Questions and Answers

Jeep Grand Cherokee Lost Its Spunk Q. Hi. I have a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 170,000 miles V-8 5.2 liter. The car has done trips to Las Vegas and has done towing. ITS BEEN WORKED. I had a question for you. What do I do to restore its power, engine work, etc. I maintain my oil changes, filters, fluid levels, but I feel there is much more that needs doing. I know it needs its transmission rebuilt, but there are other things as well.

When driving over bumps, the car squeaks. I bought it from my uncle who did a lot of boat towing where the car was backed into docks, etc. I just want to get the car in as good as shape as possible.

The exterior and interior are spectacular, but the motor is the problem. What can I do? I love this jeep, but it's lost a lot of power. I now have to use the OD when climbing highway hills etc. I never had to before.

My dad bought a new Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 4.7 liter V-8 and it can power up hills like no other. What can I do? I know this is pretty vague information but any help will help!

Thanks a lot!

A. Well, the best place to start is at the beginning. A wet dry compression test will tell us what kind of shape the engine is in. If compression is low, then you are probably looking at an overhaul. If compression is good, then we have to look elsewhere. Most likely a problem in the fuel system.

You could start with a basic tune-up; replacing the distributor cap, rotor, ignition wires and all the filters. Doing a fuel pressure test to see how the fuel pump is and getting an injector cleaning if it's up to specifications.