Full service JEEP repair service in Kent, WA. Jeep specialist, certified technicians, experienced Jeep mechanics.
JEEPs are a fun vehicle with a long history but they do have many mechanical problems. Warren Secord Automotive & Tire has years of Jeep repair experience. We have the skill and special tools to service and repair Jeep in the Kent WA 98032 area.
JEEP Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do Jeep wheel alignment?
Yes. We do wheel alignment on all Jeep models. We can also do wheel alignment Jeep with oversize large wheels and tires and lift kits.
Do you do Jeep steering repair?
We can repair all Jeep steering problems from the famous Jeep death wobble, bump steer problems, and Jeep wander problems.
Do you install Jeep Lift Kits?
We sell and install Jeep lift kits. We know which kits are best and know how to install and align lifted suspensions so they drive straight.
Do you sell custom wheels and tires for Jeep?
We are a high volume tire shop in Kent, WA so have a large selection of custom wheels and tires for Jeep. From experience we know which tires and wheels work best on Jeeps and can make knowledgeable custom wheel recommendations.
JEEP Problems
Jeeps are special vehicles with common problems. Frequent Jeep problems are TIPM failure, suspension problems, steering problems, and issues with the specialized four-wheel drive systems. The average mechanic does not have the experience or skills for repairing Jeeps economically. Our Jeep mechanics are very experienced and well trained in the use of the newest equipment and technology for Jeep repair. This knowledge and expertise helps to save you Jeep repair costs. Great value and you get the job done right the first time!
Below are some common JEEP problems we see at Warren Secord Automotive & Tire.
SUSPENSION PROBLEMS
Problem: Jeep Death Wobble
Jeep death wobble is a violent shaking of the steering wheel when your Jeep hits a bump in the road. It can result in loss of vehicle control. This Jeep problem is caused by damaged or worn suspension parts. Often it is worse with poor quality or incorrectly installed suspension lift kits.
Repair: Jeep death wobble problem can be a complex, difficult, and costly issue to repair. There are so many causes and each individual problem is accumulative. There is rarely just a single cause. Often it is a process of elimination starting with fixing the worst problems until the problem is solved.
Jeep death wobble repair requires a steering and suspension inspection, replacement of worn parts, and a Jeep wheel alignment.
Common worn parts are:
- Jeep steering box
- Jeep pitman arm joint
- Jeep tie-rod ends
- Jeep ball joints
- Jeep track bar
- Jeep drag link
- Jeep upper control arm bushings
- Jeep lower control arm bushings
- Jeep suspension bushings
- Jeep steering stabilizer
- Jeep steering knuckles
- Jeep steering shaft joint wear
- Jeep sway bar links
- Jeep wheel bearings
Other contributors to Jeep death wobble problem are over size wheels and tires, worn shock absorbers, cracked frame, and incorrect Jeep wheel alignment.
ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS
Problem: TIPM Failure
Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failure commonly appears as fuel or battery related issue. Common TIPM failure symptoms may include intermittent electrical failure, complete failure, or a system component staying on all the time, such as the fuel pump running continuously.
Cause: Most common cause of TIPM problem are faulty relays. The most common TIPM problems we see are fuel relays and front windshield wiper or door lock relays.
Repair: TIPM diagnostic; TIPM module replacement, relay replacement.
BRAKE PROBLEMS
Problem: Jeep Cherokee minor brake pedal pulsation.
Symptoms: A minor brake pedal pulsation may be felt at highway speeds.
Cause: Can be caused by rough brake rotor surface, warped front brake rotors, or variations in the thickness of the rotors. Wheel bearing hub run-out can also cause brake pulsation. Low quality brake pads may deposit material onto the brake rotor surfaces causing vibration when the brakes are applied.
Repair: wheel hub run-out should be checked and hub replaced if not within specification. Brake rotor thickness variations, or rotor run-out, can be reduced be machining or replacing the brake rotors. Front brake pad replacement if the brake rotors are machined or replaced.
MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
Problem: Jeep Cherokee Front and Rear Differential Pinion Seal Leak and Transfer Case Leak
Jeep front or rear differential pinion seal leak and Jeep transfer case oil leak are common.
Repair: Transfer case oil leak normally occurs at the case-mating surfaces and requires removal of the transfer case to reseal. Jeep differential pinion seal leak requires Jeep pinion seal replacement.
Problem: Jeep 3.6 engine loud ticking noise at idle, engine miss fire, check engine light.
Cause: worn camshaft, worn valve lifters, worn valve rocker arms.
Repair: camshaft replacement, valve lifter replacement, rocker arm replacement.
Problem: Jeep Cherokee engine performance problems due to poor ECU wire connections.
Poor connections of the ECU wires can cause erratic engine speed and engine-stalling.
Repair: bypass the affected connector wires or cleaning and replacing spread terminals in the connector.
Problem: Jeep Cherokee engine rear main oil seal leak
Some jeep engines are susceptible to rear main oil seal failures in dirty or dusty conditions. As dirt and dust collect on the oil seal, the abrasion wears the sealing surface.
Repair: Rear main seal replacement. Install new rubber plug above the starter to prevent dust entry near the seal and extends the life of the seal.
Problem: Jeep Cherokee Ignition wires may fail and cause engine performance problems.
Ignition wire failures can cause a rough idle or intermittent engine misfire. There might not be a check engine light.
Cause: Ignition wire failure is commonly caused by age, oil or coolant leaks, or worn out spark plugs.
Repair: Jeep ignition wire replacement. Jeep tune up.
Problem: Jeep Cherokee Engine Oil Leaks, Valve Cover leaks, Oil Pan leaks, and Timing Cover Gasket leaks
Engine oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket and timing cover gasket are common.
Repair: Jeep valve cover gasket replacement, Jeep oil pan gasket replacement, Jeep timing cover gasket replacement.
Problem: Jeep Cherokee Engine Performance Problems Due to Residue on Throttle Body.
Cause: The throttle body may accumulate an oily, black residue in the throttle bores and on the throttle plate causing hard starting or possibly stalling when coming to a stop. Residue can be caused by worn engine and excess combustion blow-by from PCV system.
Repair: The throttle body should be cleaned periodically; PCV system service; Engine repair.
Problem: Jeep Cherokee Exhaust Manifolds Can Crack Where Pipes Are Welded
A ticking type noise from the engine area due to an exhaust manifold that has cracked where the pipes are welded.
Repair: exhaust manifold replacement.
Problem: Jeep Cherokee Throttle Position Sensor Failure
The throttle position sensor (TPS) may fail causing intermittent drivability problems like hard starting, stalling, and/or hesitation when accelerating.
Repair: throttle position sensor TPS replacement; Check engine light repair.
Problem: Jeep Commander Warm Air From the Instrument Panel Outlets When Cold Has Been Selected
Vehicles with manual temperature control may develop a condition where warm air is coming from the instrument panel outlets when cold has been selected.
Repair: Replace heater air distribution housing.
Problem: Jeep Grand Cherokee HVAC Temperature Blend Recirculation Doors May Fail and Cause AC Problems
Temperature blend and recirculation doors commonly fail. Causes air conditioning modes not to change or the temperature to be different on the left and right sides.
Jeep Grand Cherokee model years affected: 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016.
Repair: Replace blend air doors, recirculation door, door link, HVAC sub-assembly housing, new heating, ventilation and AC (HVAC) sub-assemblies.
Problem: Jeep Commander Abnormal Noise From HVAC Blower
Abnormal noise from Jeep HVAC blower motor as a result of debris getting into the HVAC blower housing.
Jeep Commander model years affected: 2006, 2007, 2008.
Cause: failure or damage to HVAC air inlet screen. Sometimes caused by animals.
Repair: remove debris from blower housing, replace air baffle screen on the inlet opening under the cowl grill to prevent a re-occurrence of the problem.