I'm going to be meeting with a guy this weekend to try to work out a trade of my Jeep for his 2000 ZR2. He's got roughly 88k on the clock and it looks really clean in pics. It's got the 4 button transfer case. What are some things to look for? I know the body is prone to rust in front of the rear wheels. It's been a while since I've owned one so I don't really know what I'm going to be looking for. Thanks in advance for your help!

-Erik

 

Apparently everything seems alright with it. There is a problem with the 4 wheel drive though that threw a code and points to some solenoid. It won't let it shift out of 2 wheel drive. Any thoughts? He doesn't seem certain what solenoid it is.

 

Sounds like one of the common problems.
Just do a search or two. I'm sure you'll find all the info you need.

 

Yeah. I had the issue with my old Jimmy and fixed it by replacing the vacuum switch on the transfer case. I don't know anything about the 4 button system though, which this ZR2 has. His "mechanic" tells him it's the shift selonoid causing it. Iirc, that doesn't cause 4x4 issues. I'm thinking more into the lines of the vacuum actuator, switch, or a line somewhere. I haven't physically inspected it though. We live about an hour and a half apart and neither vehicles are too fuel efficient so we've been trading pics and stories.

 

Well, I think we've figured it out. He stopped at autozone after work to get a scan. Apparently he needs a new shift solenoid. I don't know if there's a code specific to which gears the solenoid controls but one of them is going. The 4x4 is a completely different issue. Now, I'd be trading a mechanically sound, fully functional, lifted/locked/armored 97 Grand Cherokee for a 2000 ZR2 with a couple issues. Pics of the SPID prove it is really a ZR2. I know that's been faked in the past. Any thoughts on it?

 

Well the shift solenoid isn't too hard of a issue to fix. And 4x4 issues usually aren't too problematic either. So it's really up to which one you want.

 

The 4x4 attempts to shift but doesn't. This leads me to believe it isn't the motor and more than likely isn't the TCCM. I'm guessing either the vacuum actuator or the vacuum switch on the transfer case is the culprit. He hasn't wheeled it nor has the previous owner so I doubt a vacuum line was snagged but I'd obviously check that, too. I did some reading on swapping the shift solenoid and it seems to be a pretty easy job. I hate having to replace a cheap part though only to end up spending more in fluids and gaskets than the part itself I replaced. I've made up my mind despite the couple of issues the ZR2 has based on pictures and what he's told me about it. I'm trying to set up something for tomorrow to go take a ride down to it to take a look... Hopefully he'll be willing to meet me halfway.

 

If you can hear the transfer case shifting, its a good chance its the actuator

 

Cool. I had a feeling that was most likely the culprit. I'm afraid of things like the TCCM or the motor on the case.

 

For now it ended up being a no go. I don't have the time or money right now to chase issues on a vehicle, especially considering I'd be giving up one without issues at the moment. I'm still going to keep my eye out for a nice ZR2 though.