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Engine replacement needed after 2K miles

thepriest555

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So, I've had my JTR for 2 months to the day and the engine seized up and I am waiting for the dealer to confirm an engine replacement.

I think the problem started about a month ago when I was driving and the ESS service light came on. When I stopped the car and restarted it, the ESS error was off, but the check engine light came on. The next day, the ESS light came back on and when I was driving to work some d-bag was racing in and out of lanes and he cut me off. I stepped on the gas to catch up to him and flip him off but my JT "misfired" and started sputtering. I was a minute from work so I sputtered into the parking lot. I called the dealer to bring it in and upon restarting no issues other than the check engine light again. Dealer cleared the codes, said they checked a few things, but other than the misfire, everything looked fine.

A month later (Tuesday), the ESS light came on again, then the check engine light. I called the dealer but they didn't have an availability until the following day. Yesterday morning (Wednesday), I start it up in the morning to go to work and it is rough idling and smoke starts billowing out of the tail pipe. I immediately turn it off. I wait a few minutes and start it up again and it rough idles for a few seconds and everything is back to normal and the check engine light is now off. I start driving to work but decide it's best if I don't drive it and decide to wait until my appointment to bring it to the dealer. When I go to bring it in, the engine is now dead and the JT won't start. Had to have it towed to the dealer.

I spoke to the dealer today who is waiting for approval to replace the engine. All he said was there was a catastrophic event and there is coolant where there isn't supposed to be so they are seeking authorization to replace it. They said on a vehicle with 30K miles they might dig down to find the cause and repair it, but with 2K miles it'd be better to replace it.

So, now I wait and see if the new engine is approved.
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JeepCares

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Hi @thepriest555,

We are terribly sorry to learn that this has happened! Please send us a private message with your VIN and dealer so that we can provide additional support while your Gladiator is in service.

Darlene
Jeep Cares
 

Rocksalt

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So, I've had my JTR for 2 months to the day and the engine seized up and I am waiting for the dealer to confirm an engine replacement.

I think the problem started about a month ago when I was driving and the ESS service light came on. When I stopped the car and restarted it, the ESS error was off, but the check engine light came on. The next day, the ESS light came back on and when I was driving to work some d-bag was racing in and out of lanes and he cut me off. I stepped on the gas to catch up to him and flip him off but my JT "misfired" and started sputtering. I was a minute from work so I sputtered into the parking lot. I called the dealer to bring it in and upon restarting no issues other than the check engine light again. Dealer cleared the codes, said they checked a few things, but other than the misfire, everything looked fine.

A month later (Tuesday), the ESS light came on again, then the check engine light. I called the dealer but they didn't have an availability until the following day. Yesterday morning (Wednesday), I start it up in the morning to go to work and it is rough idling and smoke starts billowing out of the tail pipe. I immediately turn it off. I wait a few minutes and start it up again and it rough idles for a few seconds and everything is back to normal and the check engine light is now off. I start driving to work but decide it's best if I don't drive it and decide to wait until my appointment to bring it to the dealer. When I go to bring it in, the engine is now dead and the JT won't start. Had to have it towed to the dealer.

I spoke to the dealer today who is waiting for approval to replace the engine. All he said was there was a catastrophic event and there is coolant where there isn't supposed to be so they are seeking authorization to replace it. They said on a vehicle with 30K miles they might dig down to find the cause and repair it, but with 2K miles it'd be better to replace it.

So, now I wait and see if the new engine is approved.
A blown engine at 2K??? Jeezus FCA! QC is troubling indeed
 

WhatExit?

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$h!t happens with every make. Sorry to hear about this. Hope itā€™s back on the road again soon
 
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thepriest555

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Confirmed engine replacement; expected to take the better part of 2 weeks. A loaner/rental is being provided. I have inquired about the possibility of getting an extended warranty covered through FCA so we'll see how that goes.
 

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Jimmy196791

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My JT is going in next week to have the rocker arms and cams replaced. For engine noise and bad gas mileage.
 

JeepCares

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My JT is going in next week to have the rocker arms and cams replaced. For engine noise and bad gas mileage.
Hi Jimmy196791,

Please let us know if you would assistance while in service at the dealer!

Darlene
Jeep Cares
 

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e36racer

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That has blown head gasket written all over it. Did you ever over heat it? If not, always possible the head had a machining defect or wasn't torqued properly. A lean condition can also cause the gasket to fail, but usually burns a piston in the process.
 

Jimmy196791

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Hi Jimmy196791,

Please let us know if you would assistance while in service at the dealer!

Darlene
Jeep Cares
Is there someone I can speak with at Jeep cares? Iā€™ve had nothing but problems and currently have multiple issues going on with my JT.
 
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thepriest555

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That has blown head gasket written all over it. Did you ever over heat it? If not, always possible the head had a machining defect or wasn't torqued properly. A lean condition can also cause the gasket to fail, but usually burns a piston in the process.
Yep, I went in yesterday and picked up my loaner. I asked for a bit more detail and they said it was Hydro-locked. Most likely from the head gasket. It never overheated or showed other signs of issues other than the times I mentioned in my original post. Two things interesting I noticed driving my loaner, a Hella-Yella JL Sport (3K miles). 1) Loose Steering - Super loose steering on the JL. My JTR has the loose steering and wandering, but man, this JL I think has way more slop/play in the steering wheel. 2) Gas mileage - My JTR was averaging 16.5mpg. The JL sport is averaging 24mpg! I hope my replacement engine will help improve my gas consumption.
 

WXman

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Ever since the weather turned cool here this past week, my engine has sounded like garbage. I've got a lot of knocking and tapping. Never have experienced this with my prior 4 Pentastar engines. No leaks and no check engine lights...so I'm just rockin' on for now. We'll see what happens!
 

JeepCares

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Is there someone I can speak with at Jeep cares? Iā€™ve had nothing but problems and currently have multiple issues going on with my JT.
@Jimmy196791
Please send our team a private message with your VIN, mileage, and dealer as well as the current concerns with your JT. If you prefer to speak over the phone, you can call 877-426-5337.

Darlene
Jeep Cares
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