Last updated on March 29th, 2022 at 10:15 pm
The 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee emerged as one of the most reliable track and off-road SUVs that performed particularly well on snowy roads. Its powerful engine also received positive reviews from consumers. Jeep Grand Cherokee is also a reputable trim that has characterized incredible advancements throughout the years. However, the 2000 model has also demonstrated electrical and computer problems. Replacing a faulty Jeep Cherokee PCM (powertrain control module) presents a new set of challenges. Your SUVs computer may also be damaged by other factors, including liquid leaks, electrical system shorts, corrosion and worn out parts. Some of the common PCM problems reported by users include:
Random Powertrain Control Module error codes
The PCM is the brain of the car and houses the ECU (Engine Control Unit) and the TCU (Transmission Control Unit). It is sometimes referred to as the engine control module (ECM) as it mostly monitors engine health and performance. The 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee PCM has sensors that monitor different inputs and elements to ensure the engine is operating within the required ranges. It controls fuel-to-air ratio, fuel injection, combustion and transmission, among others. When something is out of range of there is a problem with the engine, the PCM will generate a series of codes that may result in various warning lights. Mechanics use these trouble codes to pinpoint the problem and restore normal engine performance.
However, the PCM may throw codes around, even if nothing is wrong with the car. If this is the case, then you should get it checked and reset, repaired, or replaced. Many 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee users have reported intermittent warning lights that illuminate the dashboard randomly. Since it is essential to get your PCM checked whenever the check engine light comes on, these false alarms can be quite inconveniencing.
2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Electrical system problems
The PCM has a circuit board that coexists with other systems through a complex wiring harness. As such, physical damages to the harness, corrosion, loose connections and shorts can all damage the PCM. Many 2000 trims, including Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, reported problems with the electrical system. This includes power that comes on randomly and a battery that goes dead overnight, instrument cluster, feedback in the speakers and blown 20A fuse inside the engine fuse block.
The PCM circuitry may also provide wrong inputs and codes that result in electrical gauge haywire. The wrong inputs and current transfers may result in overload and random activation and shutdown. Users have reported warning and security lights, engine light, brake light, power steering and car seat belt lights activating erratically and randomly. When the PCM is replaced, these symptoms disappear for a while only to resurface. What’s more, the overworked electrical system wears out quickly, causing a myriad of car engine and transmission problems.
Car stalling
Stalling in the transmission is another common Jeep Grand PCM problem users of the 2000 trim have reported. The 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee PCM regulates fuel injection and transmission. It monitors different activities to determine the right time to engage or switch gears. If the jeep Engine control module is faulty, you will experience a litany of transmission problems and stalling is one of the most popular. The car may take too long to switch gears when accelerating from a resting position or even when braking. This can result in disturbing jerks and grinding noise.
Most users report that starting the engine for a few minutes before taking off can help reduce the stalling, but this hasn’t worked for everyone. Transmission problems can also stem from issues other than the ECU , so it is crucial to get your car checked as soon as you notice any difference.
Car won’t start
Many reasons can prevent a vehicle from starting, ranging from a dead battery and faulty alternator to bad timing belt, fuel leaks, broken connections and bad engines. Faulty Jeep ECM can also directly or indirectly cause car ignition problems when it sends wrong inputs to the engine control unit. Users of the Grand Cherokee have reported starting issues that require several attempts and batteries that die overnight.
If your car doesn’t start despite a fully charged battery, you should get the Jeep PCM checked to determine if it is the cause of your ignition problem. You can also try to jumpstart or change vehicle battery. Sometimes getting your car to start is as simple as disconnecting, cleaning and reconnecting terminals. Nonetheless, it is still essential to get your PCM inspected and reset if your car is demonstrating other erratic ignition symptoms.
Conclusion
If your Grand Cherokee PCM has gone bad, it is recommendable to find high-quality refurbished PCMs with a lifetime warranty. Anything different is guaranteed to fail, considering the SUV is from two decades ago. Finding genuine original 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee PCM can be a daunting process. Nonetheless, you can still find used PCMs or find experienced mechanics that can repair your PCM if the option is available. Besides PCM error, Jeeps have an extensive profile of problems ranging from a coolant leak to dysfunctional air conditioners and faulty fuel systems. Clutch replacement, for instance, may resolve stalling transmission. As such, it is recommendable to make sure the PCM is the cause of your car problems before replacing it. FAQs
Yes. There are a total of 14 recalls on the 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee inlcuding the Grand Cherokee Limited, for security reasons. Most recalls are for replacing exterior lights and restructuring the front and rear bumpers. No recall has been made on the PCM.
Yes. The 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a dependable sporty utility car. It provides smooth transmission and extra power to navigate off-road terrain and has some advanced features. Its overall reliability is good compared to other models within the same category. However, these are vehicles manufactured several years ago and lack modern efficiencies and conveniences.
There are four trims of the Jeep Grand with the Laredo trims priced at $26,895 – $28,865. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited costs around $32,205 – $34,635. Price varies among dealers, so it is essential to do your car research, especially when purchasing used Jeeps.
