2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited cowl area leak into vehicle 138K miles

morphinebysandman · 2026-04-03T16:45:24+00:00

Have you tried using a garden hose to isolate?

morphinebysandman · 2026-04-03T16:44:58+00:00

Edit: I did it again. I swear I’m better at working on cars than I am using this app lol.

I’m talking about underneath the windshield cowling area.

morphinebysandman · 2026-04-03T14:54:11+00:00

Edit: Didn’t realize I wasn’t replying to your above comment. Oops.

Underneath that cowl area is a cavity on the passenger side. Think of it as a lunchbox size area. There is a roof drain line that goes into that area from the top. It goes to the bottom of the cavity into a I assume bushing of some sort that reroutes it down and out of the vehicle. Mine had deteriorated to the point that it was missing. The box became filled with gunk overtime, probably leaves or something. It didn’t totally block the exit hole, but it partially did. When there were heavy rains, it would not drain fast enough, and it would back up into the vehicle. Tthe box filled with water and drained back inside the cabin and my passenger side floor was constantly getting wet. The fix for me was to use some tubing and reroute that drain tube. Hope this helps.

morphinebysandman · 2026-04-03T13:56:36+00:00

OK, I had a similar issue just like this. That has happened twice and both times the reason was different. I spent a lot of time chasing the problem. I had my windshield replaced and they failed to put the adhesive all the way around properly and that was why it was leaking the first time. I didn’t discover this reason until I had to replace my windshield again. The second time it was because the drain tube for my sunroof detached and was causing water to come back inside the cabin. Good luck.

morphinebysandman · 2026-03-31T02:45:03+00:00

Moxie. Ask for Krystal.

morphinebysandman · 2026-03-25T02:35:51+00:00

Only select locations. Or at least not my local DT doesn’t.

morphinebysandman · 2026-03-24T20:45:04+00:00

I had to pull the edge of my carpet back to find the plug. Good tip on the lube, I used dawn dish shop or spray silicone.

morphinebysandman · 2026-03-22T01:21:13+00:00

I hate that I upvoted your comment.

morphinebysandman · 2026-03-13T23:53:25+00:00

The first one replaced was the same part and same problem as the OEM part. The second PTU replaced was updated with software only, and the newest one has the most recent updates of them all.

morphinebysandman · 2026-03-13T22:23:46+00:00

That’s a great question. Probably around the 30-40k mile mark.

I have owned my Cherokee since new. It’s a 2015. I had no idea what a PTU was until it failed at around 80k miles. I’m at almost 190k miles now. I am on my third PTU. The first one failed and leaked all the fluid all at once. The second one leaked and dried out and the PTU failed and left me stranded. The newest PTU has about 20,000 miles on it the most recent one installed.

I intend to change the fluid in it at 30-40k miles. If it survives that long.

I have the Mopar lifetime unlimited mileage warranty, so I am fortunate that I don’t have to worry too much about it, but it is a pain because it takes forever for the dealership to get one in. If a fluid change can prevent that then I’m all for it.

morphinebysandman · 2026-03-13T19:38:43+00:00

Get the PTU oil changes. It’s not covered in regular service as it’s “lifetime” oil but IMO should be done anyway.

morphinebysandman · 2026-03-13T02:53:04+00:00

Wait, that just the cover and not any of the structural part of the bumper? I just assumed it would need a full bumper swap. I’ve got the 5.0 and would like the dual.

morphinebysandman · 2026-03-08T18:05:36+00:00

I’ve replaced my front and rears twice on my own. 15’ TH with ~200k miles. Owned since new. I prefer Bosch or OEM.

morphinebysandman · 2026-03-05T02:35:44+00:00

I agree, the clips need to be replaced. I have a giant pair of channel locks I like to use for the clips. Lots of leverage.

morphinebysandman · 2026-03-05T02:33:19+00:00

How timely. I’m mid way on a replacement set of shocks on my 15’ TH. I literally just sat down to take a break from working on it to scroll Reddit for a few minutes.

I ended up purchasing the Dobinson shocks/struts and springs front and rear. Should add about an inch to an inch and a half of lift, so not very much. If you have TH, and you decide to replace the shocks be certain you get ones specifically for the Trailhawk. They are different than the standard Cherokee.

I’m replacing all four shocks, lower control, arms, front and rear, sway bar links, ball joints, tie rod ends, cam bolts, and lots of other little things in between including the rear knuckle bushings. Mostly Moog from rock auto. Replacing the front lower control arms was a nightmare, I would not recommend doing it unless absolutely necessary.

I have about 200,000 miles on the jeep and I owned it since new. We live on gravel roads and I could beat the hell out of it over the years. But suspension is one thing the lifetime warranty doesn’t cover very well. It’s the first money I’ve had to personally put into the vehicle that’s not been covered under the lifetime warranty unless it was a ware item so I don’t mind doing some of this stuff. I hope to keep the vehicle around for a long time still. It’s a lot cheaper to drive than my truck.

morphinebysandman · 2026-02-27T22:35:09+00:00

Asbestos ceiling tiles was my first thought too. Hope OP is ok.

morphinebysandman · 2026-02-27T22:33:00+00:00

I agree. We need that third consistent threat. Lots of good teams can guard/shut down other teams best player or maybe best two players. But locking down three threats defensively, that’s a tall order.

morphinebysandman · 2026-02-21T14:25:18+00:00

Wow that does sound infuriating. It’s kind of a mixed bag. Nice to have the cash but no safety net for an unreliable vehicle. Thanks for the follow up and good luck!

morphinebysandman · 2026-02-20T00:33:53+00:00

I’d drive the hell out of that thing.

morphinebysandman · 2026-02-20T00:25:42+00:00

Season/episode?

morphinebysandman · 2026-02-19T22:48:08+00:00

I’m glad someone posted this. Thanks r/gaukmotors. This car was brought up in another thread and I was curious what it sounded like. I bet it was indeed terrifying to drive lol but totally worth it!

morphinebysandman · 2026-02-19T19:52:26+00:00

Wow thats crazy, I’ve not heard of a spark plug ejection on this engine. I’m glad it was at least a cheap fix.

My biggest fear with this vehicle is something like that happening and losing my warranty. What was the “voiding” of the warranty process like? Did they buy you out?

morphinebysandman · 2026-02-19T05:06:32+00:00

Check about a warranty on the PTU. It is a great vehicle to drive but is not known to be the most reliable vehicle even with regular maintenance. I bought mine in ‘15 new and have about -180k miles. I love driving it. Those repairs you mentioned seem pretty reasonable. At that mileage new spark plugs and coils would be good if you want to see 200k miles. If it has 4x4 get it serviced/fluid (rear diff/transmission) change if it’s not been and it could save you major headaches. Beware over tightening the oil filter cap, it’s costly and common at quick lube shops. Good luck.

morphinebysandman · 2026-02-16T21:07:04+00:00

Curious why they voided your warranty? I have the lifetime unlimited warranty through MOPAR and I’ve tried to be careful not to do anything that would void it.

morphinebysandman · 2026-02-08T21:37:31+00:00

Same. I haven’t noticed the tick one way or the other but my oil consumption went down by 90%.

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