The Pitfalls of Owning an Early Model Jeep

Exaviator said:
I have a low kilometers 2004 Grand Cherokee Laredo (136K) and have been very happy with the vehicle, until now!

Recently the control panel on the driver's door stopped functioning. No central locking or window operation. An auto electrician confirmed that the Body Control Module - BCM - had failed. My local dealer, here in Australia, confirmed that they could source a new module ($600) but here's the kicker, whilst they could install it, they couldn't program it, because their Jeep computer scanner doesn't work on older models, even though it is OBD2 compliant. It will not read the codes, and doesn't have the software to re-program. I contacted Jeep Australia and and a couple of other dealers and received the same answer.

After 10 years, you are abandoned when it comes to maintenance. Needless to say, I just can't believe what I am being told. Any suggestions would be welcomed.
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My '98 Cherokee did the same thing. Door switch in passenger door failed. Wouldn't respond from drivers door. Think I paid $24 for a Chinese one. Works fine.
 
"My '98 Cherokee did the same thing. Door switch in passenger door failed. Wouldn't respond from drivers door. Think I paid $24 for a Chinese one. Works fine."

Thanks for the feedback, but unfortunately, mine is without any doubt a failure of the BCM.
 
bobsguns said:
just Jeep is doing it. BMW Motorcycles has a long list of dealers who can't/won't work on the older bikes. Many riders report the 10 yr cut-off point.

Software on a car is awful for the reasons you described. Aside from yanking one off of a wrecked car, You only have two options as I see it.

1) Yank out the box & maybe go with an aftermarket system? No clue if one will run your tranny & shift points. That's where you're going to have to do your homework beforehand.

2) Find someone who can hack to re-program the newly purchased BCM. Shouldn't be too hard, run an ad in a university paper offering cash for the job.

Jeeps are world-wide. Buy the box on-line, a used one, is what I'd try first.
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My 1934 Harley VLD was the factory demonstrator …and they want it Back! …but no HD dealership will work on it. HD refuses to service any MC older than 18 years. :mad:

PS: They damn sure are NOT going to get it back!
 
I belong to: https://wranglertjforum.com/
You can ask there, a great bunch of guys that might be able to help you, they've saved me and have helped me spend tons of money over the years.
My 97 TJ
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