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Jeep-Mid-Sized All discussion of mid-sized Jeeps: Cherokee, Grand Cherokee

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Old 12-29-2007, 12:44 PM
azmotobrat
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Default Sensors and circuit voltage '98 Crand Cherokee

Has anyone encountered a problems with secondary sensors on '98 Grand Cherokee LTD (5.2L)? As you know it has all those needless sensors such as "Lift Gate opened" and stuff. Under off-road impact those sensors go ballistic, keep flashing and beeping and annoying hell out of me. But the worst and definitely critical part of this nonsense is that sensors cause voltage drop in the primary circuits that control engine and simply cause engine to shut-off, and also draw battery power when engine is off.
Is there a solution? Disconnect sensors without impacting primary components? How to get rid of factory alarm? (If I need theft protection, I choose LoJack anyway).
In general, it has been a great off-road machine, I have 4.5" Rubicon Express, cut out fenders and panels, roof rack, winch/ bumper, 305 Mickeys and tons more. Stock V8 and Quadratrack perform great, better than my previous Jeep- Rubicon, and unlike new Grand Cherokee, small enough to avoid body damage. It does very well in Moab, taking 3+ and 4 trails, and still remains street legal. The only problem I encountered so far was the one I described above.
Suggestions? Maybe someone knows a 4x4 shop in PHX area that deals with it? Dealer does not want to take a responsibility for such modifications, since a part of it relates to "safety" (I wonder how in the hell is that possible).

Last edited by azmotobrat; 12-29-2007 at 12:56 PM.
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Old 12-29-2007, 02:26 PM
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Based on what you are saying, I think you have a more serious issue. The sensors them selves pull little to no current. In most cases, they are simple switches that are 'normally open' when the door is closed. When you open the door they connect to ground, thus completing the circuit.

Even when grounded, the current draw is so little that it has no impact of overall system performance...much less kill the engine.

What I think you have is a short or open somewhere. The big clue is that it happens when you are bouncing around off road (kudos to you for taking your jeep off road). The hard part is going to be finding it. I would suggest putting the jeep in park with the engine running and then start pulling and wiggling every wire you can find. If you grab one that makes a different, your getting close.

Good luck on this one....
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Old 12-31-2007, 11:59 AM
azmotobrat
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I have gone through quite intense process of elimination, like what you are recommending, so as my good friend who has an auto shop and works on my Jeep when it's beyond my skills and my tools. He ran the entire system diagnosis, step by step, checked every circuit. Nothing- no power loss detected. That's why I blamed on the sensors. There was a major problem when I bought this Jeep: aftermarket alarm- I took it out entirely. But still: this is my third battery in the duration of 8 months. Can't blame AZ heat: my F-350 batteries (2), all batteries in all my bikes have been holding very well. Checked alternator/ charging circuit- no problems. All I can do is carry a good jump start/ charger in my survival kit. Got dry cell battery too.

Yep, I do take it out, it's good " on The Rocks", that's what it's for. The same tought Jeep as Wrangler- only in civilized skin, same Dana 44s, it just has more power and better 4x4 system. And (it's just me- girl's thing: I like the comfort that my old Wrangler and Rubicon didn't offer).
Here is a pic: before I installed a bumper. Moab, UT, Clondike Bluffs
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Last edited by azmotobrat; 12-31-2007 at 12:13 PM.
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