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2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ - P1489, P1490, P1287 Error Codes: Slow Acceleration, Gear Sticking and Jiggling at Stop

Model: Grand Cherokee 2004 WJ Fault Code: P1281 Posted: 2011-01-17 20:39

Vehicle Details: 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ (Automatic, 6-cylinder, 4.0L engine) Current Issue: When driving in Drive (D) from a standstill, the vehicle accelerates very slowly initially and then reaches a point where it seems to 'stick' at a single gear—effectively operating on one speed. When coming to a stop between 5 km/h and 0 km/h, the transmission attempts to shift gears but fails repeatedly; it either doesn't engage properly or remains in the same gear, causing noticeable forward jiggling. The check engine light is illuminated in yellow, and the following diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are present: - P1489 (M): High Speed Fan Control Relay Circuit — An open or shorted condition detected in the control circuit of the high-speed radiator fan relay. - P1490 (M): Low Speed Fan Control Relay Circuit — An open or shorted condition detected in the control circuit of the low-speed radiator fan relay. - P1281: Engine is Cold Too Long — The engine coolant temperature remains below normal operating levels during vehicle operation, indicating a potential thermostat issue. Historical Issue: Previously, this vehicle exhibited a 50% chance of stalling when stopped on an incline with the front uphill. At that time, I felt it failed to engage the correct gear—specifically not shifting into first gear properly. Possible Causes and Questions: - Could the fan relay faults (P1489/P1490) be related to transmission behavior or engine temperature? - Is the P1281 code indicating a thermostat failure that affects engine warm-up, leading to poor performance during drive cycles? - Does the vehicle rev smoothly in Park? If not, could this point to an underlying drivetrain or power delivery issue? Any insights from owners of 2004 Grand Cherokee WJ with similar symptoms? Thank you for your help.

Related fault codes
P1281P1489P1490
Comments (2)
Anonymous 2011-01-17 22:19

I replaced my battery recently and noticed the same codes on my 2004 Grand Cherokee WJ. I don’t believe P1489 and P1490 are directly related to transmission behavior, but the P1281 code—engine cold too long—is worth investigating. In my case, after replacing the fuel pump and filter, the issue was traced to a lack of power reaching the pump; this suggests electrical or fuel system problems may be at play. I recommend checking for proper voltage supply to the fuel pump and verifying thermostat function.

Anonymous 2011-01-18 18:04

The transmission should be inspected, especially given the gear-sticking behavior during stops and acceleration. If the engine isn’t producing sufficient power or if there’s a shift hesitation, it could explain the jiggling sensation. A simple test: check whether the vehicle revs normally in Park—this can help determine if the issue is mechanical, electrical, or related to transmission control.