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.
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.
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
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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.
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
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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.
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.
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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 8-year-old design, it is still
competitive with the latest SUVs, and in terms of off-road prowess still
bests most of them.
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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