1998 Jeep TJ

Introduction:

The 1998 Jeep TJ is a highly capable off-road vehicle with a sturdy frame and advanced four-wheel-drive system. It comes with a variety of engine and transmission options, including the 2.5L inline-4, 4.0L inline-6, and either a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. The TJ offers impressive handling, reliability, and off-road performance but is somewhat lacking in interior comfort and features.

Engine

2.5L Inline-4

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, rough idling, overheating
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $350
• Cylinder Head Warping:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Resurface or replace cylinder head
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500

4.0L Inline-6

• Oil Pump Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil pressure, engine knocking, oil leaks
  • Solution: Replace oil pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
• Head Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, loss of power, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,200+

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting gears
  • Solution: Replace clutch assembly
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $800

3-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slippage:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fails to engage gears properly, loss of power
  • Solution: Overhaul or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+

Suspension

• Front Coil Spring Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging front end, uneven ride height
  • Solution: Replace coil springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $450
• Rear Leaf Spring Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear end sagging, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Electrical

• Tail Light Wiring Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Tail lights, brake lights, or turn signals not working
  • Solution: Repair or replace wiring harness
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250
• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, charging system warning light illuminated
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Center Console Lid Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Center console lid breaking or becoming loose
  • Solution: Replace center console lid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Exterior

• Windshield Wiper Transmission Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Wiper blades not moving or moving erratically
  • Solution: Replace windshield wiper transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250
• Door Hinge Pin Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors sagging or not closing properly
  • Solution: Replace door hinge pins
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Recalls:

• NHTSA Campaign Number: 02V043000
  • Description: Wiper motor wiring may be pinched causing intermittent or no operation of wipers
• NHTSA Campaign Number: 02V221000
  • Description: Front leaf spring may fail due to corrosion

Summary:

The 1998 Jeep TJ is a highly capable off-road vehicle, but it has several common issues that can be costly to repair. Engine problems, such as intake manifold gasket failure and head gasket failure, are relatively common and can lead to significant expenses. Transmission issues, including clutch failure and transmission slippage, can also be expensive to address. However, the TJ’s suspension, electrical, and exterior components generally have fewer issues, and interior problems are typically minor.