Problems with 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am the insurance adjuster handling a fire loss, writing on behalf of the vehicle owner myra periera. the vehicle was parked and unoccupied when a fire originated in the engine compartment resulting in a fire that totaled the vehicle. we settled the claim. *tr

Parked overnight and when return to get jeep the passenger air bag had deployed. there wasn't any collision or impact. there was evidence of the glove box had been melted and wires burned inside. *tr

while driving home using the a/c i smelled an odor of burning plastic. i pulled to the shoulder of the road to investigate and noticed small amounts of smoke coming from under the passenger side dash board. with the ignition off i felt around behind and below the glove compartment and was burnt by melted plastic from a small black component (the blower control module as i found out later). the wires to the module were very hot, the connector had melted, and after letting it cool, the a/c blower would not work. i have discovered that jeep knows about this problem, has made repair kits available but will not fix the problem or cover costs, the module costs about $165, the wiring repair kit costs about $20, the labor $80. the safety issue is obvious, with burning plastic, fire, smoke, fumes, and possible accident if this got out of control while driving. health affects from the smoke fumes are indeterminate as of now. i have purchased parts to make the repairs, as well as a pyrometer to monitor wire and module temperature. *tr

Bought the 2000 jeep grand cherokee ltd back in december of 2007. the a/c worked great. moved to miami, fl on 01/08 , and had to start using a/c alot. while learning the vehicles habits. i noted the a/c unit to stop working when on. the unit would be on, and then go out, and come back on. like there was a short somewhere. i also smelt a burning smell in the cab. i stopped turning on a/c unit all together at my grandfathers request until i moved back to nc on 07/08. when he looked at the a/c components; he noted that the "blower motor resistor" (located under passenger side glove box, and beside the blower unit )was melted so bad that the wires at the 3 pron female connector was frayed/expose (where heat melted/shrunk connectors away from wires) leaving hot wires touching one another. this in return caused wire exposure. the "blower motor resistor" unit ended up melting so bad it was warped. this part also never once blew the 40amp fuse under hood for the a/c unit.... or anywhere else for that matter. i am really upset that my vehicle could have caught on fire due to live wires/melting parts/ lack of fuse blowing. this is a 125$ part minus dealership repair. part related to cherokee "limited"dual climate functions of the a/c dash unit (air position knob, automatic digital temp display,and air flow fan knob). the part is removed which means to cut wires to detach the part. this means the new part will have to be rewired back in. jeep should have to replace all of the unit wires, and plastic connectors, and find a way to control the melt down! part unfixed due to lack of money to repair....! no a/c is better than a burnt car. (right????) old part is available and a very common part to buy; recall it jeep! someone else being spoiled would have kept turning on the a/c for a baby and caught fire to the car. lucky for jeep company, and myself i stopped using the a/c until looked at. recall it...death or total loss of car? alot of a/c problems in these cars help! *tr

2000 jeep grand cherokee limited . oem installed heating system flow sensor (delco model #16250779, serial #0304021 overheated and melted wires and case of sensor. this represents a fire hazard. the local jeep dealership parts department was well aware of the failure and said they get calls for the part all the time. the local service department explained how to correct the problem and install the new sensor. the national chrysler customer care denied that there was a problem. i replaced the part with a new sensor. i still have the failed part and would be glad to supply it to the dot experts. *tr

My security system intermittently locks me out of my vehicle. i have put at least 2000 into fixing it and still have a vehicle i cant drive and i still have to pay for it. no one knows why it is doing this. i am willing to have the system disabled but no one will tell me how to do that either. i am a single mom and cant afford to pay for a vehicle i cant drive. i have to get people to take me every where i go. this is causing severe hardship on me and my family. *tr

Engine while in park tachometer spikes howling from vehicle between 65 & 75mph. *tr

Jeep grand cherokee has defective tail/brake lights. mine have been replaced on several occasions and now its out again. i know other people who have the same vehicle and are having the same problems. *jb

Since i purchased my vehicle in 2002 i had several problems with the electrical system. more than once has the brake/tail/headlights went out, resulting in either going to the dealership or replacing bulbs. at least twice have i noticed the external lights come on and off either while the car wa son or off.*ak

The resistor that allowed the blower motor to work the air conditioner /heater melted the wiring harness and the resistor itself, which at anytime could cause a fire on the passenger's side of the vehicle. this meant there was no air conditioning or heat for the automobile nor defroster system. the company was on a back order from what i was told by 1400 parts. the junk yards did not have this resistor, and after $180 at napa i was able to get one, and that was hard to find ,and i didn't know how long this one will last. after receiving the part the box contained a harness and resistor, the harness had about 10 plugging to where i believe i will have to tear the whole dashboard apart just to connect this harness. i believe this should be a recall for a fire hazard. and tell me why chrysler isn't selling this part.*ak

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 jeep grand cherokee. on april 12, 2007 the vehicle began smoking under the hood and proceeded to catch on fire while being warmed up. the front end of the vehicle was destroyed. the contact can retrieve a police and fire report. the current and failure mileages were unknown. *ak

About every year the taillight/brake light sockets corrode and the lights quit functioning. cleaning them solves the problem. we live in phoenix area and so moisture is not a factor. *jb

Just disgusted with the number of repairs i have needed to make to this vehicle. in the last six years the following repairs have been done: brakes replaced 3 times and need to be done again door window motor cooling fan, radiator evaporator coils hood lifters-hood will not stay up drivers door clunks starter compressor leaking axle seals and now i have a cracked head on the engine. the jeep just failed out of the blue. glad i was close to home. this vehicle is a lemon. buy american again--most likely not. are our "american" vehicles being built with inferior parts? or are they programmed to be obsolete within a few years? *nm

When the lights are on, the brake lights go out when the brake pedal is used. my mechanic told me the dealership he bought parts from told him this is a known problem with jeep. *jb

Tie rods, wheel bearings, ball joints, fan clutch, shorted engine compartment wiring harness, fuel pump assembly all gone wrong from time of purchase; january 2000/brand new to sept. 2006...some pd. under warranty others after 2004 not; even though the defects usually do not happen to a jeep grand cherokee/fully loaded. the last straw was the ball joints; we asked if some form of recall should of been done and then asked for a reimbursement because my wife's' 2004 jeep liberty limited had a recall on it's ball joints/lower ones so after having mine replaced last friday 9/15/2006 we asked about the grand cherokee and it's ball joints; we also updated on all the defects we've had to correct and wondered if it wasn't a expensive lemon...$35,000.00 is what i paid. we called chrysler main customer service and was only told were sorry, the age of the jeep and past warranty...what does that have to do with all the past defects since 2000 and the fact we tried their customer service in 2002 and got no where again. no matter the age of the vehicle...safety is safety. and if ball joints go bad for no reason and have to be replaced then, it should go as a safety concern for all their vehicles. *jb

Over the past 6 months at random the brake lights seem to burn out. it might be the left side one week and the right the next. new bulbs often last between 1 hour and 3 weeks. the local dealership tells me that electrical wiring problems are often very hard to fix. *nm

The engine simply stops without warning. i had taken it to dealer and they couldn't find anything wrong. four days later while driving to the dealer it died on a 6 lane street. i was in our other vehicle and towed it to the dealer myself. it has been 6 days and i have not heard from them. *jb

The entire electrical system suddenly failed. this happened 4 times, 3 timers while vehicle as running and twice after the dealer "fixed" it. *jb

Main engine wiring harness insulation melted at the connectors to the fuel injectors causing multiple fuel injector misfires. the problem can be corrected with new connectors to the injectors however chrysler corp. only sells the entire harness at a cost of $1800.00.*jb

My 2000 grand jeep cherokee larado has a problem with the electrial system. all the dash lites are on and the speedometer dosnt work. it has been at a jeep dealershjp for almost a month. they cant figure out whats wrong with it. they first replaced a computer modular and i picked it up and the next day i still had the same problems. i took it back and they replaced the samething and told me it was fixed and it happened again after paying out 980.00. i took it back a third time and the company told them to change the ground wires and that didnt fix the problem. they are out of ideas. the right tale lite keeps going out also. so they just put a new one in. this will not fix the problem as we have changed lite bulb several times. the rear windows will no longer work also. they said they changed the fuse and fixed the problem but it wasnt fixed. this could lead to a ticket for not going the speed limit or accident from speeding, also a rear end crash as the tail lite goes off when you apply the brakes.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 jeep grand cherokee laredo. the contact stated that the computer module failed, which caused the air conditioner, fuel gauges, interior lighting, transmission, power locks, and power windows to fail. the dealer stated that they changed the module three to four times, but the failure still continues. the dealer stated that the failure is a part of the vehicle's history. the current mileage is 83,000 and failure mileage was 75,000. updated 12/12/2007 *bf updated 12/12/07 *tr

I have been experiencing a problem with my battery not staying charged. the first occurred when i had let the car set for about 2 days, it would not start. *tr the battery would not jump. i had to buy a new battery. the battery post always get corrosion on it. i have had it cleaned and changed a couple of times, and it still gets corrosion on it in 2 days. i was told about two years ago that it could be the wires that run from one of the post to the engine. this time, my new battery only lasted about 3 months. same problem. the dealer told me that i would have to buy a new battery. it appears that something is draining my battery, but no one can find out what. i had to get a new battery, but i am afraid that it will get drained also.

Rear hatch door won't lock both rear passenger and driver side won't lock unlock door read reviews many people with this vehicle having same problems. *tr

Consumer is requesting reimbursement for defective ignition key locking system.***no answer required***. *mr the consumer was told there were problems where the tumbler become frozen and the locking pins fall out making the key inoperable. the consumer had a burned out tail light bulb replaced. *jb

Both tail light assemblies stopped working and was cited by a police officer. replacement was ~$500. rear lift gate lock actuator is broken, so cannot open lift gate. right rear door lock will not allow opening from inside. shift sensor/solenoid has gone bad twice leading to problems with shifting from gears (revs really high before shifting). rotors are constantly becoming warped and brakes have to be readjusted. left blinker no longer works and to fix it, the dealership told me they have to replace this entire engine block for about $800. power window lock no longer works. other than that, car runs great :). *tr

Vehicle experienced sudden stalling at various speeds. taken to dealer for check up, but the cause was undetermined.*ak initially the dealer replaced the crank sensor which did not resolve the problem. the dealer later determined that a faulty sensor package was the cause of the stalling. *nm

I purchased my jeep grand cherokee new in 2000. for a new vehicle it has spent much time in the jeep repair shop. problems include: door locks (2 repaced - driver side and passenger side over $200 each), electrical switch replaced (lights, honking horn, etc. $175.00), ignition or start switch replaced (@250.00), coolant - water pump ($375.00), air conditioner has had problems. all parts have been replaced. the jeep has been taken good care of but i would think seriously about purchasing another jeep considering all the problems i have had with this one.*jb

After the car was driven for less than 15 minutes from work to home, we heard a loud explosion like sound from the car 10-15 minutes after the car had been parked. engine was off at the time and key was not in the ignition device at time of fire.*ak

Sudden loss of power on three occasions. while driving at highway speeds, vehicle instantly looses all power. obvious problems navigating to shoulder on multilane highway in traffic. could easily be stranded in lane. difficulty steering. requires towing. has occurred three times in last two years, twice in last month. first time, replaced computer. second time, replaced transmission sensor. third time, undetermined. *ak

I own a jeep grand cherokee vin # [xxx] milage 57000 mile the heater went out i was told that it was a wiring harnesss the cost was over $500.00 they told me at the dealer that they have seen this many times. i asked if there was a recall on this they said not at this time. this is a safety hazard it left me with no defrosters. i also have a concern that it could be a fire hazard if infact the wireing harness was burned up! updated 07/26/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Complaint regarding problems with 2000 jeep grand cherokee.*mr the vehicle left turn signal would not work. it was later determined that the multi-function switch shorted. the vehicle was repaired but the next day the problem recurred. the dealer then determined that there was an open circuit in the junction box which would cost $760,01 to repair. the consumer refused service hoping to find information on secret warranties. *nm

I have a 2000 jeep grand cherokee laredo. in early december i was driving the vehicle when my engine light illuminated. i immediately called my mechanic, who happens to work for midas. he told me to bring it in right away. because i live closer to midas than any jeep dealer, and because of the service i have received in the past from jeep/chrysler, i took it to my mechanic. he advised me i had a blown head gasket. i received an estimate from him and he also advised me that the dealership would be considerably more expensive, i allowed him to repair the vehicle. after the repairs were complete, i talked to my mechanic and he advised me to contact chrysler/jeep and ask for reimbursement. here in lies the complaint. when i contacted the dealership, bob dance jeep in oralndo, i was told there was nothing they could do to help because it was my fault i drove the vehicle "hot". i explained the reasons i took it to my mechanic as opposed to the dealer and i was told so sorry. i then try to contact the warranty people for the vehicle. i was told i only had a 3year 36,000 mile warranty and that i wasn't able to do anything about it. the vehicle had 49,000 miles at the time of repair. i asked if i would be allowed to purchase an extended warranty and was rudely told no. this is only one example of the customer service i have received since purchasing this vehicle in july 2000. i have also replaced the transmission, two bateries, repaired the window which did not work and had the rotors cut three time. when i spoke to chrysler headquarters, i was not surprised to receive the same response. i was told because the work was done by an independent garage,midas, i was not entitled to any type of reimbursement, period. i don"t trust jeep/chrysler. i don't want them working on my vehicle. someone please help me!!

Intermittent starter failure or ignition failure on jeep grand cherokee ltd. *la

My mom bought a jeep grand cherokee, 2000. on july 25 we went into town to the hardware store, my sister and her granddaughter stayed in the car with the air condidtion on and the engine running. we were (mom and i) gone 7-8 minutes, and when we got back in the car; put the seat belts on, put my foot on the brake and put the jeep in reverse and we took off backwards across the naylors parking lot across third street, up and over the curb, went between two trees into the parking lot between the fire station and city hall where we hit a parked car and the parked car hit a telephone guide wire, we hit a tree that finally stopped us. after doing some research on the computer i know this is not the first time this has happened with powering uncontrollably backwards with the jeep grand cherokees. the witnesses stated we were going about 30 miles an hour backwards. i tried to use the brakes but it was out of control. i reported this to chrysler and they did an investigation denying my claim. *la

We purchased a new $41,000. 2000 jeep grand cherokee limited. after one season the heat on the passenger side failed to produce any heat, only cold air. we were traveling to michigan when we discovered this problem. my wife was not happy traveling with a blanket over her entire body for our 2500 miles trip. the dealer fixed the problem the first year. however, the following year, the same thing happened again. there has been many attempts to fix the problem each year since 2002. they were trying to fix the problem with ut taking the dashboard apart, it would cost them too much to do that., we kept taking the vehicle back to the dealership(for the same problem 10 times. i have a history report of all maintenance & repairs. from the winter of 2002 up until this winter 2005 we have had the same chronic problem with the heat. its was always on the passenger's side. the dealer finally said the problem was the mixing doors of the heating system, and it will cost $800 to fix. we had been charged a $100 deductible each time the dealer said it was fixed. now that they have put us off all this time, our 5 year extended warranty has expired. we didn't need heat in october, so we didn't know there was the problem again this year. we only use the heat four to five months of the year. when winter comes around we expect a $40,000 car to have heat. i am 52 years old, owned many cars, and never had any problems with the heating system like i do with this car. how can some mechanisms break in that short of time, year after year unless its a produce defect or the dealer does not know how the fix the problem properly? the sales person said he has seen other grand cherokees with similar problems. *ak

Keyless entry on drivers side does not unlock door. cause is unknown.*ak consumer is also experiencing electrical problems.*jb *dt

Tail lights out, alarm system will go off by itself, windows malfunctionin, and while driving you can hearthe locks, locking and unlocking.

Electrical problems, headlights/ windshield wipers, windows will not work. at times headlights work intermittently and dashboard lights flash intermittently. *ak dealer unable to repair and the vehicle continues to exhibit the same problems. *tt

Under dash air condition/heater module melted wires and the module it self. replace with parts it melted second time and driver side heater and air condtioner works passenger side air conditioner works but not the heater. replaced damaged parts third time with repair kit still driver side heater air conditioner works and passenger side only air conditioner. i am afraid it is a on going problem and one day it might cought fire. in past six years i did not had a working air/heater for about three years when under waranty took it to the dealer but they did not fix it sayin it will cost me too much money. *jb

11/2001 vehicle started stalling intermittently while stopped or at slow speed. since 11/23/2001 has been out of service for 58 days - crank sensor, fuel relay, pcm, 2 wiring harnesses, clock spring, transmission have not fixed the problem, when it dies, it resets the computer and new one have developed, i.e. - almost dies then lurches forward, at speeds over 50 vehicle feels like the back tires hit ice and then catch (temp 60 degrees). had 2 co-pilots - only shows everything shuts down, no diagnostics information. *ak

Tail lights went out while driving. wires were burned. . dealer replaced tail light on rear/right side. currently, tail light on left side went out. please provide any further information.*ak

Traveling on i-24 at 55mph when motor shuts off. no power steering. sparks seen coming from exhaust pipe. engine failure caused jeep to be hit from behind by another vehicle.*ak

While parked consumer was able to shift through all gears without applying brakes. button on shifter was not functioning. also not able to get key out of ignition.*ak

Consumer states that intermittently when driving the vehicle will stall out and die without warning.the dealer has been notified.*jb dealer replaced ignition coil and repaired distributor shaft. there is a loud noise when applying brakes, dealer could not find problem. when first starting vehicle, it takes a couple of times to start. *slc

Consumer states the vehicle caught on fire while parked, the fire department stated the fire originated from the alarm system, consumer also states a bodyguard system was installed in the vehicle.(claim#51-0490-612)*jb

There was pulsation when applying the brakes at high and low speeds. dealer replaced front pads and matched mounted rotors. *ak *tt

Engine failed on highway@ 65mph, dealer replaced coil rail and adjusted cam sensor

When stopped at traffic signal or when slowing, vehicle would cut off completely -- losing all power. it was checked by dealer on the second day of problem occurring. they initially could not find a problem. was returned to dealer the next day and they were able to duplicate the problem but they nor chrysler had a fix for it. my vehicle has been with the dealer since october 5, 2000. today's date is november 22, 2000. supposedly there is a problem with the computer which chrysler was to have the fix available the first of november. now due to some other reason the fix won't be available until after january 1, 2001. chrysler is supposed to contact me to discuss a resolution to my problem. *ak

Consumer stated there was no indication of transmission fluid showing on the dipstick, the vehicle would downshift from drive to a lower gear, after 4 visits to the dealer it was discovered that the transmission vent tube was missing, which the factory failed to install.*jb

Vehicle was completely shut down by computer while travelling 60mph on freeway, resulting in several near collisions at high speed -- a cam sensor failure, according to the dealer.