Picking up 1996 Grand Cherokee Limited tomorrow.

Windowsrookie · 11-09-2007, 09:45 PM

Hey everyone, I'll be picking up my first car tomorrow. It's a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. It's got quite a few miles on it (192,343), but I got it for a good price ($1,950). I'm just wondering what I should do with it when I get it home tomorrow. My dad and I checked the oil and transmission fluid at the dealership, both looked good (Oil appeared to have just been changed).

Everything appears to be in good shape. The only problem is the lift gate won't open easily. Anybody know how to fix this? I hear it's somewhat common. Also, the keyless entry doesn't seem to work. Is the battery replaceable?

Im very excited and would just like to know what you guys recommend to do with it. The next oil change should I switch to synthetic? Any tips would be great.

Thanks!

Darthteddy · 11-09-2007, 09:52 PM

All the jeeps ive had, the tailgate has been "sticky". Try greasing the joints with white lithium grease or something. Not sure what to tell ya about the keyless entry but the battery should be replaceable.

BucYouUp68 · 11-09-2007, 10:06 PM

Marvel Mystery Oil the tailgate, and all the doors. Check the Diffs out, the transfer case, Power Steering, Plugs, Wires, etc.......Next thing to do is a lift and Bigger tires.

93JeepZJ · 11-09-2007, 10:13 PM

what engine/transfer case did u get stuck with?

j.love · 11-09-2007, 10:16 PM

With that many miles, I would do a full tune up. plugs wires.. all that jazz..
Do the all the fluids, just so you know they are fresh!

As far as the hatch goes, there is a lever that can be adjusted if the oil trick doesn't work. You have to remove the interior panel to get to it. There is a threaded rod between the exterior handle and the lock mechanism. If you adjust that rod, that usually solves the problem. Very easy fix, there are a few hidden screws to that interior panel under the carpeting on the hatch!

Windowsrookie · 11-09-2007, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93JeepZJ

what engine/transfer case did u get stuck with?

It's a 5.2L V8, not sure about the transfer case.

How much will a full tuneup cost me?

And thanks for the latch tips.

**Vestjam** · 11-09-2007, 10:29 PM

..... the adventure begins....

There are several 'tune up' kits for the ZJ. ...plugs, wires, cap , rotor, air filter, etc. Take a look at your wires and see if they appear newer. I believe most factory wires on the 4.0's were red, although, that's not 100% (I've just never seen a 4.0 without red wires).

Check fluids in both front/rear differential. Also TC (will most likely be redish pink.)

A 'Limited' would most likely have had a keyless entry FOB. I believe you can still program that one yourself for the 1996. You can pick up FOB on ebay.

Not sure about specifics on lift gate. Opens but is hard to pull, doesn't alway open when you pull....etc. If it's difficult to open because it's not releasing, then once you get it open, pull the inside panel off and look in the area the rear handle is in. There is a threaded rod that goes down to the locking mechanism. The level sometimes slips a bit and needs to be re-adjusted. Figure out a way to keep it from moving once you get it adjusted properly. I used some safety wire and wound it around the shaft to keep if from sliding.

I personally wouldn't switch to synthetic at that mileage. Just use a quality motor oil and change it in the 3000-5000 range.

Good Luck...

BucYouUp68 · 11-09-2007, 10:29 PM

Grab yourself a shop manual, and do it yourself. Under 100 easy with fluids.

TRL · 11-09-2007, 11:41 PM

I agree, pick up a Haynes manual (20 bucks at any auto parts store) and do the tune up/fluid changes yourself. This will also help you get to know the Jeep a little better.

I would stick with regular ol' dino oil until you need to get the engine rebuilt.

Windowsrookie · 11-10-2007, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRL

I agree, pick up a Haynes manual (20 bucks at any auto parts store) and do the tune up/fluid changes yourself. This will also help you get to know the Jeep a little better.

I would stick with regular ol' dino oil until you need to get the engine rebuilt.

Sounds good, My dad bought me a Haynes Manual already, and it covers Grand Cherokees up to 2004,so it will work with my mom's Jeep too!

MAUSS · 11-10-2007, 10:07 AM

The genuine Jeep Factory Service Manual for your specific year will be a lot more useful than the Haynes manual, particularly in the areas of door latches.

11-09-2007, 10:13 PM	#4
93JeepZJ Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 181 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	what engine/transfer case did u get stuck with? __________________ '93 Jeep ZJ- 4.0L/249NP/42RE, 2" BB, 31" ProComp A/T's '01 Monte Carlo SS- Supercharged/Cam/Headers [url]www.cardomain.com/id/montecarlo97z[/url]