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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
96
Jeep Grand Cherokee Larado, Check Engine Light
Q: My ‘96 Grand Cherokee Lorado has 97K on it. I have taken care of
the vehicle pretty well. Recently driving in upstate NY the check engine
light came on. When I shut the it off and started it after a few minutes,
the light remained on. I went on to remove the battery cable in order
to reset the computer; this worked for a little while maybe 3 weeks. Within
that time, I was getting very bad gas mileage, so I changed the O2 sensor.
The one near the exhaust manifold was fouled and checking the one on the
converter was ok . Also I’ve poured Textron additive because it was sluggish
on initial take off from a stop. At times I’d lose power when I accelerated
hard in overdrive. The light went on again, even when I reset it again
by removing the battery cable it came on within the hour and the mileage
is still bad. What do you think could be the cause of this problem, or
do I need to go to the dealer for a diagnostic check up. ........Modifyingman
A: Yes
you need to go to a dealer or and independent repair facility to get the
answer to your vehicle’s problem. Also, whatever you do, "do not" unhook
the battery before you go! Unhooking the battery causes the computer not
only to reset, but in the process all information that the computer has
to share, with the technician servicing your vehicle, is lost. An empty
computer file will have no diagnostic information and you will get a bill
for telling you there is nothing wrong. So, make the appointment, drive
the vehicle and leave the battery alone. With the Check Engine Light on
the computer will have the information you need to get your Jeep back
to good running order.
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