1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Issues

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee issues are well-known among SUV enthusiasts, and this model year has a few specific headaches. The 1999 Grand Cherokee suffers from faulty blend doors and the dreaded “death wobble” in the front suspension. If you own one or are thinking about buying one, you need to know what you’re getting into. This article breaks down the most common problems, how to spot them, and what you can do to keep your Grand Cherokee running.

Let’s dive straight into the biggest problems. The 1999 model year is part of the ZJ generation, which ran from 1993 to 1998, but the 1999 is actually a WJ model. This first year of the WJ platform brought some new features, but also some new bugs. Here’s what you’ll likely face.

Engine Problems: The 4.0L Inline-Six And The 5.9L V8

The most common engine in the 1999 Grand Cherokee is the 4.0L inline-six. It’s known for being bulletproof, but it has a few weak points. The 5.9L V8 is rarer and more powerful, but it has its own set of issues.

4.0L Inline-Six: The Crank Position Sensor

This is a classic issue. The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) fails often. When it goes, your engine might stall or not start at all. It’s a cheap part, but it can leave you stranded.

Symptoms: Engine cuts out while driving, no start condition, intermittent stalling.
Fix: Replace the sensor. It’s located near the back of the engine, on the transmission bellhousing.
Tip: Keep a spare in your glovebox. It’s that common.

5.9L V8: Overheating And Head Gasket Issues

The 5.9L V8 is a powerful engine, but it runs hot. Overheating can lead to blown head gaskets. This is a costly repair. Keep an eye on your coolant level and temperature gauge.

Symptoms: Coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, engine overheating.
Fix: Head gasket replacement. This is a major job.
Prevention: Flush your cooling system regularly. Use a high-quality thermostat.

Transmission Troubles: The 42RE And 46RE

The 1999 Grand Cherokee uses a 42RE four-speed automatic transmission (with the 4.0L) or a 46RE (with the 5.9L). Both have known issues.

Shifting Problems And Slipping

You might notice hard shifts, delayed engagement, or slipping between gears. This is often due to a faulty transmission control module (TCM) or worn internal parts.

Check the fluid level and condition. Burnt-smelling fluid means trouble.
Look for error codes from the TCM. A scan tool can help.
If the TCM is bad, it can be rebuilt or replaced.
Internal wear might require a rebuild or replacement.

Death Wobble: The Front Suspension Nightmare

This is the scariest issue. The “death wobble” is a violent shaking of the front end that happens at highway speeds. It feels like the truck is going to fall apart. It’s caused by worn suspension parts.

What Causes Death Wobble?

It’s usually a combination of worn parts. The most common culprits are the track bar, steering damper, ball joints, and control arm bushings. If any of these are loose, the front axle can oscillate.

Track bar: Check the bushings and the bolt. A loose track bar is a top cause.
Steering damper: This is a shock absorber for the steering. If it’s worn, it won’t dampen vibrations.
Ball joints: Worn ball joints allow play in the steering.
Control arm bushings: These can crack and wear out over time.

How To Fix Death Wobble

Jack up the front end and check for play in all suspension components.
Replace any worn parts. Start with the track bar and steering damper.
Get a professional alignment after repairs.
Consider upgrading to heavy-duty aftermarket parts.

Blend Door Actuator: The HVAC Issue

The blend door actuator controls the temperature of the air coming from your vents. In the 1999 Grand Cherokee, this part fails often. You’ll hear a clicking sound behind the dashboard, and the temperature might not change.

Diagnosing The Blend Door

If you hear a clicking noise when you adjust the temperature, the actuator is likely stripped. Sometimes the door itself breaks inside the HVAC box.

Symptom: Clicking noise from behind the glovebox.
Fix: Replace the actuator. It’s a tight spot, but doable.
Worst case: The door inside the box is broken. This requires removing the entire dashboard.

Electrical Gremlins: The BCM And Window Switches

The 1999 Grand Cherokee has a body control module (BCM) that controls many electrical functions. It can fail, causing random issues. Also, the power window switches are known to break.

BCM Failures

The BCM can cause problems with the interior lights, door locks, and even the engine starting. It’s a computer that can be reprogrammed or replaced.

Symptoms: Interior lights stay on, doors won’t lock, engine won’t crank.
Fix: Have the BCM tested and reprogrammed. Replacement is expensive.

Window Switch Problems

The driver’s side window switch panel often fails. The switches get dirty or the contacts wear out. You might lose control of one or all windows.

Fix: Clean the contacts with electrical cleaner. Or replace the switch panel.
Tip: Aftermarket switch panels are cheap and work well.

Cooling System Woes: The Water Pump And Radiator

The 4.0L engine is tough, but the cooling system is a weak point. The water pump can leak, and the plastic radiator tanks can crack. Overheating is a real risk.

Water Pump Failure

The water pump has a weep hole. When it starts leaking coolant from that hole, it’s time to replace it. Ignoring it can lead to a broken belt or overheating.

Symptom: Coolant leak from the front of the engine.
Fix: Replace the water pump. It’s a straightforward job.

Radiator Issues

The plastic tanks on the radiator can crack at the seams. This causes a sudden loss of coolant. Check the top and bottom of the radiator for cracks.

Fix: Replace the radiator. An all-aluminum radiator is a good upgrade.
Prevention: Flush the coolant every two years.

Brake System Problems: The ABS Module

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) module on the 1999 Grand Cherokee can fail. This can cause the ABS light to come on, and the brakes might feel different.

ABS Module Failure

The module can develop internal faults. Sometimes the pump motor fails. This can lead to a loss of ABS function.

Symptom: ABS light on, pulsing brake pedal, or no ABS activation.
Fix: Replace or rebuild the ABS module. This is an expensive part.
Tip: You can sometimes find used modules, but they might fail too.

Rust And Body Issues

Rust is a big problem for older Grand Cherokees. The 1999 model is no exception. Check the rear wheel wells, rocker panels, and floor pans. Rust can compromise structural integrity.

Common Rust Spots

Rear wheel arches: The metal around the rear wheels rusts out.
Rocker panels: These are below the doors and often rot.
Floor pans: Check under the carpet for holes.
Tailgate: The bottom of the tailgate can rust.

How To Deal With Rust

Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before buying.
Treat surface rust with a rust converter.
For holes, you’ll need to cut out the rust and weld in new metal.
Apply a rust-proofing coating to prevent future issues.

Transfer Case And Drivetrain

The 1999 Grand Cherokee came with either a Selec-Trac or Quadra-Trac transfer case. Both can have issues. The front driveshaft is also a weak point.

Transfer Case Problems

The Selec-Trac system can have issues with the vacuum disconnect. The Quadra-Trac system can develop chain noise or fluid leaks.

Symptom: Clunking noises, difficulty shifting into 4WD, fluid leaks.
Fix: Check the fluid level. Replace seals or the entire unit if needed.

Front Driveshaft Issues

The front driveshaft has a CV joint that can fail. This causes a vibration at highway speeds. It’s a common issue on lifted Grand Cherokees.

Symptom: Vibration when accelerating, especially in 4WD.
Fix: Replace the driveshaft or rebuild the CV joint.

Interior Wear And Tear

The interior of the 1999 Grand Cherokee is not the most durable. The seats can tear, the headliner can sag, and the dashboard can crack.

Headliner Sagging

The fabric on the headliner often comes loose. It sags down and looks terrible. You can re-glue it or replace the entire headliner.

Fix: Use spray adhesive to reattach the fabric. Or buy a new headliner.
Tip: This is a common DIY job, but it’s messy.

Seat Tears And Cracks

The leather seats can crack and tear. The foam can also break down. Seat covers are a cheap fix.

Fix: Use seat covers or reupholster the seats.
Prevention: Condition the leather regularly.

Fuel System Issues

The fuel pump in the 1999 Grand Cherokee can fail. This is a common problem. The fuel tank also has a known issue with the sending unit.

Fuel Pump Failure

When the fuel pump dies, the engine won’t start. You might hear a whining noise before it fails.

Symptom: No start, engine sputters, whining noise from the tank.
Fix: Replace the fuel pump. It’s inside the tank.

Fuel Sending Unit

The sending unit tells you how much fuel is in the tank. It can fail, giving you inaccurate readings.

Symptom: Fuel gauge reads empty or full incorrectly.
Fix: Replace the sending unit (usually part of the pump assembly).

Exhaust System Rust

The exhaust system on the 1999 Grand Cherokee rusts out. The muffler and pipes can develop holes. This makes the truck loud and can cause failed emissions tests.

Common Exhaust Failures

Muffler: Rust holes in the muffler.
Catalytic converter: Can clog or fail.
Exhaust manifold: Can crack, causing a ticking noise.

How To Fix Exhaust Issues

Inspect the exhaust system for rust and holes.
Replace rusted sections with new pipes.
Use stainless steel parts for longer life.

Steering System Play

The steering system on the 1999 Grand Cherokee can develop play. This makes the truck feel loose on the road. It’s often caused by a worn steering gearbox or tie rod ends.

Steering Gearbox Issues

The steering gearbox can develop internal wear. This causes a dead spot in the steering wheel.

Symptom: Loose steering, wandering on the highway.
Fix: Adjust or replace the steering gearbox.

Tie Rod Ends

The tie rod ends connect the steering to the wheels. They wear out over time, causing play.

Symptom: Clunking noise when turning, loose steering.
Fix: Replace the tie rod ends and get an alignment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?

It can be reliable if you maintain it well. The engine is tough, but the transmission and suspension need attention. Expect to fix common issues like the blend door and death wobble.

What is the worst year for Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Many owners say the 1999 model has more than its share of problems. The blend door and death wobble are big complaints. Later years improved some issues.

How much does it cost to fix a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee blend door?

Replacing the blend door actuator is around $100 to $200 if you do it yourself. If the door itself is broken, it can cost $500 to $1000 to remove the dashboard.

Can death wobble be fixed permanently?

Yes, if you replace all worn suspension parts. Use heavy-duty parts and get a proper alignment. Regular inspections help prevent it from coming back.

Should I buy a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2024?

If you are handy with tools and don’t mind fixing things, it can be a fun truck. But be prepared for ongoing maintenance. Rust is a big concern, so check carefully.

Owning a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee means dealing with these issues. But with proper care, it can be a reliable vehicle. Keep an eye on the suspension, cooling system, and electrical gremlins. If you stay on top of maintenance, you’ll enjoy this classic SUV for years to come. Just be ready for the blend door to click and the death wobble to show up if you ignore the suspension. Good luck with your Grand Cherokee, and don’t forget to check those ball joints.