ...other thing such the AC and other electrical things go bad.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Did a search on your air bag light......found the following...
**********************************************

Faulty airbag control module,....check with your dealer to replace for free......97-2000 cherokee's are affected. Recall#860

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XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Try this link:
http://www.dot.gov/affairs/nhtsa2500.htm

The dealer needs to do this.


END.....HOPE THIS HELP YOU.

[bcraig]

Well actually the airbag light was solved my hitting the dash. After that, my gauges worked and the Check Engine light came on, that then resulted in the car working as before. It is only intermittenly too.

[AlohaBra]

Originally Posted by bcraig

Well actually the airbag light was solved my hitting the dash. After that, my gauges worked and the Check Engine light came on, that then resulted in the car working as before. It is only intermittenly too.

Check this link anyway:::
http://www.dot.gov/affairs/nhtsa2500.htm