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1993-98
Jeep
Grand
Cherokee
Redefining the SUV
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Thanks
to the Cherokee, throughout the eighties Jeep pretty much had a lock
on any customer in the market for a smallish, 4-door SUV. The Cherokee
was designed and developed in the pre-Chrysler days by the now defunct
American Motors Corporation, and bowed in 1984.
Departing from traditional
Jeep practice, it sported a rigid, fully unitized construction and was
engineered to perform as well on the road as off. And unlike its
super-luxury big brother, the 20-year old Grand Wagoneer, the Cherokee
was thoroughly modern in all aspects.
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STRENGTHS |
WEAKNESSES |
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Handling/Ride
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Responsiveness
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Design
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Comfort
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Size
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It was immensely popular
in suburbia, and a large percentage of them went out the door loaded
with comfort and convenience options. Many analysts believe that along
with their minivans, the profitable Cherokee played a large part in
keeping Chrysler afloat in the early nineties.
Unlike
the inexplicable amount of time that went by before rival car
companies figured out a successful minivan formula, the success of the
Cherokee did not go unnoticed. Soon luxury laden 4-door compact SUVs
were everywhere. In that sense, the Cherokee was a pioneer of today's
huge, and hugely profitable, compact and mid-size SUV market segment.
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What They Said When New |
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"....the ZJ (code
name) is smoothly competent and untroubled. Like a car, actually,
but with a taller viewpoint."......Motor Trend 5/92
"We spent only $213 to
maintain this wagon's health for 35,000 miles.".....Car &
Driver 8/93
"At 43,361 miles our
Grand Cherokee went to the dealer for a farewell check. It was
feeling old and loose.".......Automobile 12/93
"For an SUV, the Grand
Cherokee hangs in reasonably well in turns, leaning only
moderately.".......Consumer Reports 8/95
"The freshened
interior isn't a radical change, but it's more contemporary than
the square-cut previous design."......Motor Trend 1/96
"The Grand Cherokee
rides more comfortably than most SUVs, even with a full load. The
cabin is quiet except for pronounced gear whine during light
acceleration."......Consumer Reports 6/97 |
More
than any other vehicle, the introduction of the Ford Explorer ended
Jeep's dominance in this market and forced Jeep to respond. The result
was the all-new Grand Cherokee. Trim on the outside, it suffered when
compared to the Explorer's room and cargo capacity. But it bested the
Explorer, and everything else, when it came to ride, handling and
overall performance -- both on the road and off.
What's
Available
Initially, the Grand Cherokee was available in three trim levels,
Base, Laredo, and Limited. There was only one engine, the tried and
true 4.0 liter straight six mated to a 4-speed automatic w/overdrive
or 5-speed manual transmission. The 5-speed is extremely rare (we've
never seen one), but Jeep records indicate that some were built, and
we did find two listed for sale at our web site (vmrintl.com).
Jeep offered no less than three distinct four-wheel drive systems (see
sidebar).
Well
into the '93 model year (the Grand Cherokee debuted in the spring of
'92), a powerful and torquey 5.2 liter V8 (available only with the
automatic) hit the option sheet. Also phased in during the Grand
Cherokee's rookie year as a new top-of-the-line Grand Wagoneer. This
model came standard with the V8 and, evoking the dearly departed old
Grand Wagoneer (retired in '91), had fake woodgrain on the sides.
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Running Changes |
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1993
-- All new model
1994
-- Grand Wagoneer dropped; new Orvis package; Limited gets
4-wheel disc brakes; side door beams added
1995
-- 4-wheel disc brakes standard on all models; 5.2L V8 gets
modest torque increase; rear tailgate gets optional flip up
glass hatch; 5-speed manual dropped
1996
-- Revised interior w/dual airbags; front fascia and body
cladding restyled; part-time only Command-Trac dropped; 6cyl
loses 5hp but adds refinements that make it a bit smoother and
quieter
1997
-- New, improved ABS system; new steering column design;
upgraded sound systems; new TSi model
1998 --
Last model year for this design; new 5.9 Limited model; Orvis
designer package dropped |
As the Grand Cherokee
matured, Chrysler continued to add new features and models. A 2-wheel
drive version was added during the '93 model year, the Base model
became known as the SE in '94, and an Orvis designer package arrived
for 1995 (dropped in '98). The Laredo became the entry model in 1996,
and the SE was dropped. For 1997 the lineup saw the addition of the
TSi, slotted just below the Limited. A loaded performance version
equipped with a 245hp 5.9 liter V8, called the 5.9 Limited, crashed
the party for the final year, 1998.
Exterior Design
From
any angle, the Grand Cherokee presents a tight, crisp and purposeful
look and the prominent fender flares add a hint of aggressiveness to
the design.
The
base and Laredo models carried a charcoal gray colored exterior body
cladding around their lower sides and into the front and rear bumpers.
The Limited models had this same cladding, but it was painted the same
color as the rest of the exterior. The Laredo eventually gained the
option of the monotone paint treatment that was similar to the
Limited. It was part of the popular "Z" equipment package.
The front sported the
traditional (all the way back to the Willys Jeep of WWII) Jeep
seven-vertical bar grille; chrome on the base and Laredo, body-colored
on the upscale models. The tucked-up rear presents two taillights
flanking the hatch door.
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This '96 shows off the mild front fascia restyle |
Uncommon among "suburban"
SUVs, a requirement during development was that the Grand Cherokee
must be able to venture off-road with confidence. And we're not
talking the dirt road up to the cabin by the lake here, either. Like
all Jeeps, the Grand Cherokee had to be able to handle off-road
terrain that included no road at all. As such, you'll notice that the
Grand Cherokee has short front and rear over hangs. Not only does this
contribute to the crispness of the design, it allows for steeper
approach and departure angles off-road than your typical luxury SUV.
For the
1996 model year, things were freshened up a bit. The front grille
grew, fog lights were integrated into the front fascia and new alloy
wheels adorned all versions. The cladding was a little less busy, too.
Interior Design
The Grand Cherokee's
interior, with a couple minor exceptions, was a model of efficiency
and smart design when new. The dash greets the driver with a large
speedometer and tachometer directly ahead flanked by smaller gauges
for fuel, temp, oil pressure and even a voltmeter. Controls are easy
to find and use. A minor update of the interior, including the dash
occurred in 1996. Still, it's a bit dated looking now, with angular
surfaces and lots of gaps and seams, especially on the earlier models.
Some of the materials could've been better selected as well as they
have that cheapo, shiny plastic look. The Limited and TSi models
benefited from trim and materials upgrades, and sported an standard
overhead console that was optional on other models.
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Top: '94 Limited. Bottom: '96 Laredo. The interior was
freshened a bit for '96. (click to enlarge) |
The biggest issue we have
with the interior design is the placement of the spare tire. Propped
up against the driver's side wall of the cargo area, it looks like an
afterthought and takes up valuable cargo space. According to Jeep,
this was necessitated by the requirement of high ground clearance in
the rear to facilitate operation in the rough. By not making room for
the spare, the rear chassis pan could be tucked up and away from the
ground. You can purchase an aftermarket outside swing away spare tire
mount, but installing it involves some drilling and it makes getting
in and out of the back awkward.
This
was a big complaint with Grand Cherokee owners, and the new design '99
model has its spare tire mounted under an access panel in the floor.
Room
and Comfort
An
abundance of room is not something the Grand Cherokee offers. A family
of four and their gear easily fill up the cabin. What space it does
offer, however, is put to good use. As long as you limit total
passengers to four, sitting in a Grand Cherokee is rather comfortable.
There's plenty of room up front and even rear passengers have decent
room, but we wish the seat cushion was a little higher. Three abreast
in the back is a little tight, but not as bad as you might expect. All
three will stay reasonably comfortable for even moderate trips. This
is a laudable achievement, for as we have said the Grand Cherokee is
quite trim on the outside.
The
front seats are a little soft, with weak lower back support. The
Limited's leather seats are somewhat better on both counts. Leather
seating surfaces were optional on the other models.
Power
windows and locks, although originally optional on the lower level
Grand Cherokees, adorns virtually all examples. The power package,
which include remote entry, became standard fare for '96. It was
always standard on the Limited.
The
Limited came standard with all kinds of standard comfort and
convenience equipment, including upgraded interior with power leather
seats, upmarket sound systems and dual lighted vanity mirrors.
Positioned between the Limited and Laredo was a TSi model in the '97
and '98 model years. It enjoyed the nicer interior of the Limited and
had leather seats, but power was optional. It lacked some other minor
accessories of the Limited as well.
Cargo
space fell short compared to, say, a Ford Explorer, but at least the
split-back rear seat folds and flips forward to make the most of the
space available. Of course, that spare doesn't help.
Ride/Handling/Performance
For a SUV, the Grand
Cherokee is remarkably nimble. In fact, it was the first SUV that
drove like a pretty good sedan. Stepping out of a Grand Cherokee and
into the previous "car-like" champ of SUVs, the Ford Explorer, was a
revelation. The Explorer felt like a ponderous slug compared to the
Jeep.
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4-Wheel Drive
Options |
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No less than three
four-wheel drive systems were available on the Grand Cherokee.
Standard on the
Base, SE and Laredo was a simple, basic part-time system called
Command-Trac. It was designed to be used only off-road. Optional
on these models was an on- or off-road 2WD/4WD selectable system
called Selec-Trac. The most sophisticated, and capable, system
is Jeep's Quadra-Trac. It is always in 4-wheel drive mode and
can direct power to where it's needed most.
All these systems
have a low range, and a locking rear differential was also
available if you intend to go hunting big horn sheep in the
Rockies. |
The Grand Cherokee is
responsive in both everyday and emergency maneuvers. There is some
body roll, but the front and rear ends can easily be kept in line by
the accelerator. Many contemporary road test reports cited slightly
numb and somewhat vague steering, but we think they're being a little
picky. While it's no Miata, the steering feel and precision is well
within acceptable bounds. We didn't like the steering wheel shook over
harsh bumps, however. We didn't test a model outfitted with the Up
Country suspension package, which includes different springs and an
extra inch of ground clearance. We would expect handling to suffer
just a bit.
As for the ride, again the
Grand Cherokee was the benchmark. Smooth and compliant over bumps, it
was difficult to upset. The Explorer had a good ride too, but what
tipped the scale in favor of the Jeep is its rigid body. Where the
Explorer shudders over bumps, the Grand Cherokee soaks them up.
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The Limited model sported body colored bumpers and cladding and
lots of luxury. |
What makes this all the
more amazing is the Grand Cherokee's suspension setup. It's got a
solid axle in the rear and one in the front, too. Now, any elitist
automotive know-it-all will tell you what a crude and out of date
setup that is. And they'd be right. But it works, and works well.
Of the
three models we drove, two had the Quadra-Trac setup and one had the
Selec-Trac. The comments about handling here apply to both. A Command-Trac
equipped model in two-wheel drive may handle a little differently when
pushed, as by necessity the vehicle will be directing power only to
the rear-wheels. Ride quality should not be affected.
Acceleration with the V8 was very brisk. Even the six got things
moving along pretty well. We didn't drive the 5.9 Limited, but for a
while it was the quickest SUV in the world.
The V8
equipped Limited model we drove was noticeably quieter than a Laredo
with the six. The quality of the sound coming from the engine
compartment was more pleasant, and road noise was more subdued. Still,
the Laredo was quiet enough for all but tomb lovers, and they'd buy a
Lexus anyway.
Even
though all three vehicles we drove still felt tight, two of them had
more than one rattle or buzz -- not a good sign, as things will only
get worse as time goes on.
All
Grand Cherokees have ABS brakes. Initially, the setup consisted of
front discs and rear drums, but this was remedied for '95 when 4-wheel
discs adorned all Grand Cherokees. Stepping hard on the brakes
revealed some squishiness, but stops were straight and true. We'd call
the brakes acceptable, but not spectacular.
Serious
off-roading is beyond the scope of our testing. Reports from
popular car and truck magazines all rated the Grand Cherokee as one of
the best. Its combination of a capable four-wheel drive system,
compliant suspension and trim size made it a favorite in the woods.
Many called it one of the best luxury SUV in the rough -- able to hang
in there with such illustrious and pricey models as Land Rover and
Toyota Land Cruiser.
Safety
As
mentioned above, from the start all Grand Cherokees had ABS brakes.
The addition of 4-wheel discs to all models brought an extra measure
of safety, as discs are less apt to fade after repeated braking during
operation in wet weather.
When
the Grand Cherokee was introduced, it was the first SUV to have an
airbag as standard equipment. It was a driver only setup until the
1996 model year when a passenger airbag was added with the interior
redesign.
US
Government crash test on a 1993-95 models resulted in "very good"
rating for the driver and a "good" rating for the front passenger.
Oddly, later examples that had dual airbags reversed those results,
scoring a "good" for the driver and a "very good" for the passenger.
Service/Maintenance
Normal
service and maintenance costs fall in the average category, with only
the extra fluid changes for the 4-wheel drive stuff deviating from
passenger car norms. Both the six and the eight are durable,
long-lived engines. The six in particular has a track record of
regularly reaching 200K miles without a rebuild. Assuming proper
maintenance, of course.
Parts
cost are fairly low, as the Grand Cherokee shares many individual
components with other Jeep and Chrysler products.
Reliability
Early
Grand Cherokees seem to have more than their share of problems, and we
recommend avoiding them. Among the trouble areas: transmission, axles,
seals, body hardware and electrics. '93 and '94 was not a good time
for many Chrysler products, and these are no exception.
Things
got progressively better, and a '96-'98 model are a safer bet. Still,
these are not the most trouble-free vehicles. Sure, they're durable,
but that's different. The sheer volume and nature of technical service
bulletins issued for the Grand Cherokee is disappointing -- the Grand
Cherokee has so many charms that it's a shame that Chrysler dropped
the quality ball.
Recommendations
There's
really nothing that would prompt us recommend one particular model
over another. If you like the luxury treatment, the Limited or TSi
model is for you, otherwise the Base, SE, and Laredo have most of the
convenience equipment that really matters and do just fine.
The
Grand Cherokee is for those who are looking for something a little
different than your standard SUV. It was the first that actually
combined sport with utility. It had to give up some of the
latter for the former, but your reward is a go-anywhere vehicle that
is fairly nimble and responsive to drive.
We
think it was a good compromise. As long as you don't need a lot of
room or have something very heavy to tow, and can accept the fact that
its no 4Runner in the reliability department, we can't think of
another SUV we'd rather live with day in and day out. Despite being an
over 10 year-old design now, it still rides and drives well, and in
terms of off-road prowess still bests most of them.
Current Jeep Grand Cherokee Values
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General
Trim Levels:
Base, SE, Laredo, Tsi, Limited, 5.9 Limited
Body Styles:
4dr utility wagon
Dimensions &
Capacities
Weight:
3600-3800lbs;
4200lbs (5.9 Limited)
Length:
177.2"
Wheelbase:
105.9"
Width:
69.3-70.7"
Height:
64-65"
EPA Class:
Sport Utility
Interior Vol:
n/a
Cargo Vol :
40.9
Fuel:
23 gallons
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Mechanical
Layout:
Front-engine,
Rear/Four-wheel drive
Engines:
4.0L
(6cyl-185/190hp) 5.2L (8cyl-220hp) 5.9L (8cyl-245hp)
Transmission:
4-speed automatic w/overdrive; 5spd manual
Brakes:
Front disc/rear drum
(93-94 except 94 Limited); Front/rear disc (rest) All w/ABS
Performance
(4.0L/5.2L w/4WD)
0-60mph:
10.5/8.8 seconds
1/4 mile: 17.8/16.8 seconds Top Speed: 112/115mph
(electronically limited)
EPA Mileage:
(city/hwy) (4WD) 15/20 (4.0L); 14/18 (5.2L)
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Safety
ABS Brakes:
Standard
Air Bags:
Driver only
('93-'95) Dual ('96-up)
NHTSA Safety Rating:
('97 model)
Driver *** Passenger
****
Key:
Best: ***** No or
minor injuries probable
Worst: * Serious
injury probable
IIHS 40 mph Crash
Rating:
Marginal
Original Warranty:
3yr/36,000 mi
limited bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance; 7yr/100,000
(93-96), 5yr/100,000 (97-98) mi corrosion/perforation
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Government Safety
Recalls |
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NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID
Number: 92V181000
Potential Number of
Units Affected: 600
Year: 1993
Summary:
The retainer cup
which secures the master cylinder input rod to the brake pedal
was not installed properly, and could work loose. Disengagement
of the retainer cup will allow free play in the attachement and
can allow the input rod to separate from the brake pedal causing
complete loss of brakes which could result in an accident.
Improperly installed retainer clips will beremoved and new
retainer clips will be properly installed.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID
Number: 93V051000
Potential Number of
Units Affected: 25000
Year: 1993
Summary:
The eccentric cam
adjuster bolts in both front lower suspension arm-to-front axle
bracket attachments may fail due to assembly misalignment. Cam
bolt failures cause the vehicle to pull to one side when the
brakes are applied, resulting in a possible loss of vehicle
control and an accident. Replace the front suspension cam
bolts, cam woshers, and nuts with components of a different
design.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID
Number: 93V055000
Potential Number of
Units Affected: 80000
Year: 1993
Summary:
Grease applied to the liftgate latch rubber bumpers to ease
component assembly caused the bumper to swell, interfering with
the movement of the liftgate latch pawl. This interferes with
liftgate latching operation. An unlatched liftgate can open
while the vehicle is in motion and could result in an occupant
falling out. Replace the liftgate assembly on affected
vehicles.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID
Number: 93V210000
Potential Number of
Units Affected: 115000
Year: 1993
Summary:
The molded plastic pin which connects the upper steering column
shaft and the lower column shaft may have been sheared prior to
installation of the steering column assembly into the vehicle.
If this occurred, the upper steering shaft will separate from
the lower steering shaft. If the upper and lower steering shafts
separate, complete loss of steering control will occur, which
could result in an accident. A restraining sleeve will be
added to the intermediate shaft to limit the amount of steering
shaft movement available.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID
Number: 95V172000
Potential Number of
Units Affected: 135000
Year: 1995
Summary:
The parking brake handle release button can separate from the
parking brake handle assembly, causing the parking brake to be
innoperative. The parking brake may not hold causing the vehicle
to roll inadvertently Dealers will replace the parking brake
handle assembly.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID
Number: 95V193000
Potential Number of
Units Affected: 32000
Year: 1996
Summary:
The fasteners which secure the alternatior circuit fuse to the
power distribution center may have an improper clamp load.
Imporoper clamping can result in arcing at the connection
potentially causing a fire in the engine compartment. Dealers
will replace the alternator fuse with a fuse link and any damage
to the power distribution center iwll be repaired.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID
Number: 96I004000
Component: INTERIOR
SYSTEMS:SEAT BELTS:LAP:REAR
Year: 1993
Summary:
This is not a safety problem in accordance with Federal
Regulation 573. However, it is deemed a safety improvement
campaign by the agency. The center rear seat belt buckle may not
be accessible when the right (passenger) side of the rear seat
back is folded down in the cargo stowage position. In the event
of a collision, the occupant of the center rear seat may not be
properly restrained and personal injury could occur. Dealers
will replace the seat belt buckle assembly.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID
Number: 97I002000
Potential Number of
Units Affected: 1010400
Year: 1993-95
Summary:
Vehicle Description: Multipurpose passenger vehicles equipped
with automatic transmissions. This is not a safety recall in
accordance with Federal Regulation 573. However, it is deemed a
safety
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improvement campaign
by the agency. Drivers can mistakenly step on the accelerator
pedal when they intend to step on the brake pedal. Pedal
misapplication by a driver can cause unintended acceleration.
Dealers will install a shift interlock on the automatic
transmission of these vehicles.
NOTE: Chrysler has
decided to conduct a safety improvement campaign to install a
shift interlock on these vehicles. Owners can contact Chrysler
at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID
Number: 97V039000
Potential Number of
Units Affected: 70000
Year: 1996
Summary:
Vehicle Description:
Vehicles equipped with memory seat option. The memory seat
module wiring harness can come in contact with the seat spring,
A low resistance short circuit can develop resulting in
localized heating. The localized heating can result in ignition
of the seat cushion material and a vehicle fire. Dealers will
relocate the memory seat control module and wiring harness and a
protective shield will be installed on the seat frame.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID
Number: 97V080000
Potential Number of
Units Affected: 125000
Year: 1997
Summary:
The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an
inadvertent air bag deployment upon vehicle ignition shut down.
Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module with
a newly designed module.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID
Number: 97V194000
Potential Number of
Units Affected: 360000
Year: 1997
Manufactured From:
SEP 1996 To: NOV 1996
Summary:
Vehicle Description:
Multi-purpose passenger vehicles. The fuel tank mounted fuel
level sending unit accuracy can degrade over time, indicating
significantly more fuel in reserve than is actually present.
Owners may not be aware that their vehicle is low on fuel
increasing the risk of a vehicle crash if the vehicle stops due
to no fuel. Dealers will replace the fuel level sending unit.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID
Number: 98V005000
Potential Number of
Units Affected: 293369
Year: 1993
Summary:
Vehicle Description: Passenger and multi-purpose vehicles
originally sold in (or are currently registered in) the States
of Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York,
Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, or Wisconsin, and the
District of Columbia. The front disc brake rotors can experience
severe corrosion if operated for an extensive period in the
"salt belt." If the rotors are not replaced, the corrosion can
eventually compromise the structural integrity of the stamped
steel center hub section of the rotor. The reduced strength can
allow the cast iron wear surface to separate from the hub,
reducing the brake effectiveness of the vehicle. Dealers will
replace these rotors with rotors that are coated with a
corrosion protection.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID
Number: 98V006000
Potential Number of
Units Affected: 65000
Year: 1996
Manufactured From:
JUL 1995 To: JUL 1996
Summary:
Vehicle Description:
Multi-purpose vehicles equipped with "Quadra-Trac" transfer
case, temporary spare tire, and any of 225/70R16, 225/75R16 or
245/70R15 road tires. When the temporary spare tire is in use,
the front axle can overheat. An overheated axle can force axle
fluid out of the seals, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Dealers will replace the the temporary spare tire with a full
sized tire and wheel.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID
Number: 98V023000
Potential Number of
Units Affected: 8900
Year: 1998
Manufactured From:
OCT 1997 To: NOV 1997
Summary:
Vehicle Description:
Multi-purpose passenger vehicles. The power brake booster vacuum
reservoir diaphragm can split or tear. This can cause an
increase in engine idle speed and a loss of power assist during
brake application without prior warning. Dealers will inspect
the brake booster date code and any boosters with the suspect
manufacturing date range will be replaced.
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