Little help please

95tuckgrand · 02-21-2012, 08:03 PM

I'm new to this forum so sorry of my questions have been discussed.

I bought my son (16) a 1995 ZJ Grand Cherokee.

It has 146K miles. 4.0L engine auto tranny.

The truck looks pretty good and most everything works.

My main concern is that it will miss above 2000 RPMs until you drive it for a half hour or so. Then it runs very good. It seemed strange to me and I hoped that some of you could point me toward some things to check.

Also, this truck has the lower display panel below the heater controls that the Time and Date flash all the time. It also flashes a red bar at the front of the grill and the windshield. I assume that the bar at the grill indicates that the hood is not latched but I am not sure about the windshield. All the other doors and hatch work correctly. We can't set the clock or date. Any help here is appreciated.

I also need to replace the headliner so if anyone can share a good site to purchase that kind of thing, it would be a great help.

Thanks again for the help.

dusterdude · 02-21-2012, 08:13 PM

I hope someone can answer this,my zj has the info center too and has the same red bars lit up also

jeepgoonie · 02-21-2012, 08:21 PM

I believe to set the time and date on the vic (Vehicle information center). You hold down both the buttons. Then they set column will flash, allowing you to set the number with the reset button or whatever th e bottom one is, and then hit set to move on to the next column. I could have the buttons mixed up though. So try the opp. If the first didn't work.

**HighLonesome** · 02-21-2012, 08:23 PM

Try new electrical...plugs, wires, cap and rotor. Maybe coil too.

jeepgoonie · 02-21-2012, 08:23 PM

As for the red bar, I haven't had a VIC in my zj in so long, I can't remember what that is for. I'm sure someone will provide more info than me.

**HighLonesome** · 02-21-2012, 08:25 PM

red bar at the grill is low coolant...look into that ASAP
windshield you can ignore

Mike97ZJ · 02-21-2012, 08:29 PM

Windshield is probably low washer fluid.

jeepgoonie · 02-21-2012, 08:32 PM

I'm pretty sure after you set the time, the vic will actually tell you what is wrong. Whether it be low coolant, sensor bad etc.

95tuckgrand · 02-21-2012, 09:16 PM

I have checked all the fluid levels and the coolant level is fine, at least in the radiator. Haven't check the overflow tank.

I'll try the ignition items this weekend. I just wanted to see if anyone has seen similar issues in the past before I just start replacing parts.

Thanks

95tuckgrand · 02-21-2012, 09:18 PM

Also, is it normal for the display to be flashing the time and date all the time? The battery was dead when I got it. Didn't know if that had any affect. I have tried to hold down the buttons and the display always flashes. Does anyone know where I can download the manual?

jeepgoonie · 02-21-2012, 09:19 PM

Try holding either button down and see if it does anything so you can set the time and date. Like I said, it's been a while since I had a vic

**HighLonesome** · 02-22-2012, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 95tuckgrand

I have checked all the fluid levels and the coolant level is fine, at least in the radiator. Haven't check the overflow tank.

I'll try the ignition items this weekend. I just wanted to see if anyone has seen similar issues in the past before I just start replacing parts.

Thanks

sender is in the overflow reservoir

**SAR-Swimmer** · 02-22-2012, 12:30 PM

Normal to flash after battery diconnected/dead.
Reset procedure,
Turn on ignition, ensure time date function is displayed,
Press/hold SET button until Hour function flashes, then release,
Single tap SET button to set hour, will go up 1 hr per tap,
Press SELECT button, to move to next time/date function, ie min,day,month, adjust settings using single tap of SET button,
Once all settings correct, press SELECT to lock all settings into memory.

95tuckgrand · 02-22-2012, 09:36 PM

Thanks for the help guys, the windshield light was the washer fluid and the grill bar was the reservoir tank. Filled them both and no more alarm lights.

Still haven't had any luck with the VIC unit. Time and Date continue to flash and holding the buttons don't change the flashing. Maybe the unit is defective but all the other lights seem to work OK. All the doors and the 2WD and 4WD indicators. I've held it for as long as a minute with no change. Should the date and time stop flashing when I hit either button? Also, it is telling me I have 650 miles to Service. How is that timing reset?

Foundrydude · 02-22-2012, 10:05 PM

Misfire til it fully warms up is a classic tune up/fouled spark plug issue.

The VIC is a notorious piece of junk and may refuse to program. Unhook it on the back side as a last resort, you won't be missing much.

good luck