2004 Jeep TJ

The 2004 Jeep TJ is a classic, renowned for its off-road capability and simple, rugged design. It came with a choice of three engines: a 2.4L inline-4 producing 147 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, a 4.0L inline-6 producing 190 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.4L inline-4 producing 147 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners often praise the TJ’s off-road prowess, removable doors and top, and overall fun factor. Common complaints revolve around its relatively poor fuel economy, basic interior, and sometimes rough ride.

Engine

2.4L Inline-4

• Cracked Exhaust Manifold
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or hissing sound, especially when cold. Reduced fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replace the exhaust manifold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell. Oil pressure drops.
  • Solution: Identify and replace leaking gaskets (valve cover, oil pan, etc.). Could also be rear main seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ depending on the location and severity.
  • Recalls: None Found

4.0L Inline-6

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell. Oil pressure drops. Most commonly from the rear main seal, valve cover gasket, or oil filter adapter.
  • Solution: Replace leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ depending on the location and severity.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crank Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, no start condition.
  • Solution: Replace the crank position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found
• Overheating
  • Description/Symptoms: Temperature gauge reading high, coolant loss, steam from the engine bay.
  • Solution: Inspect and replace thermostat, radiator, water pump, or hoses. Check for a clogged cooling system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual (NV3550)

• Synchro Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or difficulty shifting into certain gears, especially 2nd and 3rd.
  • Solution: Replace the synchros or rebuild the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic (42RLE)

• Overdrive Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission not shifting into overdrive, erratic shifting.
  • Solution: Check and replace the overdrive solenoid, valve body issues or transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• “Death Wobble”
  • Description/Symptoms: Violent shaking of the front end at certain speeds (typically between 40-55 mph).
  • Solution: Thoroughly inspect and replace worn steering and suspension components, including track bar, tie rod ends, ball joints, steering stabilizer, and wheel bearings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (can vary greatly depending on the number of worn parts)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll.
  • Solution: Replace the shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+ (for a set of four)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sagging Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting low, especially in the rear. Poor ride quality.
  • Solution: Replace the coil springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Clock Spring Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Airbag light on, horn not working, cruise control inoperative.
  • Solution: Replace the clock spring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Grounding Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, lights flickering, gauges not working properly.
  • Solution: Clean and tighten all ground connections.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ (labor for diagnosis and cleaning)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Instrument Cluster
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working correctly, lights not displaying correctly.
  • Solution: Replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (Frame and Body)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust, especially on the frame rails, floor pans, and around the wheel wells.
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted sections. Address the source of the rust.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $Varies Widely, depending on the extent of the damage. Frame replacement can be very expensive.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No air blowing from the vents, even when the blower motor is turned on.
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found
• HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to control the temperature of the air blowing from the vents. Air only blows hot or cold, regardless of the temperature setting.
  • Solution: Replace the blend door actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Jeep TJ is a capable and desirable vehicle, but potential buyers should be aware of some common issues. Rust is a major concern, especially in areas with harsh winters. Engine oil leaks, overheating in the 4.0L, and “death wobble” are also prevalent issues to look out for. Transmission issues, while less frequent, can be expensive to repair. Addressing these issues can range from relatively inexpensive fixes like replacing a sensor or gasket to more substantial repairs like a transmission rebuild or frame repair. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.