Symptoms
The gauge climbs on hills or in traffic, the electric fan doesn't come on, or the radiator's plastic tanks seep. OffroadXtreme found factory radiators cracking from frame twist on the trail.
The fix, step by step
- Start with the cheap checks: the electric fan and its relay and sensor, the fan clutch (it should resist turning when hot), the thermostat and the cap.
- Check the engine mounts; a worn mount let one author's fan clutch push into the radiator and close up its fins.
- Then replace the radiator (a thicker all-aluminum core is the usual upgrade; on 1990–95 trucks the core-support tabs may need grinding), the water pump and the hoses.
- Refill and bleed thoroughly.
Tools & part numbers
- Coolant drain pan
- fan-clutch wrench
- sockets
- infrared thermometer
- funnel kit for bleeding
Where to buy the parts
CSF 2670 copper/brass OE replacement radiator, 1991–2001 XJQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Cold Case MOJ994A aluminum performance radiator, 1991–2001 XJQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Crown 83503407 water pump, 1987–2001 XJ 4.0LQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Crown J3241858 fan drive clutch, 1984–2000 XJ with serpentine beltQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Jeep Cherokee XJ parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.