Are you finally getting a Jeep 2.4L? Here’s what you need to know!
The Jeep 2.4L engine has a long and rough history. Chrysler developed it for the Jeep in the mid-nineties after this engine was successful in the minivan and car segments.
The result wasn’t too shocking; this engine blew up worldwide! The efficiency and costs were matchless. People began choosing it as their go-to engine.
Nonetheless, even the best products have some issues. Fasten your seatbelt, and we’ll guide you through those problems below!
Table of Contents
Most Common Jeep 2.4 Engine Problems
Although it’s an old engine, it has a reputation for a reason; hardiness. Even after years, it doesn’t break down.
Even so, a few issues may rear their ugly heads. Most of them are minor, but some are significant issues that may be critical for you, but don’t worry! We’ll help you solve them!
High Oil Consumption
The most common issue owners face worldwide is this engine’s high oil consumption.
With low oil prices, it wasn’t this big of a deal back then. It has become a massive concern for consumers, with them through the roof now.
Many people thought it must be leaking, but that’s not true. The issue is that the 2.4L capacity engine burns up oil quickly.
You can get monthly check-ups for your Jeep 2.4L engine and top it off every once in a while to prevent bigger issues.
The next thing is to keep a check on oil consumption and if you notice anything out of place, take action immediately!
Transmission Issues
If you’re anything like Jeep lovers, you enjoy taking your Jeep 2.4 out for a mountain climb.
Changing a gear or speed shifting can be critical when on an off-road drive; that’s where the problem arises.
The transmission of the Jeep 2.4L engine isn’t calibrated correctly, which can lead you to experience issues such as wire cutting.
These issues cause sudden shutdowns and stoppages, which can be disastrous!
The only thing you can do when your transmission isn’t properly behaving is to restart the engine.
The restart is supposed to reset the transmission, but it doesn’t always work.
Vibrations and Rattling
Another common complaint from Jeep 2.4L owners is that it vibrates and shakes.
The vibrations may start as simple shakings once in a while.
But, if you decide to take your Jeep on a high-rise adventure, extreme shaking, and unsafe driving conditions will greet you.
Always check your engine before going out on a mountain drive, as it can be critical for your safety.
The issue is that when the Jeep 2.4L engine runs for a long time, it gets heated, raising many issues.
Another issue is the “Crank Walk.” It occurs when the crankshaft violently moves back and forth, and it can cause a lot of damage to the engine.
Vibrations can arise from the following underlying issues:
- Timing chain issues.
- Problems with the fuel intake.
- Loose or disconnected hoses.
- Broken motor mounts.
- Old spark plugs.
Excessive Emissions
The Jeep 2.4 and a green environment don’t go well together. The engine was released when emissions weren’t considered a big deal.
Now with strict regulations, the Jeep 2.4L doesn’t fare well. As times pass and the world shifts to hybrid and EVs, the Jeep 2.4L is undoubtedly odd.
The reason is that this engine is unstable. Sometimes, under heavy pressure and exertion, the Jeep throws out excess air outside, causing many emissions.
Not only that, the emissions are increased further due to the large amount of oil it consumes, about a quart every 1000 miles!
Passenger Discomfort
Another essential factor when buying a Jeep is passenger comfort. As you may have to travel long distances and on rough terrain, it’s better if your passenger is comfy.
The headrests in the Jeep 2.4L are super low, and this leads to tall passengers having to bend slightly to rest their heads on them.
They designed the Jeep 2.4 for long drives and mountain roads; the passenger comfort should be better.
Many owners have also reported that the Jeep 2.4L makes excessive noise under stress. All engines make noise, but the Jeep 2.4L engine goes beyond the threshold.
Even at highway speeds, it can be a nuisance to passengers.
Gas Cap Issues and Wiring
Many owners complain that the Jeep 2.4L has gas cap issues. It’s a common issue with vehicles with a 2.4L engine.
The faulty gas cap can cause the Jeep to throw an error code.
Many mechanics have complained that the engine wiring in the Jeep 2.4L is pretty hard to work on.
The wiring makes simple tasks such as changing spark plugs or changing burned fuses difficult.
Conclusion
The Jeep 2.4L has a great engine that can give you high efficiency if you use it properly.
Thus, if you know all the problems associated with the engine, you can nip them in the bud before they cause more damage.
Timely maintenance will allow your engine to perform better. It’ll also prevent high costs that arise from more significant issues.
Always keep your Jeep 2.4 engine well maintained, and you’ll have a true rugged off-roader!
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FAQs
What makes the Jeep 2.4 engine so famous?
First, look at a few positive aspects of the engine after all the bad!
- It’s a workhorse; it’ll run for hours.
- It’ll be by your side for hundreds of thousands of miles!
- It’s powerful, with 150 HP.
- It’s super lightweight.
- It’s easy on the gas even though it has a large capacity.
- It’s affordable.
- It’s easy to repair, and parts are readily available.
What else can you do to keep the Jeep 2.4L engine running?
The best you can do is to keep the engine well-maintained. Always get the oil changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.
Take your car for scheduled maintenance every 10,000 miles with the oil change; check for the following things:
- Battery connections.
- Engine coolant.
- Brake rotors and pads.
After 20,000 miles, you need to check the following:
- The CV joints for wear.
- The cabin filter.
- The suspension.
At 30,000 miles:
- The air cleaner filter.
Finally, with 60,000 miles under the belt, check for the following:
- The spark plugs and wires.
Is the Jeep 2.4L engine worth it?
Although it has some issues, the Jeep 2.4L engine lasts long if you care for it properly.
Which Jeep models come with a standard 2.4L engine?
The TJL and the TJ models, along with the Liberty (2002-2006), come standard with a 2.4 engine.