97 Cherokee Problems

[warecm]

I just bought at 97 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L with 139,005 miles on it. As soon as I got it the oil pressure gauge has always read low and the check guages and check engine light were on all the time. At this same time the tranmission started leaking fluid. After driving it for a few days both lights go off and on at times and after putting tranny fliud in, it doesn't leak at much (a few drops). Two days ago I drove it about 50 miles to a neighboring town and it overheated. Now the engine is knocking and I have lost acceleration. Also my electric fan is not working anymore. I bought this car from a used dealer and it has a 30 day, 1000 mile warranty on it. What should I do, take the car back and get my money back or have them fix whatever the problem is. Better yet what is the problem. At first I thought it was the transmission slipping but now it is clearly an engine problem.

[fredjacksonsan]

Holy moly. I would take that thing back to the dealer as quickly as you can, then find a different dealer. In my experience, used dealer repairs aren't all that reliable.

Having said that, it sounds like there are multiple problems:

1) Cooling system. Fan(s) not working. Overheated - likely due to fan not coming on. Likely a relay or switch for the fans to come on. Might also be a problem with the radiator flow, thermostat and/or water pump, but hard to tell from your description.

2) Head gasket? As a result of the overheat, the vehicle may need a new head gasket. With a loss of power that's a concern I would have. Any other symptoms, like white smoke out of the tailpipe, or coolant/oil leaking from under the head?

3) Oil pressure low. Might be part of (4) below, or might not. It could be just the oil pressure gauge, or you might actually have low oil pressure. How low is low? My 4.0 idles at about 40 (halfway on the gauge) and runs on the highway at 55psi.

4) Gauges. You have several indications that there are multiple problems.

5) Intermittent electrical problem causing lights on and off.


With all the things wrong with it, I wouldn't be surprised if it had been flooded. Time for a different vehicle IMHO.

[warecm]

I believe it is a blown head gasket. I did have some white smoke come out of the back a few times. It was still driveable but I had it towed back to the dealer so that "their" mechanics can look at it. I think I am just going to ask for my money back. There are too many things going on with it that would cost me an arm and leg to fix it. Thanks for the help!

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by warecm

.... I think I am just going to ask for my money back. There are too many things going on with it that would cost me an arm and leg to fix it. Thanks for the help!

Good decision, and you're welcome!