Underhood Wiring Problems of Jeep Cherokee

With time the blower motor wiring harness (which is too small for the amperage) in these vehicles invariably heats up and melts or burns. The melting of the harness and connector behind the blower speed selector switch in the dash and the burning of the switch itself occured in my vehicle, allong with the failure of the blower motor resistor, but in many vehicles the resistor is the first to burn and fail. I have looked at over 20 of these vehicles ranging from 1991 to 1996, and 30000 to 220000 miles, and every single one one them had these components melted and burned to the point of not being usable, and making one wonder how many other vehicles have caught fire and burned because of this fault. Some of these vehicles also showed associated wires burned or melted in the steering column. An associated symptom is that the blower motor ceases to function, or (in the case of resistor failure, will usually work only on high speed). This shows a defect that may take time to manifest, but will always occur eventually in every vehicle unless the blower is never used. The blower switch to resistor wiring harness and switch connector/plug are not even available from dealers, but the switch itself and the resistor are available as aftermarket items. However, if replaced, these will fail too, unless the wiring in this circuit is replaced with heavier guage wiring or somehow protected from high amperage. As evidenced by hundreds of related complaints on internet forums, this is a serious problem that could result in fires, and potentially loss of life. Luckily my fire was minor, did little damage and was quickly extinguished. However, I'm not sure how to resolve the actual problem properly, since oem replacement parts will sooner or later develop the same problems, and available aftermarket parts are not improved over the originals.

See all problems of the 1996 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

Fog light switch. Went to the dealer to get another switch , I was told that the switch # had been changed and the it is $186. 00 which includes wiring" I asked if the wiring is recalled he said " no" so I bought the switch for $45. 00 and it seems to work. I was wondering if Dodge knows that the wiring is bad? I have seen a Jeep in the junk yard that has a dash fire starting in that area? your help is required for our safety & peace of mind!.

See all problems of the 1999 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

Vehicle was only driven about 5 miles and parked when a neighbor noticed fire. Consumer stated fire was under the hood of vehicle.

See all problems of the 2000 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

Vehicle had been parked for about 3 minutes and smoke started coming from hood. This was due to the wiring under the hood catching on fire. Dealer stated wiring needed to be replaced. The fire had caused major damage to the vehicle and the consumers insurance paid for the repairs. After a week the vehicle had a loose bearing and was replaced.

A fire started in engine compartment while driving 15 mph. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

After driving vehicle there is a burning smell coming from under the hood, smells like tar. Odor not noticable inside vehicle. Vehicle taken to dealer 3 times, cannot find a problem.

Insured stated that the fire started by sparks in the wiring under the hood and spread to passenger compartment. Claim number 38-j818-276.

Vehicle experienced engine compartment fire, suspect failure of the wiring harness to be cause, claim 29-6065-511.

Had driven vehicle home and parked. Did not smell anything and had no warning. Got out of vehicle. Around 9:00 pm smelled smoke and checked vehicle. Noticed vehicle was in flames. Tried to put flames out after contacting fire department. Fire department put flames out, and gave a possible indication of an electrical short on driver's side, behind the headlights.

See all problems of the 1998 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

Vehicle bursted into flame and exploded while parked outside of home. Local fire department arrived and extinguished fire. Also, fire department believed fire was due to an under hood electrical short. Dealer / manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.

I just bought the car 07/21/00 & the car was smoking from the back no lights came on to inform me that the car was smoking - people flagged me down to let me know the car was smoking.

Vehicle was parked inside garage area at work. Someone came into the office and stated that a vehicle was on fire. Flames were coming from underneath the grill area. Fire department was notified. The firemen had to open the hood area with an ax. Heat from the fire closed the hood tightly. Chrysler determined fire started in power steering motor.

While driving down the road smoke was coming out of defroster. Stopped vehicle, then car caught on fire. Contacted manufacturer.

See all problems of the 1997 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

While driving the vehicle will stall unexpectedly due to a faulty wiring harness which caused the fuse to blow out. Dealer replaced and repaired the wiring harness 3 times. Please provide further information.

I drove my Jeep to work and parked in the parking garage. Approximately 40 min. To 1 hour later, I was notified that my vehicle was on fire. The fire department had already been notified and extinguished the fire. The hood lock melted and froze the hood shut. The fire dept. Had to pry the hood open with a crowbar. All plastic and electical components on the top of the motor had burned. Chrysler is investigating the cause but does not yet have a determination.

At 7200 miles the engine check light went on flashing. This happened 2 more time over last winter. Each time the spark plugs are fouled and replaced, the computer reports misfiring in the engine. Then in July my car went on fire after driving 6 miles to the store. I parked my car went into the store only to be called out 5 min later that my car was on fire. The fire department had to break into the car because the hood release was burnt. Chrysler said it was a rodent that chewed the fuel injector harness. Now I'm out my insurance deductible and additional rental car charges. Then 2/1/02 after driving to work 7 mile my car again went on fire after parking. This time my boyfriend heard a crackling sound and saw smoke when he stopped and pulled the hood release, saw flames and throw snow on it to put it out. It's still in the dealing waiting to see what Chrysler has to say now.

Vehicle was parked in gear with engine turned off when it caught on fire in engine carpartment area. Cause unknown. Consuer was waiting for further information. Please provide further information.