Hi. Just inherited a 1988 Jeep Cherokee Laredo (4 L Auto). It has less
than 25K miles and is really clean. Didn't get driven much over the
years so worry about dried out seals and the like. I've changed some
fluids and opted to have the local Jeep dealer do the transmission
fluid/filter change. They noted (as I did looking at AllData) that it
had a TSB/recall (#733) on the "Brake Pedal Shift Interlock." They
moaned about it being a two hour job and only paying at warranty levels,
but said they'd do it if I wanted it. It seems to be an idiot proofing
measure related to the location of the pedals in the tight floor space
of the Jeeps of that era. Doesn't seem like anything that would
"improve" overall performance, longevity, etc. but rather give some
measure of increased safety in the event you slam on the accelerator
rather than the brake. Mixed reviews in the searches I've done. One
guy noted that he had a surging engine on start up without the
accelerator depressed. I've got that two and it usually only lasts for
about 10 seconds tops before it drops down but it does get up around 3K
RPM before doing so (doesn't do it every time). SEE his post:

http://groups.google.com/groups?selm...&output=gplain

(1) Do folks out there affected by this recall (may be years ago for
many of you) think it is worth doing? Any connections made between the
surging I (and other apparently) have had? Any problems from doing the
work ... especially on an older Jeep (the dealership seemed out of their
element working on a 16 year old Jeep -- even if it was in mint condition)?

(2) On the transmission filter/fluid change ... the dealership quoted me
a price of approx. $90 for the job. I came in dropped it off and found
after four hours that they actually quoted me ONLY the labor and the
parts would amount to ANOTHER $90. Ended up being a $180 job to replace
fluid (cheaper Dexron rather than the ATF3 stuff for this older Jeep)
and the filter. Sound right to you (the total at least)?

Finally, (3) I've noted just in the past couple of days that the
driver's seatbelt (shoulder) doesn't appear to "catch" when you yank on
it (as if in a crash). The passenger shoulder belt does engage the
mechanism and stop coming out when given a good yank. Any ideas on
whether this is a warranty item on such an old Jeep (given it is a
safety thing)? Any known problems with the seat belts on this Jeep?

Thank you for the attention. Apologies for cramming all in one message
but figured that it was better than a slew of separate messages (which I
may try if this one seems to overwhelm).

Best,

BikeQuest

 

I wouldn't bitch about the transmission cost, Chrysler doesn't use
a torque converter drain plug so they must flush the system.
Test your seat belts while driving they should then lock up, maybe
even annoyingly suck up tight if put the pedal to metal.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

BikeQuest wrote:
>
> Hi. Just inherited a 1988 Jeep Cherokee Laredo (4 L Auto). It has less
> than 25K miles and is really clean. Didn't get driven much over the
> years so worry about dried out seals and the like. I've changed some
> fluids and opted to have the local Jeep dealer do the transmission
> fluid/filter change. They noted (as I did looking at AllData) that it
> had a TSB/recall (#733) on the "Brake Pedal Shift Interlock." They
> moaned about it being a two hour job and only paying at warranty levels,
> but said they'd do it if I wanted it. It seems to be an idiot proofing
> measure related to the location of the pedals in the tight floor space
> of the Jeeps of that era. Doesn't seem like anything that would
> "improve" overall performance, longevity, etc. but rather give some
> measure of increased safety in the event you slam on the accelerator
> rather than the brake. Mixed reviews in the searches I've done. One
> guy noted that he had a surging engine on start up without the
> accelerator depressed. I've got that two and it usually only lasts for
> about 10 seconds tops before it drops down but it does get up around 3K
> RPM before doing so (doesn't do it every time). SEE his post:
>
> http://groups.google.com/groups?selm...&output=gplain
>
> (1) Do folks out there affected by this recall (may be years ago for
> many of you) think it is worth doing? Any connections made between the
> surging I (and other apparently) have had? Any problems from doing the
> work ... especially on an older Jeep (the dealership seemed out of their
> element working on a 16 year old Jeep -- even if it was in mint condition)?
>
> (2) On the transmission filter/fluid change ... the dealership quoted me
> a price of approx. $90 for the job. I came in dropped it off and found
> after four hours that they actually quoted me ONLY the labor and the
> parts would amount to ANOTHER $90. Ended up being a $180 job to replace
> fluid (cheaper Dexron rather than the ATF3 stuff for this older Jeep)
> and the filter. Sound right to you (the total at least)?
>
> Finally, (3) I've noted just in the past couple of days that the
> driver's seatbelt (shoulder) doesn't appear to "catch" when you yank on
> it (as if in a crash). The passenger shoulder belt does engage the
> mechanism and stop coming out when given a good yank. Any ideas on
> whether this is a warranty item on such an old Jeep (given it is a
> safety thing)? Any known problems with the seat belts on this Jeep?
>
> Thank you for the attention. Apologies for cramming all in one message
> but figured that it was better than a slew of separate messages (which I
> may try if this one seems to overwhelm).
>
> Best,
>
> BikeQuest

 

I wouldn't bitch about the transmission cost, Chrysler doesn't use
a torque converter drain plug so they must flush the system.
Test your seat belts while driving they should then lock up, maybe
even annoyingly suck up tight if put the pedal to metal.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

BikeQuest wrote:
>
> Hi. Just inherited a 1988 Jeep Cherokee Laredo (4 L Auto). It has less
> than 25K miles and is really clean. Didn't get driven much over the
> years so worry about dried out seals and the like. I've changed some
> fluids and opted to have the local Jeep dealer do the transmission
> fluid/filter change. They noted (as I did looking at AllData) that it
> had a TSB/recall (#733) on the "Brake Pedal Shift Interlock." They
> moaned about it being a two hour job and only paying at warranty levels,
> but said they'd do it if I wanted it. It seems to be an idiot proofing
> measure related to the location of the pedals in the tight floor space
> of the Jeeps of that era. Doesn't seem like anything that would
> "improve" overall performance, longevity, etc. but rather give some
> measure of increased safety in the event you slam on the accelerator
> rather than the brake. Mixed reviews in the searches I've done. One
> guy noted that he had a surging engine on start up without the
> accelerator depressed. I've got that two and it usually only lasts for
> about 10 seconds tops before it drops down but it does get up around 3K
> RPM before doing so (doesn't do it every time). SEE his post:
>
> http://groups.google.com/groups?selm...&output=gplain
>
> (1) Do folks out there affected by this recall (may be years ago for
> many of you) think it is worth doing? Any connections made between the
> surging I (and other apparently) have had? Any problems from doing the
> work ... especially on an older Jeep (the dealership seemed out of their
> element working on a 16 year old Jeep -- even if it was in mint condition)?
>
> (2) On the transmission filter/fluid change ... the dealership quoted me
> a price of approx. $90 for the job. I came in dropped it off and found
> after four hours that they actually quoted me ONLY the labor and the
> parts would amount to ANOTHER $90. Ended up being a $180 job to replace
> fluid (cheaper Dexron rather than the ATF3 stuff for this older Jeep)
> and the filter. Sound right to you (the total at least)?
>
> Finally, (3) I've noted just in the past couple of days that the
> driver's seatbelt (shoulder) doesn't appear to "catch" when you yank on
> it (as if in a crash). The passenger shoulder belt does engage the
> mechanism and stop coming out when given a good yank. Any ideas on
> whether this is a warranty item on such an old Jeep (given it is a
> safety thing)? Any known problems with the seat belts on this Jeep?
>
> Thank you for the attention. Apologies for cramming all in one message
> but figured that it was better than a slew of separate messages (which I
> may try if this one seems to overwhelm).
>
> Best,
>
> BikeQuest

 

I wouldn't bitch about the transmission cost, Chrysler doesn't use
a torque converter drain plug so they must flush the system.
Test your seat belts while driving they should then lock up, maybe
even annoyingly suck up tight if put the pedal to metal.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

BikeQuest wrote:
>
> Hi. Just inherited a 1988 Jeep Cherokee Laredo (4 L Auto). It has less
> than 25K miles and is really clean. Didn't get driven much over the
> years so worry about dried out seals and the like. I've changed some
> fluids and opted to have the local Jeep dealer do the transmission
> fluid/filter change. They noted (as I did looking at AllData) that it
> had a TSB/recall (#733) on the "Brake Pedal Shift Interlock." They
> moaned about it being a two hour job and only paying at warranty levels,
> but said they'd do it if I wanted it. It seems to be an idiot proofing
> measure related to the location of the pedals in the tight floor space
> of the Jeeps of that era. Doesn't seem like anything that would
> "improve" overall performance, longevity, etc. but rather give some
> measure of increased safety in the event you slam on the accelerator
> rather than the brake. Mixed reviews in the searches I've done. One
> guy noted that he had a surging engine on start up without the
> accelerator depressed. I've got that two and it usually only lasts for
> about 10 seconds tops before it drops down but it does get up around 3K
> RPM before doing so (doesn't do it every time). SEE his post:
>
> http://groups.google.com/groups?selm...&output=gplain
>
> (1) Do folks out there affected by this recall (may be years ago for
> many of you) think it is worth doing? Any connections made between the
> surging I (and other apparently) have had? Any problems from doing the
> work ... especially on an older Jeep (the dealership seemed out of their
> element working on a 16 year old Jeep -- even if it was in mint condition)?
>
> (2) On the transmission filter/fluid change ... the dealership quoted me
> a price of approx. $90 for the job. I came in dropped it off and found
> after four hours that they actually quoted me ONLY the labor and the
> parts would amount to ANOTHER $90. Ended up being a $180 job to replace
> fluid (cheaper Dexron rather than the ATF3 stuff for this older Jeep)
> and the filter. Sound right to you (the total at least)?
>
> Finally, (3) I've noted just in the past couple of days that the
> driver's seatbelt (shoulder) doesn't appear to "catch" when you yank on
> it (as if in a crash). The passenger shoulder belt does engage the
> mechanism and stop coming out when given a good yank. Any ideas on
> whether this is a warranty item on such an old Jeep (given it is a
> safety thing)? Any known problems with the seat belts on this Jeep?
>
> Thank you for the attention. Apologies for cramming all in one message
> but figured that it was better than a slew of separate messages (which I
> may try if this one seems to overwhelm).
>
> Best,
>
> BikeQuest

 

On Wed, 1 Sep 2004 14:11:24 UTC BikeQuest <anon_user@nospam.net>
wrote:

> One
> guy noted that he had a surging engine on start up without the
> accelerator depressed. I've got that two and it usually only lasts for
> about 10 seconds tops before it drops down but it does get up around 3K
> RPM before doing so (doesn't do it every time). SEE his post:
>

25k in 16 years?? That was a real find - my 88 has 165k on it. The
surge you mention is very likely a dirty/corroded connector to the
throttle position sensor (TPS). Sits on the front of the throttle
body - unplug it, clean both sides of the contacts as well as you can
then plug it in and pull it out several times to break the film. Use
a blob of silicone insulating grease to seal out moisture and it
should be OK. It might also be a corroded spot on the sensor itself -
it's a wire-wound sliding resistor so it will film over after sitting
that long especially. With the key off, pump the accelerator a
several times just to move it around, then take your foot off the
pedal and start. That helps mine when it gets to the 'needs cleaning'
stage.

Next time you go to that dealer, just bend over and grab your ankles
to be ready for what's coming!

--
Will Honea

 

On Wed, 1 Sep 2004 14:11:24 UTC BikeQuest <anon_user@nospam.net>
wrote:

> One
> guy noted that he had a surging engine on start up without the
> accelerator depressed. I've got that two and it usually only lasts for
> about 10 seconds tops before it drops down but it does get up around 3K
> RPM before doing so (doesn't do it every time). SEE his post:
>

25k in 16 years?? That was a real find - my 88 has 165k on it. The
surge you mention is very likely a dirty/corroded connector to the
throttle position sensor (TPS). Sits on the front of the throttle
body - unplug it, clean both sides of the contacts as well as you can
then plug it in and pull it out several times to break the film. Use
a blob of silicone insulating grease to seal out moisture and it
should be OK. It might also be a corroded spot on the sensor itself -
it's a wire-wound sliding resistor so it will film over after sitting
that long especially. With the key off, pump the accelerator a
several times just to move it around, then take your foot off the
pedal and start. That helps mine when it gets to the 'needs cleaning'
stage.

Next time you go to that dealer, just bend over and grab your ankles
to be ready for what's coming!

--
Will Honea

 

On Wed, 1 Sep 2004 14:11:24 UTC BikeQuest <anon_user@nospam.net>
wrote:

> One
> guy noted that he had a surging engine on start up without the
> accelerator depressed. I've got that two and it usually only lasts for
> about 10 seconds tops before it drops down but it does get up around 3K
> RPM before doing so (doesn't do it every time). SEE his post:
>

25k in 16 years?? That was a real find - my 88 has 165k on it. The
surge you mention is very likely a dirty/corroded connector to the
throttle position sensor (TPS). Sits on the front of the throttle
body - unplug it, clean both sides of the contacts as well as you can
then plug it in and pull it out several times to break the film. Use
a blob of silicone insulating grease to seal out moisture and it
should be OK. It might also be a corroded spot on the sensor itself -
it's a wire-wound sliding resistor so it will film over after sitting
that long especially. With the key off, pump the accelerator a
several times just to move it around, then take your foot off the
pedal and start. That helps mine when it gets to the 'needs cleaning'
stage.

Next time you go to that dealer, just bend over and grab your ankles
to be ready for what's coming!

--
Will Honea

 

Hi,

In response to your questions:

1) Skip the interlock mod and fix the real problem by replacing or
repairing the heat-damaged TPS connectors and rerouting them so they
don't get hot again. Also, there is an O2 sensor recall that you might
take advantage of:

http://alldata.com/TSB/04/880417CN.html

2) Are you sure you need a new trans filter simply because it has been
sitting unused? It doesn't show up on the regular maintenance schedule.
As for the fluid change, the owners manual says "8.5 quarts total for
dry fill. Approximately 4 quarts required for periodic fuel change as
specified in Maintenance Schedules". Perhaps the partial fluid change is
a reasonable DIY job, not sure. Maybe ask around at some transmission
shops for a better quote. Anyway, you're not scheduled for your first
change for another 5K miles.

3) Like yours, my seatbelt will not lock when tugged. I initially
thought it might be defective, but I've since tested it on a few sharp
stops at low speed and it locks up just fine. Not sure if it's slightly
worn out, simply less sensitive, or if it uses a different kind of
inertial mechanism, but it works.

Steve
http://xjeep.dyndns.org


BikeQuest wrote:
> Hi. Just inherited a 1988 Jeep Cherokee Laredo (4 L Auto). It has less
> than 25K miles and is really clean. Didn't get driven much over the
> years so worry about dried out seals and the like. I've changed some
> fluids and opted to have the local Jeep dealer do the transmission
> fluid/filter change. They noted (as I did looking at AllData) that it
> had a TSB/recall (#733) on the "Brake Pedal Shift Interlock." They
> moaned about it being a two hour job and only paying at warranty levels,
> but said they'd do it if I wanted it. It seems to be an idiot proofing
> measure related to the location of the pedals in the tight floor space
> of the Jeeps of that era. Doesn't seem like anything that would
> "improve" overall performance, longevity, etc. but rather give some
> measure of increased safety in the event you slam on the accelerator
> rather than the brake. Mixed reviews in the searches I've done. One
> guy noted that he had a surging engine on start up without the
> accelerator depressed. I've got that two and it usually only lasts for
> about 10 seconds tops before it drops down but it does get up around 3K
> RPM before doing so (doesn't do it every time). SEE his post:
>
> http://groups.google.com/groups?selm...&output=gplain
>
>
> (1) Do folks out there affected by this recall (may be years ago for
> many of you) think it is worth doing? Any connections made between the
> surging I (and other apparently) have had? Any problems from doing the
> work ... especially on an older Jeep (the dealership seemed out of their
> element working on a 16 year old Jeep -- even if it was in mint condition)?
>
> (2) On the transmission filter/fluid change ... the dealership quoted me
> a price of approx. $90 for the job. I came in dropped it off and found
> after four hours that they actually quoted me ONLY the labor and the
> parts would amount to ANOTHER $90. Ended up being a $180 job to replace
> fluid (cheaper Dexron rather than the ATF3 stuff for this older Jeep)
> and the filter. Sound right to you (the total at least)?
>
> Finally, (3) I've noted just in the past couple of days that the
> driver's seatbelt (shoulder) doesn't appear to "catch" when you yank on
> it (as if in a crash). The passenger shoulder belt does engage the
> mechanism and stop coming out when given a good yank. Any ideas on
> whether this is a warranty item on such an old Jeep (given it is a
> safety thing)? Any known problems with the seat belts on this Jeep?
>
> Thank you for the attention. Apologies for cramming all in one message
> but figured that it was better than a slew of separate messages (which I
> may try if this one seems to overwhelm).
>
> Best,
>
> BikeQuest

 

Hi,

In response to your questions:

1) Skip the interlock mod and fix the real problem by replacing or
repairing the heat-damaged TPS connectors and rerouting them so they
don't get hot again. Also, there is an O2 sensor recall that you might
take advantage of:

http://alldata.com/TSB/04/880417CN.html

2) Are you sure you need a new trans filter simply because it has been
sitting unused? It doesn't show up on the regular maintenance schedule.
As for the fluid change, the owners manual says "8.5 quarts total for
dry fill. Approximately 4 quarts required for periodic fuel change as
specified in Maintenance Schedules". Perhaps the partial fluid change is
a reasonable DIY job, not sure. Maybe ask around at some transmission
shops for a better quote. Anyway, you're not scheduled for your first
change for another 5K miles.

3) Like yours, my seatbelt will not lock when tugged. I initially
thought it might be defective, but I've since tested it on a few sharp
stops at low speed and it locks up just fine. Not sure if it's slightly
worn out, simply less sensitive, or if it uses a different kind of
inertial mechanism, but it works.

Steve
http://xjeep.dyndns.org


BikeQuest wrote:
> Hi. Just inherited a 1988 Jeep Cherokee Laredo (4 L Auto). It has less
> than 25K miles and is really clean. Didn't get driven much over the
> years so worry about dried out seals and the like. I've changed some
> fluids and opted to have the local Jeep dealer do the transmission
> fluid/filter change. They noted (as I did looking at AllData) that it
> had a TSB/recall (#733) on the "Brake Pedal Shift Interlock." They
> moaned about it being a two hour job and only paying at warranty levels,
> but said they'd do it if I wanted it. It seems to be an idiot proofing
> measure related to the location of the pedals in the tight floor space
> of the Jeeps of that era. Doesn't seem like anything that would
> "improve" overall performance, longevity, etc. but rather give some
> measure of increased safety in the event you slam on the accelerator
> rather than the brake. Mixed reviews in the searches I've done. One
> guy noted that he had a surging engine on start up without the
> accelerator depressed. I've got that two and it usually only lasts for
> about 10 seconds tops before it drops down but it does get up around 3K
> RPM before doing so (doesn't do it every time). SEE his post:
>
> http://groups.google.com/groups?selm...&output=gplain
>
>
> (1) Do folks out there affected by this recall (may be years ago for
> many of you) think it is worth doing? Any connections made between the
> surging I (and other apparently) have had? Any problems from doing the
> work ... especially on an older Jeep (the dealership seemed out of their
> element working on a 16 year old Jeep -- even if it was in mint condition)?
>
> (2) On the transmission filter/fluid change ... the dealership quoted me
> a price of approx. $90 for the job. I came in dropped it off and found
> after four hours that they actually quoted me ONLY the labor and the
> parts would amount to ANOTHER $90. Ended up being a $180 job to replace
> fluid (cheaper Dexron rather than the ATF3 stuff for this older Jeep)
> and the filter. Sound right to you (the total at least)?
>
> Finally, (3) I've noted just in the past couple of days that the
> driver's seatbelt (shoulder) doesn't appear to "catch" when you yank on
> it (as if in a crash). The passenger shoulder belt does engage the
> mechanism and stop coming out when given a good yank. Any ideas on
> whether this is a warranty item on such an old Jeep (given it is a
> safety thing)? Any known problems with the seat belts on this Jeep?
>
> Thank you for the attention. Apologies for cramming all in one message
> but figured that it was better than a slew of separate messages (which I
> may try if this one seems to overwhelm).
>
> Best,
>
> BikeQuest

 

Hi,

In response to your questions:

1) Skip the interlock mod and fix the real problem by replacing or
repairing the heat-damaged TPS connectors and rerouting them so they
don't get hot again. Also, there is an O2 sensor recall that you might
take advantage of:

http://alldata.com/TSB/04/880417CN.html

2) Are you sure you need a new trans filter simply because it has been
sitting unused? It doesn't show up on the regular maintenance schedule.
As for the fluid change, the owners manual says "8.5 quarts total for
dry fill. Approximately 4 quarts required for periodic fuel change as
specified in Maintenance Schedules". Perhaps the partial fluid change is
a reasonable DIY job, not sure. Maybe ask around at some transmission
shops for a better quote. Anyway, you're not scheduled for your first
change for another 5K miles.

3) Like yours, my seatbelt will not lock when tugged. I initially
thought it might be defective, but I've since tested it on a few sharp
stops at low speed and it locks up just fine. Not sure if it's slightly
worn out, simply less sensitive, or if it uses a different kind of
inertial mechanism, but it works.

Steve
http://xjeep.dyndns.org


BikeQuest wrote:
> Hi. Just inherited a 1988 Jeep Cherokee Laredo (4 L Auto). It has less
> than 25K miles and is really clean. Didn't get driven much over the
> years so worry about dried out seals and the like. I've changed some
> fluids and opted to have the local Jeep dealer do the transmission
> fluid/filter change. They noted (as I did looking at AllData) that it
> had a TSB/recall (#733) on the "Brake Pedal Shift Interlock." They
> moaned about it being a two hour job and only paying at warranty levels,
> but said they'd do it if I wanted it. It seems to be an idiot proofing
> measure related to the location of the pedals in the tight floor space
> of the Jeeps of that era. Doesn't seem like anything that would
> "improve" overall performance, longevity, etc. but rather give some
> measure of increased safety in the event you slam on the accelerator
> rather than the brake. Mixed reviews in the searches I've done. One
> guy noted that he had a surging engine on start up without the
> accelerator depressed. I've got that two and it usually only lasts for
> about 10 seconds tops before it drops down but it does get up around 3K
> RPM before doing so (doesn't do it every time). SEE his post:
>
> http://groups.google.com/groups?selm...&output=gplain
>
>
> (1) Do folks out there affected by this recall (may be years ago for
> many of you) think it is worth doing? Any connections made between the
> surging I (and other apparently) have had? Any problems from doing the
> work ... especially on an older Jeep (the dealership seemed out of their
> element working on a 16 year old Jeep -- even if it was in mint condition)?
>
> (2) On the transmission filter/fluid change ... the dealership quoted me
> a price of approx. $90 for the job. I came in dropped it off and found
> after four hours that they actually quoted me ONLY the labor and the
> parts would amount to ANOTHER $90. Ended up being a $180 job to replace
> fluid (cheaper Dexron rather than the ATF3 stuff for this older Jeep)
> and the filter. Sound right to you (the total at least)?
>
> Finally, (3) I've noted just in the past couple of days that the
> driver's seatbelt (shoulder) doesn't appear to "catch" when you yank on
> it (as if in a crash). The passenger shoulder belt does engage the
> mechanism and stop coming out when given a good yank. Any ideas on
> whether this is a warranty item on such an old Jeep (given it is a
> safety thing)? Any known problems with the seat belts on this Jeep?
>
> Thank you for the attention. Apologies for cramming all in one message
> but figured that it was better than a slew of separate messages (which I
> may try if this one seems to overwhelm).
>
> Best,
>
> BikeQuest