My 1997 jeep grand Cherokee makes a whistling sound when I accelerate and has lost power and gas mileage since

Question

This noise seems to be coming from the top of the engine somewhere.

Answer 1

dude did you run over an animal?

Answer 2

Sounds like you have a vacuum leak.
It could be as simple as a cracked or worn vacuum hose or fitting, or more involved such as a leaky intake gasket.
Being that it's a '97, I'm assuming that it has Electronic Fuel injection, but could also be a Throttle Body System.
It's easy to distinguish between the two.
E.F.I. has individual fuel injectors for each cylinder.
A Throttle Body System has what appears to be a carbeurator on the top of the engine.
I point this out because if it is a T.B. set up, the throttle body may have come loose. When this happens, air will get pulled into the engine without passing through the throttle body, & therefore not mixing with fuel making the engine run lean.
The easiest way to check for a vacuum leak is to get a can of carb & choke cleaner from your local parts house.
With the engine running CAREFULLY spray the cleaner around the intake manifold, & vacuum hoses. If the R.P.M.'s go up, or if the engine changes it's idling when you hit a certain spot, that's where your leak is.
Has the vehicle been worked on lately? If so, is that when you noticed the problem?
Maybe a vacuum hose was accidently comprimised.
Good luck, let me know how you made out.

Answer 3

You have a vacuum leak.

1. Check all your vacuum connections

2. Move the vehicle to a well ventilated are away from combustibles

3. If the vehicle is equipped with a tach, have someone sit inside & observe the tach.

4. Purchase a can of starting fluid or plenum cleaner.

5. Light spray along the side of the intake manifold where it contacts the head

6. If the tach. increases RPM, then your intake or a vacuum line may be damaged.

7. To be on the safe side, wear a long sleeve cotton shirt & protect your face.

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Answer 4

You have a vacuum leak. Look for a cracked or loose vacuum hose or connector. If you cannot find a bad hose then you may use CARB CLEANER to spray around the intake area and listen for a rise in engine rpm. Please DO NOT use starting fluid as somebody else suggested! It contains ether and can blow you sky high if there is a stray spark or heat source.

Answer 5

SUV's mainly don't have the right gasoline mileage yet some do more advantageous perfect then maximum others. i'm taking a wager per my previous ninety seven Cherokee is any the position from 15 to 20. provide or take some searching on what you've finished to the engine, up grade? or difficult ridding on the engine? mileage on the engine?. Hills or provide up and pass site visitors kill the gasoline too.

Answer 6

Hmmmm, vacuum leak, yes. Spraying starting fluid, it has been done. But using carb cleaner instead because of flammability? Carb cleaner burns too!! Use water in a spray bottle, it is the safest method. The whistling will stop for a moment and the engine will sputter. Using starting fluid or carb cleaner is another way, but not as safe.

Answer 7

Vacum Leak!
Some are a @#%#$ to find and may be best if you get it checked by a trusted mechanic, once it's found, you might be able to perform the work yourself to help save on cost of labor...

Best Wishes!

"/JOe