Jeep Grand Cherokee. 4th generation, restyling in 2013

What about the engines?

According to the specialists of the specialized Amercar service, all engines for an SUV of this generation are distinguished by reliability and good maintainability, so serious problems with them are quite rare. Actually, they are rather traditional not for the Jeep brand, but for diesel and “gasoline” in general.

So, a Mercedes diesel engine with a reliable two-row timing chain is demanding on fuel quality. In addition, the elements of the fuel system are made of soft metals, which, during long-term operation, produce microchips that clog the piezo injectors. The latter, in turn, are not repairable – they can only be changed.

Another proprietary “sore” of the 3.0-liter diesel engine is going into emergency mode. It is connected with the problem of the intake manifold, which is equipped with steel swirl flaps that regulate the air supply for each cylinder. The trouble is that the drive of these dampers is plastic, and after a long operation it can wedge and break. You can prevent the problem by regularly cleaning the manifold or changing the damper actuator to a non-original metal one. For the same reason, plastic heat exchangers crack or their gasket regularly leaks.

From time to time, the turbine also fails, but the problem is actually not related to it, but to the exhaust manifold. Due to temperature changes, small crumbs from it fall on the turbine impeller, after which it fails. If this is the cause of the breakdown, then not only the turbine itself, but also the exhaust manifold will require replacement, otherwise history will repeat itself soon.

The chain petrol engine V6 3.6 of the Pentastar series, on the contrary, is loyal to the quality of the fuel. The engine has earned good fame, and at home has repeatedly received various awards. Of the problems encountered – an oil cooler leak, as well as a failure of a dual-circuit oil pump, or rather, its valve. Also, the owner of the gasoline “Grand” may encounter the problem of wear on the camshaft cams (also found on the V8 5.7 engine). The reason for their erasure is not completely clear and is associated with the use of low-quality or counterfeit oil. In general, servicemen praise the Grand Cherokee gasoline engines, confirming that instances with a range of 300 thousand km are regularly encountered.

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First generation

The Jeep Cherokee mid-size crossover is currently represented by the 2013 KL model, which is officially sold in Russia. This is the fifth generation of the famous American SUV, which made the name “jeep” a household name. The first generation was introduced in the USA in 1974 as a further development of the Wagoneer model, which was released in the 60s of the last century. “Cherokee” in its legend overtook even Land Rover.

The “ancestor” of the modern Cherokee was an all-wheel drive and full-size classic SUV with the SJ index. In addition to America, he was popular in Argentina and Australia. Outwardly, it did not differ from many cars of that time, but it was considered a reliable and passable vehicle.

The first versions of the Cherokee were equipped with two power units with a working volume of 4 and 5 liters. The two versions also differed in their transmission design: one had a manual gearbox and plug-in all-wheel drive, while the other had an “automatic” and permanent all-wheel drive. In total, about 200 thousand cars of the SJ version were produced.

There was also a special version of the performance called Chief. Compared with the basic configuration, it featured a wider track and larger wheel arches, as well as more expensive interior trim. Wide arches made it possible to install large wheels, which had a positive effect on the cross-country ability of the SUV.

third generation

The Detroit Auto Show in 2001 was marked by the premiere of the third generation of the most massive American SUV. The new model received the KJ index and was sold in the USA under the name Liberty.

The Liberty differed from its predecessors in the presence of only two basic trim levels: Sport and Limited. However, he also did not have a traditional frame. Instead, a load-bearing body with stiffeners along the bottom was used. Also, the new model received an independent front suspension.

The set of motors that supplied the third-generation SUV was much wider. It was represented by four diesel and three petrol units, ranging from 143 to 210 hp. From 2005 to 2007, a restyled version of the Cherokee KJ was produced. Its creators wanted to strike a compromise between the car’s off-road capabilities and passenger comfort. Therefore, the load-bearing body and all-wheel drive remained, but the car was produced only in a five-door version. Also a feature of the third generation Cherokee was rack and pinion steering, which had not previously been used on Jeep cars.

The restyled version in 2005 featured more comfortable seats. In addition, in the basic configuration there were airbags, air conditioning and full power accessories. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped.

A special version of the Renegade was dedicated to off-road fans. This version received two additional headlights on the roof, enlarged wheel arches, a special body kit and protection of all important structural components.

Jeep Cherokee motors are not amenable to unambiguous assessment. The two-liter petrol is the most economical, but with it it takes almost 14 seconds to accelerate to 100 km / h. The 3.7-liter unit has much better dynamics, but the average fuel consumption in the city often exceeds 20 liters per 100 km.

Transfer case options for Cherkoee KK

Transfer boxes are installed on the Cherokee of two types – Command Trac II (MP253 – the reincarnation of the good old NV231 (part-time) without the possibility of using all-wheel drive on paved roads, and Selec Trac II (MP256), where there is an auto 4WD mode (the usual On Demand without differential), which allows you to move in the rear-wheel drive mode anytime and anywhere, and the front-wheel drive is connected (On Demand – on request) automatically, if necessary, when the ABS sensors detect the slippage of the wheels of the rear axle.

If the Jeep is to be used as an off-road vehicle, the Command Trac II is the preferred choice, for the city the Selec Trac II is the best choice. There are no complaints about the operation of these transfer boxes.

What about all-wheel drive?

Depending on the version, the rear gear lock suffers. The fact is that it is turned on with the help of a motor, which, like the body position sensors, is located outside: it constantly oxidizes and jams. Versions of Jeep, where there is no rear lock, do not have this problem. If the rear gearbox fails, then it can no longer be repaired and changes entirely, which costs a lot of money. But directly razdatka gets over without problems. The main nuance lies in the mode of operation: under heavy loads, the chain stretches in the razdatka, which, in principle, can be quickly replaced.

On Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 3.6 it is not recommended to install gas equipment, which can lead to serious engine damage, up to a major overhaul. The bottom line is that the combustion chamber and catalyst are very close in the engine. The change in temperature caused crumbs to appear in the catalyst, which began to be drawn back into the engine. The result is bulging cylinders. So if you install gas equipment, then the catalyst must be removed, and the engine control unit must be reflashed

Interesting Jeep Cherokee Facts (KJ/KK)

For the filming of the comedy What Men Talk About, the Jeep Cherokee KK was turned into a movie studio on wheels. It unfolds the main action of the film, sponsored by the brand Jeep.

As you know, in the US market Jeep Cherokee (KJ/KK) was sold under the name Liberty. In 2007, the Patriot model appeared, occupying an intermediate position in the Jeep line between Compass and Cherokee. Interestingly, it was also officially delivered to our country under the name Liberty. As a result, two Liberty crossovers can be found on Russian roads at once, one of which is Cherokee (KJ / KK), and the other is Patriot.

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