The Jeep Cherokee can overheat when the coolant of the radiator is at a low level. It cannot absorb the heat because the coolant moves through the hose to the engine and the radiator to keep the engine temperature steady. The engine oil plays a crucial role in the functioning of the engine parts and if it is low, the parts will create more friction with each other causing the Jeep Cherokee to overheat.
Additionally, the Jeep Cherokee can overheat when the thermostat valve is jammed and obstructing the flow of coolant. It can also overheat when the water pump motor is not functioning due to worn out or the belt of the water pump is torn. Besides, leaking in hose or broken clamp can contribute to Jeep Cherokee overheating.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Jeep Cherokee Overheating?
The common symptoms that will indicate when the Jeep Cherokee overheats are given below.
Temperature warning light: The temperature warning light will pop up on the screen and ring once to alert the driver. When the temperature reaches its maximum level, the warning light will start to blink continuously, and an alarm will sound frequently. For older models, the heat indicator will move to the red signal when it is overheated.
Smoke coming from the hood: When the vehicle is overheating, white smoke will appear from the hood of your vehicle. The engine can seize in no time if you do not stop the vehicle immediately.
What Are the Causes and Solutions of Jeep Cherokee Overheating?
The most common causes of Jeep Cherokee overheating are due to the overheating radiator, low engine oil level, thermostat broke, water pump not functioning and a broken hose or clamp.
1. Radiator
Jeep Cherokee’s radiator can overheat when the coolant is not filled properly. Coolant flows through the hose of the engine and radiator to keep the engine cool.
Furthermore, the radiator can also overheat when the radiator fins are clogged with debris and dust and it happens mainly from the dust that comes from the road, the radiator is not cleaned for a long time and the fins of the radiator wear out after using it for a long time. Also, the radiator fan, which keeps the radiator cool, is not functioning properly due to the fuse blown or electrical wiring.
Solution: Coolant should always stay at an optimal level. It should be refilled once or twice a week to prevent coolant from getting low.
For dust and debris, clean the radiator by spraying water directly into the radiator with force using a water pressure gun but be careful not to damage the fin of the radiator or else the coolant can leak from the fins.
You can check for the radiator fan if it is working or not and change the fuse of the radiator fan from the fuse box if it is not functioning. A single fuse of a radiator fan can cost around $0.50 cents to $1 dollar and you can get it from any authorized service center or from an e-commerce site.
2. Engine Oil
Jeep Cherokee can overheat when the engine oil is low. It happens when the engine parts have more friction between them, and they generate heat into the engine compartment.
Jeep Cherokee can also overheat when the engine oil is not changed for a long time. It occurs when the engine oil is aged or worn out due to heat and pressure produced by the engine.
Solution: The engine oil of the Jeep Cherokee is measured with an engine oil gauge stick. To measure, pull out the stick, wipe it out with a tissue and dip it inside the engine hole from where it was removed earlier. Then, pull it out again to see the measurement level, if the oil level is at the safe level, the engine oil is accurate and if it is below the safe level that means you have to add engine oil.
Likewise, the engine oil of Jeep Cherokee turns black when you haven’t changed the engine oil for a long time. You can change the engine oil on your own, or you can go to any service center. Before adding the new engine oil, make sure to check the engine oil grade, which is written on top of the engine oil fill cap or in the owner’s manual.
3. Thermostat
A thermostat controls the Jeep Cherokee’s optimum temperature by regulating the flow of coolant. It can go faulty when the spring of the thermostat breaks or the valve is jammed, allowing the coolant to pass or not to pass through the system and thus leading to Jeep Cherokee overheating.
Solution: You have to change the Thermostat to prevent the Jeep Cherokee from overheating. It comes with a price range of $10-$50. You should check the part number of the thermostat that is suitable for your vehicle.
4. Water Pump
The water pump transports coolant into the engine through the hose, absorbs the heat, and brings back the coolant into the radiator. The Jeep Cherokee can overheat when the motor of the water pump is not functioning, or the belt of the water pump is torn.
Solution: When the motor of the water pump is not working, it needs to be replaced with a new one. Otherwise you have to change the belt if the belt of the water pump is torn. A new water pump comes within a price range of $50-$100 and in case of replacing a belt, you can get it within a price between $15-$50.
Also, keep in mind that when changing the water pump of your Jeep Cherokee, change the coolant with it for better performance, and it is advisable to change it from any authorized service center because the work is complicated; a minor mistake can make an impact on the engine.
5. Broken Hose & Clamp
The coolant moves through the hoses, and it may wear out over time due to the heat of the coolant and as a result, it may break from the inside, causing the coolant to leak from them. Also, sometimes they get loose due to clamp that can break letting the hose loose from the point.
Solution: You have to replace the hose when it is broken. It comes within a price range of $10-$50 and is available in any mechanic shop and online. In case of a broken clamp, change the clamp or reattach the clamp with a screwdriver to keep the hose tight.
How Do Avoid Jeep Cherokee Overheating?
You can follow the measures to avoid the Jeep Cherokee from overheating.
- Check the radiator coolant and the engine oil when the engine is cold, and refill the radiator and the engine oil if it is low.
- Drain the engine oil at the recommended schedule by the manufacturer, and always use premium engine oil such as Mobil, Castrol, etc.
- When driving keep an eye on the dashboard screen for the heat signal and avoid driving at high rpm(revolution per minute).
- Clean the radiator once or twice a week and inspect the hose and clamps in case of any leak.
- Service your vehicle from the authorized service center by following the manufacturer’s guidelines and maintain properly.
Is It Safe to Drive a Jeep Cherokee When It’s Overheating?
Absolutely No! it is not safe to drive a Jeep Cherokee when it’s overheating because it can seize the engine in no time which could result in changing the engine completely. Also, the engine can burst into flame, and that can be a life risk for you.