Home and Auto Car Guys - Advice Requested - Page 2

rageeumr · 09-30-2011, 10:03 AM

So I bought an 08 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited last night from Carmax. I'm no car guy (will become apparent as this OP progresses) but it seemed to run strong and had no issues during the test drive.

As I'm driving the thing home, it beeps at me and the dash lights up like a Christmas tree. Check engine light comes on along with brake, ABS, ESP BAS and seat belt. Speedo drops to zero and after a little while I notice the odometer isn't running, either. This continues until I get home.

I had to run some errands so I (perhaps foolishly) took it back out. This time, it would sporadically do what I mentioned above and then some of the lights would go off and the traction control light would come on. At that point, the speedo and odometer would start working again.

This morning on my way to work, nothing but the check engine light. Then, on my way to take it back to Carmax to get it looked at, no lights whatsoever. At no point was the mechanical performance of the car affected at all.

They ran a quick diagnostic at Carmax and said it was giving them codes related to the computer, so they would have to send it to a local dealer to work on. The service tech mentioned in passing that he thought one of the codes was related to the PCM. They set me up with a loaner and sent me on my way. All the work is covered under their 30-day warranty, so that's not really a concern of mine.

So if you made it this far, here's my conundrum. I can return the vehicle for a full refund for the next 5 days. (They also said they would "stop the clock" while the Jeep is being worked on). I'm obviously considering doing just that, but I really don't know how big of a problem this is. Is this an odd isolated incident, or does it point to bigger underlying electrical issues? I don't know if I should be happy that I'm getting an expensive part replaced during my 30 day window or if I should cut ties and run.

rageeumr · 09-30-2011, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vailpass

I've owned Jeep. Your troubles are just beginning. Get out now if you can.

I had an 02 2-door Wrangler for a few years that I think I had in the shop one time (clutch throwout bearing). I only got rid of it because a 2 door car with no cargo just didn't work for me anymore.

Seems like I may be in the minority with my experience, however.

Radar Chief · 09-30-2011, 10:31 AM

Buying a used Jeep Wrangler is like buying a used sports/muscle car. The previous owner could’ve been beating the shit out of it and unless you know where to look you’d probably never know until too late.
Personally I’d return it, just not a good way to start with a new to you vehicle. But if you decide to keep it I’d grab a creeper and spend a lot of time underneath the thing with a flash light looking very closely at what kind of shape the under carriage, suspension and driveline is in.

vailpass · 09-30-2011, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Gigglepants

This.

Mwuahahahahaaa...run. Run away and don't look back. Take that ****er back, go pick it up from the shop now, and take it back. Return it, now.

Yes, he needs to take that YJ back right now.
PCM (brain) code can mean a hundred things and you may never trace it to the source. Money pit. Wait 'til it starts dying on you in the middle of the road or trail. Get out.

rageeumr · 09-30-2011, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

Buying a used Jeep Wrangler is like buying a used sports/muscle car. The previous owner could’ve been beating the shit out of it and unless you know where to look you’d probably never know until too late.
Personally I’d return it, just not a good way to start with a new to you vehicle. But if you decide to keep it I’d grab a creeper and spend a lot of time underneath the thing with a flash light looking very closely at what kind of shape the under carriage, suspension and driveline is in.

I didn't spend a lot of time, but I did get down and look for obvious damage to the undercarriage. I wouldn't think this issue would be related to off-roading, but I suppose if one of the wheel sensors was involved it could....

vailpass · 09-30-2011, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rageeumr

I had an 02 2-door Wrangler for a few years that I think I had in the shop one time (clutch throwout bearing). I only got rid of it because a 2 door car with no cargo just didn't work for me anymore.

Seems like I may be in the minority with my experience, however.

Go to that first jeep forum link I posted and talk to some YJ owners about what you have going on. The guys in that club (AZ Jeep Club) are pure enthusiasts that do their own work and know their stuff.

Your YJ took a shit on you the FIRST day you had it. Which is good because you can climb out from under it. If you like it that much get a different one and try your luck again.

Radar Chief · 09-30-2011, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rageeumr

I had an 02 2-door Wrangler for a few years that I think I had in the shop one time (clutch throwout bearing). I only got rid of it because a 2 door car with no cargo just didn't work for me anymore.

Seems like I may be in the minority with my experience, however.

Not necessarily. ’98 to ’06 Wranglers were good ones, that 4.0L I-6 is a good, reliable motor. There was a bit of a Jeeper mutiny when they decided to make over the Wrangler and give it the 3.8L V-6 minivan engine.

Amnorix · 09-30-2011, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rageeumr

So if you made it this far, here's my conundrum. I can return the vehicle for a full refund for the next 5 days.

No, you don't have a "conundrum", you have what I would refer to as an "obvious solution."

**Gonzo** · 09-30-2011, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefPote

Ask them to extend the warranty for a period you're comfortable with if you decide to keep the car. That's the least they should do in this case. If they don't, I think I'd return it. It just might be your warning that it's a lemon.

This...

If they won't do it, return it.

Radar Chief · 09-30-2011, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rageeumr

I didn't spend a lot of time, but I did get down and look for obvious damage to the undercarriage. I wouldn't think this issue would be related to off-roading, but I suppose if one of the wheel sensors was involved it could....

Wheel sensor? Probably not, the way you described it I was thinking bad ground or loose connector but a bad computer sounds reasonable also.

Dr. Gigglepants · 09-30-2011, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vailpass

Yes, he needs to take that YJ back right now.
PCM (brain) code can mean a hundred things and you may never trace it to the source. Money pit. Wait 'til it starts dying on you in the middle of the road or trail. Get out.

Dude, you are describing my past to a T. I had a 93 Cherokee, while the IL 6 is a good engine, my PCM was shit. It would leave me on the side of the road once a week, we tried so many things to fix it, had it taken to so many different people. Even the dealership couldn't figure it out, until finally something worked. Due to passage of time, and so many things tried, I can't tell you what it finally was that did it.

I will say, AFTER the POS quit leaving me on the side of the road, I got 4 good years out of it, and I loved it. I wasn't a huge off road guy or anything, but off road, snow, nothing could stop that vehicle. I loved it. Still miss it to this day, but if I could have taken it back when we were having the issues I would have in a heartbeat.

**Bugeater** · 09-30-2011, 10:42 AM

Kill it with fire.

Radar Chief · 09-30-2011, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnorix

No, you don't have a "conundrum", you have what I would refer to as an "obvious solution."

I think his conundrum is he wants to keep it. I can’t blame him, I like the Wrangler 4 doors.

vailpass · 09-30-2011, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Gigglepants

Dude, you are describing my past to a T. I had a 93 Cherokee, while the IL 6 is a good engine, my PCM was shit. It would leave me on the side of the road once a week, we tried so many things to fix it, had it taken to so many different people. Even the dealership couldn't figure it out, until finally something worked. Due to passage of time, and so many things tried, I can't tell you what it finally was that did it.

I will say, AFTER the POS quit leaving me on the side of the road, I got 4 good years out of it, and I loved it. I wasn't a huge off road guy or anything, but off road, snow, nothing could stop that vehicle. I loved it. Still miss it to this day, but if I could have taken it back when we were having the issues I would have in a heartbeat.

That is so common, glad you finally got yours straightened out. People try everything from sawing off an inch on each of the bolts that hold the PCM in to having it re-flashed to who laid the rail. Sometimes some things work for a while, sometimes forever, sometimes not at all.
But like you said, why would you ever consider messing with it if you have the option to RETURN IT AT NO COST? There are literally thousands of others he could choose from if he really wants a YJ.

vailpass · 09-30-2011, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radar Chief

I think his conundrum is he wants to keep it. I can’t blame him, I like the Wrangler 4 doors.

There are thousands and thousands of 08 YJs he could buy, why keep that one? Hell out here in Phoenix there is an endless supply all in perfect no-rust shape.

Frosty · 09-30-2011, 10:51 AM

There is probably a reason that the previous owner dumped it after three years. I would return it and keep looking.

09-30-2011, 10:03 AM
rageeumr Veteran Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: St. Louis :( Casino cash: $9989900	Car Guys - Advice Requested So I bought an 08 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited last night from Carmax. I'm no car guy (will become apparent as this OP progresses) but it seemed to run strong and had no issues during the test drive. As I'm driving the thing home, it beeps at me and the dash lights up like a Christmas tree. Check engine light comes on along with brake, ABS, ESP BAS and seat belt. Speedo drops to zero and after a little while I notice the odometer isn't running, either. This continues until I get home. I had to run some errands so I (perhaps foolishly) took it back out. This time, it would sporadically do what I mentioned above and then some of the lights would go off and the traction control light would come on. At that point, the speedo and odometer would start working again. This morning on my way to work, nothing but the check engine light. Then, on my way to take it back to Carmax to get it looked at, no lights whatsoever. At no point was the mechanical performance of the car affected at all. They ran a quick diagnostic at Carmax and said it was giving them codes related to the computer, so they would have to send it to a local dealer to work on. The service tech mentioned in passing that he thought one of the codes was related to the PCM. They set me up with a loaner and sent me on my way. All the work is covered under their 30-day warranty, so that's not really a concern of mine. So if you made it this far, here's my conundrum. I can return the vehicle for a full refund for the next 5 days. (They also said they would "stop the clock" while the Jeep is being worked on). I'm obviously considering doing just that, but I really don't know how big of a problem this is. Is this an odd isolated incident, or does it point to bigger underlying electrical issues? I don't know if I should be happy that I'm getting an expensive part replaced during my 30 day window or if I should cut ties and run.
Posts: 2,313

09-30-2011, 10:31 AM	#17
Radar Chief Wearing ballistic dog goggles. Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: In the box. Casino cash: $5021503	Buying a used Jeep Wrangler is like buying a used sports/muscle car. The previous owner could’ve been beating the shit out of it and unless you know where to look you’d probably never know until too late. Personally I’d return it, just not a good way to start with a new to you vehicle. But if you decide to keep it I’d grab a creeper and spend a lot of time underneath the thing with a flash light looking very closely at what kind of shape the under carriage, suspension and driveline is in. __________________ Like "Cool Hand" Luke I'm busting rocks. __/\|_/[___] \|/ \\_\| ---OllllO _( ))~-( ))-0--))
Posts: 25,268

09-30-2011, 10:42 AM	#26
Bugeater The Maintenance Guy Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Renovated Bugeater Estate Casino cash: $6232680	Kill it with fire.
Posts: 70,443

09-30-2011, 10:51 AM	#30
Frosty Go Beavers! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Warshington Casino cash: $5448243	There is probably a reason that the previous owner dumped it after three years. I would return it and keep looking.
Posts: 14,502