In your Jeep Creep questions, please list your first and last names, your hometown, and your state/province/country, so that we can publish that information here. If you don’t provide this information, we may not be able to publish your question and answer. Don’t forget to be as complete as possible with the description of your Jeep and its problems, too. Send your Jeep questions to editor@off-road.com, Attn: Jeep Creep.

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September 2015

August 2015

July 2015

Two Jeep recalls from NHTSA this month
(www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/monthlyreports.cfm)
15V-508: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2015 Jeep Renegades manufactured September 18, 2014, to June 25, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems. Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall is expected to begin on October 2, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R45.

15V-509: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2014 Jeep Cherokees manufactured January 4, 2013, to July 11, 2014. Use of the front windshield wipers on dry glass may cause damage to the body control module (BCM). BCM damage may result in the failure of the windshield wipers, impairing the driver's vision and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a ground strap to protect the BCM from damage, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 10, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R39.

Spring Relocator
In regards to the Rusty’s Off-Road Wrangler Spring Relocator article, I believe that the Nth Degree spring relocator kit was easier to install.
Nathan Woods
(no city given)

Nathan, if we’d installed the Rusty’s kit while doing the lift kit install, as I mentioned, it would have been much easier on us. However, other than removing the OEM spring mounting hardware, this was a very easy kit to install.

Head Gasket Replacement
I just got a 2000 Cherokee Sport with 243,000 km. Some oil is burning, and the smell is there, as well as black residue on the valve cover. Could it be the head gasket on the 4.0L? Should I change it anyway?
Wilder Penfield
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

With that many miles on the XJ, Wilder, you’ll enjoy a much better running engine if you do change it out. Refer to Head Gasket Replacement on 4.0-Liter Jeep Engine for replacement tips.

Jeep Prep
I recently purchased a 2000 Cherokee. Being new to the four-wheeling community, I have a few questions. What modifications should I do to allow me to do some mild off-roading? Also, the Jeep has 120,000 miles on it and besides routine maintenance what other thing should I look at? I need it to be functional for family but a capable off-road toy. I already got some more aggressive tires on it, and I plan on changing all the fluids next week. I’m not driving it right now. What about a Hi-Lift jack?
Stan Hurley
Great Falls, MT

Initially, changing all the fluids and the hoses and fan belt are good beginnings. Also, save the retired hoses and fan belt and carry them with you just in case something happens while you’re on the trail. You’ll also need to build a small toolkit for the trail. In my opinion, you can never go wrong with a Hi-Lift. The problem is finding a place to carry it. You’ll also want to throw in a bar of good hand soap. It makes cleaning up easier, plus rubbing the soap liberally on a hole in a leaking gas tank/hose will seal it temporarily. Many auto parts stores sell well-designed toolkits in secure tough plastic cases, so buy one and keep it in your Jeep. You’ll also need a 12-VDC circuit tester for those electrical troubles on the trail. One last thing, I’d keep your eyes open for an off-road club. It’s safer and more fun than traveling alone.

Leaking Gas—10/15
I’ve got a problem; big gas leak around the gas tank. My Jeep is a 1995 Wrangler, automatic, 2.5L 4-cyl. I’m looking to price replacement gas tanks and everywhere I look I can’t seem to find anything newer than for a 1990. The 1990 tank (from pictures) appears to be the same tank, and is the same size, 14.5 - 15 gallon (with 4- and 6-cyl. variations). My question is, would the 1990 version tank be the same one I’m looking for?
Louis Gould
Pittsburg, PA

If you can get at the leak, you can temporarily seal it by rubbing it with a bar of hand soap (I usually use Palmolive). A product called Super Tape will also work if it’s in the hose, although you should replace all the fuel lines and filler hoses. If one is leaking, they’ll all be leaking soon. The two tanks should match. Once you’ve removed your tank, compare the two tanks side by side. Make sure all the fittings—hoses and mounting—all match. Omix-ADA (www.omix-ada.com) offers a new replacement tank if you want to start fresh (and it’ll fit for sure!).

No A/C Fan
We checked the fuses hoping that’s what it was but they were fine. I once had an Oldsmobile Cutlass do this and it was a switch for the fan (a $25 item). Then we found a broken wire (had to bypass a section) and it’s working now. I am so glad it’s fixed; Houston’s weather is horrible without A/C. Let me know if you think we should watch for something else.
Leo Coleman
Houston, Texas

I’m glad you’re cool again, Leo. It sounded like a loose or broken wire to me, either on the hot side or the ground.

Check Engine Light
My 1999 Wrangler 4-cylinder has the check engine light on and the air bag light on. Could it be a fuse? How do I fix it? Is there a fuse for the onboard system I can check?
William Smith
Portsmouth, VA

It’s not a fuse, Bill. You need to have the codes checked and cleared through the onboard computer with a control module. Some parts stores can do this; otherwise you’ll have to visit a shop. The codes will lead the technician to the problem.

Jerking and Juddering
My 1997 Wrangler 2.5L has a couple of problems. It’ll start and idle smoothly, but then when I start driving the Jeep will bog and jerk and die. Then I have a hard time starting it again. After a while it’ll start and the cycle continues. What can I check? Also there is a ground strap on the frame near the starter. Where does the engine side connect?
Bill Kendricks
Atlanta, GA

Your Wrangler is suffering from fuel starvation. A dirty fuel filter or restricted fuel line will allow a reduced fuel flow so that it’ll start and run okay until insufficient fuel is received. Start with a clean filter. If that doesn’t work, trace all the fuel lines for a possible kink. As a last resort, make sure the tank’s venting system is working correctly. The easiest way to the check this is the next time the engine starts surging, stop the Jeep safely, leave the engine running, and jump out a remove the gas cap. If the engine smoothes out, the venting system is clogged. Find a bolt into the engine block that the ground strap can reach and use it. You should also get a Jeep shop manual.

Lifting a TJ
I have a 2005 Wrangler basic with 4.0L engine. For a mild lift do you recommend spring spacers? I found a 3-inch spacer lift, front and rear, but thought that was too much in between the coils and the mounts to be safe. This Jeep is 90% street driven. I have an ‘89 for the rougher stuff, and just want to get the TJ up a little for that other 10% of play time.
Michael O’Shaughnessy
Clarksville, AR

I wouldn’t use more than a 2-inch pad lift to be safe on your TJ. You can find kits for around $100.

I have a request of all the readers out there. Send us your questions. For some reason the questions have fallen off, and I know we haven’t answered all your Jeep technical questions. There are no dumb questions; only unasked questions. Send them in and try to stump us.—Jim Brightly

As usual, each month, I’m shouting out a huge THANK YOU to Paul Schupp at Rock Lizard 4x4 in Kingman, Arizona, for his invaluable assistance in answering many of the Jeep Creep questions.

More Jeep Creep Q&As
September 2015

August 2015

July 2015