Recalls: Jeep TJ Wrangler
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Jeep TJ Wrangler
- In July 1997, a recall was issued for Jeep TJ Wrangler vehicles due to the airbag control module potentially causing inadvertent deployment of the airbag during a three second period after the ignition was switched off (PRA 1997/3229).
- In September 1998, a recall was issued for 1997 Jeep TJ Wrangler models due to the fuel gauge displaying an inaccurate fuel level, caused by failure of the fuel tanking sending unit (PRA 1998/3638).
- In August 2002, a recall was issued for TJ Wrangler models built up to 20 December 2001. In these vehicles, an electric short circuit may occur if water or impurities entered the ignition switch (PRA 2002/5557).
- In October 2002, a recall was issued for model year 2000 to 2002 Jeep TJ Wrangler models manufactured up to 1 March 2002 and fitted with the 4.0-litre petrol engine. For these models, debris and leaf litter could accumulate around the engine intake and exhaust manifold and cause a fire in the engine bay (PRA 2002/5780).
- In February 2005, a recall was issued for 2005 models Jeep TJ Wrangler manufactured after September 24 and fitted with the 4.0-litre petrol engine and manual transmission. For 11 vehicles, the powertrain control module (PCM) was programmed with the incorrect software and could cause the fuel system monitor to malfunction (PRA 2005/7547).
- In January 2006, a recall was issued for 2005 and 2006 Jeep TJ Wrangler models fitted with a 42 RLE automatic transmission (sales code DG6) and a ‘transmission built’ date code from TK2454 through TK1235. In these models, the operation of the parking lock could be impaired by a loose cup lug which enabled the parking pawl anchor shaft to move rearward and prevent correct engagement of the ‘park’ position. In this situation, the parking brake was not applied and the vehicle could roll away without warning (PRA 2006/8258).
- In October 2006, a recall was issued for Jeep TJ Wrangler models manufactured from 3 November 2005 to 13 February 2006 and fitted with manual transmissions. In these vehicles, the clutch pedal pushrod may break, allowing clutch engagement when the pedal was depressed; this could increase the vehicle’s stopping distance and/or cause engine stalling (PRA 2006/8851).
- In June 2015, a recall was issued for 2006 Jeep TJ Wrangler vehicles that had manual transmissions. In these vehicles, the clutch interlock switch may contain a return spring that fatigues. A fatigued clutch interlock switch return spring could enable the driver to engage the engine starter motor without having to depress the clutch pedal – this could result in unintended vehicle movement and cause an accident (PRA 2015/14741).
Problems and faults: Jeep TJ Wrangler
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items identified below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Jeep TJ Wrangler 4.0L: rough idle and misfire
In September 2003, Technical Service Bulletin 18-031-03 was issued for 2000-04 Jeep TJ Wrangler vehicles with 4.0L engines due to rough engine idling on restart when the engine was already warm. The rough idle may occur for 20 to 30 seconds after restart and be most noticeable when the engine is restarted following a prior 10 to 20 minute heat soak in hot ambient conditions of around 30 degrees Celsius or higher. Furthermore, the rough idle may be consistent with short city stop-and-go driving trips and could be aggravated by the use of petrol with a high ethanol content. In certain conditions, the Malfunction Indiciator Light (MIL) may illuminate and issue the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0303: Cylinder #3 Misfire.
The rough idle could be caused by heat from the exhaust manifold that – after engine shut down – migrated to the area around injector #3 and caused fuel vapour to form within the injector. This, in turn, may cause a mometary misfire of cylinder #3 until the fuel vapour is cleared. To fix, the technical service bulletin described the fitment of a fuel injector insulation sleeve which lowered the temperature of injector #3 such that fuel would not normally vaporise.
Jeep TJ Wrangler: difficulty re-fuelling
In September 2009, Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 14-001-09 REV A was issued for 2005-06 Jeep TJ Wrangler vehicles with petrol engines. For these vehicles, the owner may experience difficulties when re-fuelling or the fuel pump nozzle may shut off repeatedly during re-fuelling. For these vehicles, the TSB described a diagnosis procedure which may identify the source of the problem as:
- The fuel filler tube;
- The vapour recirculation tube;
- The fuel tank itself;
- A blockage in the EVAP canister, ESIM, clean air hose or filter; or,
- The control valve to the EVAP canister tube.
Jeep TJ Wrangler: problems and faults
- For models with five-speed manual transmissions, increased effort may be required to change gears. If so, the shaft lever and shift detent plunger require replacement.
- The fuel gauge may provide inaccurate readings, not providing a full reading after refueling or showing 1/8 to 1/4 full when the tank is empty.
- Steering problems may be due to fluid leaks from the power steering reservoir. If the key does not unlock the doors, the latches likely require replacement.
- Water may leak into the footwells due to leaks in the air-conditioning housing or from the condensate drain tube; for the latter, the tube will need to be extended.
