[JumpinJeepster]

I'm new to the forum. Hope I'm in the right spot. I have a problem with my '04 Grand Cherokee. In August of this year, I paid $1,097 for service (60K mile service), which included among other services, a power steering flush and fluid exchange. I took my car in today and was told that I needed a new power steering pump, a new fan module, and new wiring--at a cost of $2,100.

I keep the car well maintained according to Chrysler's maintenance schecule.

Questions: Does that sound right and who and where at Chrysler can I complain to. Will it do any good?

The Jeep has about 73,000 miles, most of which are highway miles. It has never been off the road or anything like that.

Any advice, comments, suggestions, names and addresses appreciated.
John

[3fifty]

Why do you need the new power steering pump, fan module, and wiring?

[JumpinJeepster]

I took the car in because at low speeds when turning into a garage, for example, it makes a clicking noise that sounds like tacks in the tires. Also, several weeks ago the dealer said that he believed that the power steering pump was going bad.

It had also become harder to turn the wheel at low speed as well.

The dealer said that the cooling for the steering fluid runs through the radiator and because the pump was bad it caused the fan and the wiring to burn up.

John

[3fifty]

Whats that have to do with your fan and wiring?

[JumpinJeepster]

According to the dealer, the power steering fluid runs through the radiator. Because the fluid was not cooled, it burned up the fan and the wiring. So the power steering pump, fan, and wiring all need to be replaced at the additional cost of something like $1,300.
John

[ratmonkey]

another reason to hate dealer mechanics...
has it been overheating or running overtemp at ALL lately?

[ratmonkey]

now, i don't know WJ's, but i have worked on more than a few different vehicles, i've yet to come across one that runs the p/s fluid through the radiator. usually if it does have a cooler it's just a small oil cooler located somewhere near the gearbox where it will get some airflow over it. usually underneath a frame rail.

powersteering fluid doesn't generally heat up enough to require forced cooling.

[JumpinJeepster]

The only symptoms were a little stiffer steering at crawl speeds and the clicking sounds turning into the garage.
John

[3fifty]

You need to go test your fan first.
I believe if you turn your a/c on your fan will kick on. If not you can jump it to the battery just to make sure it spins.

You can pick up a pump online for around $120.00 I believe. Check advanced auto or one of those chains as well. They might have them cheaper. You would need to rent a puller to remove the pulley if you want to do this yourself.

[JumpinJeepster]

Unfortunately, it is too late for do-it-yourself. The car is at the dealer being repaired. Besides, my back has been giving me fits lately. I also am hot-rodding a '55 Chevy and that is about all I can handle for now.

Does anyone know an address to contact the manufacturer. I would at least like to whine at them a bit.

John

[3fifty]

I would call and ask them to show you the fan not working.

http://www-5.jeep.com/webselfservice/jeep/index.jsp?screenName=customer&country=us&emailUrl= goToEmailForm%28%27R%27%29

See if that works.

If not,
http://www-5.jeep.com/webselfservice/jeep/index.jsp
then select "
I need CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE."

CONTACT JEEP - Customer Assistance If you would like to talk to us about product concerns or dealer issues, please contact us. Be sure to have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current mileage on the odometer ready OR include with your correspondence. You may also want to contact us with general questions or comments.

[JumpinJeepster]

Thanks for those links. I'm an ol' West Virginia boy myself. I was born in Welch, WV about 19 miles from Bluefield.
John

[3fifty]

No problem. Hope they help you out.

Im from Pa originally. Wifes from WV and yes... she has all her teeth! lol

Best of luck John.

[-Joe-]

I confuse easily.. What are you complaining about?

The price? or that parts fail?

[muddyjgc]

What kind of maintenance cost $1100!?