Home and Auto Car Guys - Advice Requested - Page 3

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.

Frosty · 09-30-2011, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vailpass

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.

How is the supply of the Unlimiteds (4-doors)? I was looking recently and they are kind of hard to find used around here.

Brock · 09-30-2011, 11:02 AM

This is not a big deal, mechanically speaking. But I definitely understand why you'd think about giving it back to them.

vailpass · 09-30-2011, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frosty

How is the supply of the Unlimiteds (4-doors)? I was looking recently and they are kind of hard to find used around here.

You see them all over the place. Check out Autotrader.com for Phoenix, AZ or cars.com to see some of them.

vailpass · 09-30-2011, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

This is not a big deal, mechanically speaking. But I definitely understand why you'd think about giving it back to them.

You have no idea, mechanically speaking.

**SAUTO** · 09-30-2011, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vailpass

You have no idea, mechanically speaking.

yeah he does...

i agree with brock here.

Frosty · 09-30-2011, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HemiEd

I would return it if it was me. The PCM is probably the problem, but that is horrible way to start out with a late model car.

BTW, if HemiEd says take it back - take it back. He is hardcore Mopar.

Amnorix · 09-30-2011, 11:14 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.

What, this is the last one on planet Earth? Return this POS and find another.

Frosty · 09-30-2011, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vailpass

You see them all over the place. Check out Autotrader.com for Phoenix, AZ or cars.com to see some of them.

Thanks. I decided to go a different route because of the shitty mileage. I was just wondering if the OP jumped on this one because the 4-doors were hard to find there.

vailpass · 09-30-2011, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frosty

Thanks. I decided to go a different route because of the shitty mileage. I was just wondering if the OP jumped on this one because the 4-doors were hard to find there.

Hah! Yes if mpg is a concern there are definetely better routes to take. I'm a jeep fan and know there are only two kinds of jeeps: those that need work and those that soon will.

rageeumr · 09-30-2011, 11:23 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.

Exactly. Like I said earlier, I have honestly been looking for 3 or 4 months to find the mix of exactly what I want. Under 50K miles, manual tranny, power windows and locks, 4x4 in dark green, black or silver for $20K - $22K. So if I return it, I'm basically guaranteed to have to settle for something I don't like.

But would I rather slightly dislike something about my car or have it in the shop once a week? Pretty easy decision in that regard.

vailpass · 09-30-2011, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

yeah he does...

i agree with brock here.

I'll listen to the Jeep heads out here, no offense but they see a hell of a lot more of it than you do.
How can you or Brock say it isn't a big deal when the mechanic's there don't yet know what's wrong with it? Why would anyone want to keep a lemon when they can give it back?

Frosty · 09-30-2011, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vailpass

Hah! Yes if mpg is a concern there are definetely better routes to take. I'm a jeep fan and know there are only two kinds of jeeps: those that need work and those that soon will.

I had a 2000 Cherokee for three years (bought it barely used in 2001). It was a great rig and I never had any problems with it (other than one of the heated seats stopped working). I only traded it because I wanted a pickup because we were remodeling our house at the time. In hindsight, I should have just gotten a trailer.

I will say that moving up to a Silverado 4x4 didn't change my mileage much.

**SAUTO** · 09-30-2011, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vailpass

I'll listen to the Jeep heads out here, no offense but they see a hell of a lot more of it than you do.
How can you or Brock say it isn't a big deal when the mechanic's there don't yet know what's wrong with it? Why would anyone want to keep a lemon when they can give it back?

if it is just a pcm problem (VERY COMMON, then they flash a new program and it cures the problem) how can you say its a lemon?

and BTW how do you know what i see on a daily basis?

rageeumr · 09-30-2011, 11:39 AM

I appreciate all the replies, guys. The consensus (both here and on some of the Jeep forums I've read) is that these electrical and computer issues seem to be hard to diagnose and you never really know if it was fixed or not until you have another problem.

I've already emailed my salesman seeing if they will offer me an extended warranty at no charge. If they say no, my mind is made up. If they say yes, I'm probably 50/50.

vailpass · 09-30-2011, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

if it is just a pcm problem (VERY COMMON, then they flash a new program and it cures the problem) how can you say its a lemon?

and BTW how do you know what i see on a daily basis?

The fact you think flashing the PCM is an automatic cure for all Jeep PCM codes says something.
I don't know what you see on a daily basis, didn't mean to offend you. Whatever you see in the middle of Missouri isn't near the volume of Jeeps in Phoenix though.

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, 11:02 AM	#32
Brock Say hello to my little friend Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Larryville Casino cash: $9598422	This is not a big deal, mechanically speaking. But I definitely understand why you'd think about giving it back to them.
Posts: 47,314

09-30-2011, 11:39 AM	#44
rageeumr Veteran Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: St. Louis :( Casino cash: $9989900	I appreciate all the replies, guys. The consensus (both here and on some of the Jeep forums I've read) is that these electrical and computer issues seem to be hard to diagnose and you never really know if it was fixed or not until you have another problem. I've already emailed my salesman seeing if they will offer me an extended warranty at no charge. If they say no, my mind is made up. If they say yes, I'm probably 50/50.
Posts: 2,313