I have a 4x4 2006 Grand Cherokee Laredo with 175k+ miles that has started overheating. It's not leaking coolant, doesn't smoke. We changed the thermostat, first, since it was the cheapest option. Drove it about two miles until it overheated and started smoking. Towed jeep home. We've since changed the water pump, since multiple persons agreed that was the next possibility, and refilled the coolant. On the test drive we went a couple miles and had to turn around because the temperature gauge was running hot. There is pressure in the radiator line, coolant is circulating, and it's heating it up.

We're at a loss. Unsure of our next step and I can't afford a mechanic. Can anyone offer any solutions?

i hava similar issue, i have replaced the radiator cap and thermostas, going to change the coolant temperature sensor next

 

Well good luck. After I posted this we also changed the coolant sensor but that didn't help. I finally took it to a mechanic and the diagnosis is either a blown head gasket or a broken/warped head, apparently Grand Cherokees are known for it.

 

Sorry to hear that.

From what I've read here, the GC in that time range with the V8 (4.7L) have really no tolerance for an overheat. I've been looking at a used GC, and this site has been extremely helpful.