There’s no denying the rugged appeal of the Jeep Wrangler. This tough vehicle can tackle everything from a morning commute to off-road adventures with ease. But Jeep Wranglers still have a variety of issues that can lead to extensive and costly repairs. Each generation has its own set of problems to watch for. We’ve compiled an overview of the most common Jeep Wrangler problems and what to know before buying a Jeep Wrangler.
Quick Links:
- Jeep Wrangler History
- 2007-2018 Jeep Wranglers
- 1997-2006 Jeep Wranglers
- Ignition Switch Issues (1997-2017)
- 1987-1995 Jeep Wranglers
- Tips for Buying a Used Jeep Wrangler
A Brief History of the Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler as we know it did not appear until 1986. However, the Wrangler gets much of its style and capability from the Jeep CJs that came before it.
- The CJ (1945-1986): Before World War II, Jeeps were only used as military vehicles. Near the end of the war, the first CJ, or “civilian Jeep,” was released. It had a tailgate, a canvas top and lower gearing to make it more civilian-friendly while keeping a classic Jeep look.
- The YJ (1986-1995):The first Wrangler was the YJ, which was introduced at the 1986 Chicago Auto show. It had the same frame as the CJ, but got a new look with rectangular headlights. The YJ’s suspension and interior features came from the Cherokee.
- The TJ (1996-2006): The release of the TJ in 1996 marked the beginning of the second generation Wrangler. Improvements to this generation included a stiffer body and frame, coil springs and round headlights. The engine choices remained the same as the YJ, making the TJ less of a relaunch and more of a heavy redesign.
- The JK (2007-2018): Today, most Wranglers have a four-door cab — but this option didn’t appear until the JK debuted in 2007. The third generation offered traction and stability control to increase safety, and kept features like removable doors, soft tops and fold-down windshields.
Common Issues With 2007-2018 Jeep Wranglers
The third generation of Jeep Wranglers is considered the least dependable. It has the most complaints and lowest-rated reliability among consumers, with multiple issues affecting every part of the vehicle. Let’s take a look at some of the most common issues with Jeep Wranglers of this era.
1. TIPM Failure
A vehicle’s electrical system depends on a functional totally integrated power module (TIPM). The TIPM facilitates everything from the fuel pump moving gasoline and power window function, to the headlights and throttle control. Without the TIPM, even the radio won’t work correctly.
Fiat-Chrysler vehicles from 2007 to 2015 are notorious for early TIPM failure. The Liberty, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler from these model years are all susceptible to this inconvenient and dangerous issue. Symptoms of TIPM failure include:
- Fuel pump remaining on and burning out due to constant use
- Airbags refusing to deploy or deploying at random
- Engine stalling while the vehicle is in motion
- Starter cranking but refusing to start
- Horn honking at random intervals
- Power windows getting stuck
- Doors locking or unlocking without input
Many owners describe a faulty or failed TIPM as making the vehicle feel “possessed.” Chrysler acknowledged the issue by sending out a recall for the 2007 Wrangler. The company blamed the dangerous stalling on a TIPM timing error. Even though many other year models were affected by the issue, none of them received a recall. Owners had to pay for repairs or replacements out of pocket.
TIPM issues are expensive, with the average TIPM repair cost at $1,200. Many reports occur while the vehicle is still under 40,000 miles.
2. The “Death Wobble”
The death wobble is something many Jeep owners have experienced firsthand. When the wobble kicks in, the driver feels the steering wheel shake violently. It usually happens after hitting a pothole or experiencing another jolt, and can sometimes be triggered by pressing hard on the brake pedal.
While it may feel like the vehicle’s axle or wheels will fly off, that isn’t something to worry about — no one has died as a result of a death wobble. If it happens, keeping a cool head can help drivers regain control and continue safely to a mechanic.
The death wobble occurs when steering components come loose or become damaged. It can also happen when someone installs suspension or steering parts incorrectly. The first step of diagnosis is to see if any parts have been bent or broken in the front suspension. Possible causes of the death wobble include:
- Ball joints
- Drag link and tie rod ends
- Front track bar
- Lower control arms
- Upper control arms
- Steering knuckles
- Steering stabilizer
- Suspension bushings
All these parts need to be inspected for excessive wear and damage. When troubleshooting the death wobble, try tightening all the hardware to the manufacturer-specified torque. Improper wheel alignment and unbalanced tires aren’t typically the source of the death wobble, but these conditions can make the issue much worse.
Most reports show no clear solution to the death wobble, and many owners have attempted to have the issue fixed multiple times. For the 2007 Wrangler, owners report spending almost $900 on attempted repairs, and few of those repairs permanently fixed the issue. Despite how common this problem is, Chrysler has not issued a recall.
3. TPS Failure
The throttle position sensor (TPS) relays information to the engine control module (ECM). It communicates how open the engine throttle is at any point so the ECM can properly alter emissions, ignition timing and fuel metering. The TPS is vulnerable to failure due to its complex combination of electrical and mechanical components.
When the TPS fails, its voltage readings will be incorrect and the check engine light will come on. The TPS sends information to the ECM that affects shift points in the transmission, leading to unexpected shifting issues that can be very dangerous while driving.
Signs of TPS failure to look for include:
- Bucking or jerking when the engine is under moderate stress
- Strange surges in speed
- Engine stalling suddenly and for no reason
- Reduced power and fuel economy
- Hesitation under acceleration
- Delayed shifts
- Difficulty changing gears
The average cost for a TPS replacement on a Jeep Wrangler ranges from about $130 to $150. Labor costs are estimated between $70 and $90, while the parts are typically priced around $60.
Shop 2007-2018 Wrangler Parts »
Common Issues With 1997-2006 Jeep Wranglers
Though the second generation has fewer registered complaints over time, there are still some 1997 Jeep Wrangler problems that affect all the model years in this range.
1. Transmission Recalls
Jeep Wrangler models starting in 2005 are famous for multiple recalls related to the automatic transmission and power train. The transmission may slip or get stuck in one gear. If the vehicle gets locked in one gear while driving on the freeway, the consequences could be deadly.
Although the issue is under recall and Jeep pays for the repairs, transmission issues typically come with long repair times.
2. Engine Popping
Backfiring or popping sounds in the engine can come as a shock, especially if it’s never happened before. In many cases, backfiring sounds as loud as a gunshot could cause you to jerk the vehicle while driving. Some of the common culprits of backfiring in Wranglers include:
- Incorrect engine timing
- Failed spark plugs
- Running rich with too much fuel and not enough air
- Plug wires, if equipped
Backfiring happens under a variety of circumstances and repair costs vary based on the specific issue you’re having.
3. Leaking Door Seals
Door sealing should be a simple component that doesn’t fail early, but Wranglers are famous for having sealing issues. Leaking in the A-pillar is well-known among 1987 Jeep Wrangler issues, and it remains a concern for the other generations. Door leakage is especially common among 2002 Jeep Wrangler problems.
Poorly sealed doors create a damp environment that may cause unpleasant odors. If the issue gets bad enough, the moisture might damage electrical systems. Fortunately, door seals are easy to find and install. You can find Jeep weather stripping for this purpose for under $50 per door.
4. Differential Pinion Seal Leaks
The pinion seal helps keep fluid from leaking out of the differential. If the differential leaks fluid, it can fail, causing your Wrangler’s gears to seize and lock up the rear wheels while driving. The main symptom of low fluid in the differential is a whining noise while driving.
The average cost for a pinion seal replacement is between about $210 and $255, most of which is labor.
5. Transfer Case Leaks
Transfer cases are found in AWD and 4WD vehicles and split the transmission’s power between the front and rear wheels. As a self-contained component, it has its own fluid which commonly starts to leak in Wranglers. If your transfer case is leaking, it may be a simple seal failure. It could also mean there is a problem with the overall transfer case, like a bad bearing.
Although the average cost of the parts required is around $30, getting a transfer case oil seal replacement may cost between $150 and $190.
Shop 1997-2006 Wrangler Parts »
Common Across Multiple Jeep Wrangler Generations (1997-2017): Ignition Switch Issues
A Wrangler part to pay special attention to is the ignition switch. The majority of ignition switch complaints for second generation Wranglers are because of age, but you’ll find malfunctioning ignition switches in the third generation, too. The ignition switch is not the slot you push the key into — that’s the lock cylinder. The ignition switch is usually found behind the lock cylinder, and it has three central functions:
- Accessory power: This is the result of turning the key to the first position, which allows you to roll down the windows, turn on the radio and use other electrical accessories.
- Ignition: Moving the key to this position starts the ignition and the fuel pump, pressurizing fuel and ensuring the engine is ready to go when it turns over.
- Starter: Moving the key to this position cranks the starter.
When you have ignition switch issues, the symptoms don’t just affect the car starting. Here are several signs your Wrangler has a problem with the ignition switch.
1. Stalling While Driving
A clear and dangerous sign of ignition switch issues is stalling out while driving. This happens when the failing switch cuts off the fuel pump or stops power to the ignition. The engine can’t run until it picks that signal up again.
2. Starting Then Dying
In some cases there are no problems starting the vehicle, but it immediately dies. When this happens, the fuel pump or ignition is not getting power while the key is in the run position, but power is there when the starter is engaged.
3. Failing to Start
There is more than one way a bad ignition switch can stop your Wrangler from starting. In some cases, the starter cranks but the switch fails to turn on the fuel pump or ignition. This results in the engine turning over but not sparking. The other possibility is that the starter doesn’t turn over.
4. Lack of Power to Accessories
Some cases of a failing ignition switch don’t keep the car from starting or running. Instead, the vehicle may start and drive fine while none of the accessories work. A few vehicle parts don’t require a key in order to be safer, including:
- Headlights
- Brake lights
- Horn
- Dome light
Other features like power windows, rear defrost, climate control and radio are tied to proper ignition switch function. If those accessories are off or acting erratically, you likely have an ignition switch issue.
5. Battery Draining
While the majority of ignition switch symptoms involve components not getting power, the opposite can also happen. Components may continue to receive power even when you turn the key to the off position. If you’re experiencing unexpected battery drainage, it may be due to ignition switch failure.
Although this problem causes extensive issues, it is relatively cheap to fix. Getting a full replacement typically costs between $115 and $140, with the majority of that cost covering labor. This is a fairly simple DIY fix for those familiar with electrical systems.
Common Issues With 1987-1995 Jeep Wranglers
The oldest generation of Wranglers is the most reliable of the bunch. There are still some issues to be aware of — even if most of them are related to age.
1. Exhaust Manifold Bolt Failure
The manifold is constantly shrinking and expanding over the course of a duty cycle. Over time, it may stretch further than it is able to retract. This can fracture the mounting stud and make the manifold permanently misshapen. This process also stretches the bolts, creating enough tension for them to fail.
Manifold bolts are cheap, but if the bolts aren’t replaced quickly or get stuck in the manifold, your Wrangler may need a new manifold. An exhaust manifold replacement averages between $950 and $1,100.
2. Body Damage
Wranglers are made for off-roading, which means older Jeeps are more likely to have body damage. Luckily, you don’t have to resign yourself to dented and damaged body parts and panels in your first generation Wrangler. Raybuck offers a wide selection of repair panels for 1987-1995 Wranglers so you can keep your Jeep in perfect shape.
3. Oil Leaks
Even with good maintenance, vehicles this old are susceptible to oil leaks. There are multiple systems within a Wrangler that can leak oil, so diagnosing the problem can be challenging. Each system has a different color of fluid that will mix with the leaking oil and can be used to pinpoint the source of the leak:
- Engine oil is amber when it’s new, but turns brown or black over time.
- Power steering fluid is the most ambiguous — it can be red, green, brown or transparent.
- Transmission fluid is red.
- Engine coolant can be transparent, red, orange or green.
Oil leakage is one of the more affordable fixes in older Wrangler generations. It can cost between $90 and $110 to get the leak diagnosed, and the repair cost varies depending on the leak source.
Shop 1987-1995 Wrangler Parts »
5 Tips for Buying a Used Jeep Wrangler
Despite potential issues with Jeep Wranglers, there are plenty of solid vehicles out there. Here are five tips to think about if you’re considering a used Wrangler.
1. Decide on Modifications
Modifications are common in Wranglers, and they can be a good option if you care about performance. However, a modified Wrangler will be more expensive than stock, and modifications may increase the chances of component failure due to poor installation. If you choose a modified Wrangler, it’s important to find out who completed the installation in case you need repairs related to the modification.
2. Check the Body
Before you get under the hood, check the body of the vehicle:
- Undercarriage: Always check the undercarriage first, as it’s the most visible indicator of how much life is left in the vehicle. It doesn’t matter if there are few miles on the transmission or the vehicle has a newer engine if the undercarriage is in poor condition.
- Outer panels: Significant denting can be a sign of hard use, and rusting might be a red flag. While rust on the undercarriage is a serious sign you should not buy the vehicle, it’s relatively easy to get replacement panelsand fix up the vehicle if the rust hasn’t spread to the frame.
- Tires: Inspecting tires for uneven wear patterns is important in spotting things like alignment problems or improper rotation. For example, if you see the front tires are more worn than the back, the front tires have been bearing too much of the engine weight and will need to be replaced earlier.
3. Ask About Mileage Type
Overall mileage is important, but you should also ask how the vehicle was driven. A Wrangler with low mileage might have been driven under severe off-road conditions, which could make another vehicle with high mileage and gentle use a better option.
4. Verify Mechanical History
If everything looks good under the hood, you should still ask for a full record of maintenance and repairs the vehicle has received. A spotty maintenance history could set you up for early part failure.
5. Always Test Drive
A test drive is a chance to uncover symptoms or issues with the vehicle. Take your test drive in the morning so you can hear how the engine sounds on startup. Listen for unexpected idling upon warm-up, stuttering during idling and loud ticking. During your drive, pay attention to how shifting feels and note any unstable handling, jerks or vibrations that could indicate a death wobble in the future.
The Raybuck Difference
No matter the age of your Jeep Wrangler, you can keep it looking like new with body parts and rocker panels from Raybuck Auto Body Parts. We offer competitive pricing on 1987 to 2017 Jeep Wrangler body panels without compromising on quality. Our dependable aftermarket parts are the smart alternative to buying OEM parts, and we work hard to provide customer service you can count on.
If you’re interested in body parts and panels for your Jeep Wrangler, shop online, give us a call at 800-334-0230 or send us a message through our contact form today.
I have a 2002 Jeep Wrangler. It has a new fuel pump on it. Drove ok for a couple of days then started it up and it stalled out set all night then started back up but it stalls out again. What can this be
That sounds like pump is defective or do u have an alarm on it after market alarms typically get hooks to number one injector u may also have a bad crank sensor the 4.0 straight six is notorious for crank and cam sensors also have U checked fuel pressure
On the fuel rail if it’s not getting atleast 50psi it will start and stall my buddy has this issue on his 4cyl wrangler he’s waiting on a fuel rail and fuel pressure regulator bc he did pump and had a similar situation going on
Have a 1997 Jeep Wrangler. Just came back from a desert ride and the rear lights won’t go off!
My 1991 Jeep Wrangler won’t go over 30 up hill
2008 Jeep Wrangler X 4X4 Manual 6-speed NSG370 Transmission
After 70K Transmission started popping out of gear, had a rebuild to replace1-2 synchronizer assembly and snap ring including reverse gear. Now, 110000K, I’m getting rattling underneath on acceleration with in frequent gear slippage, can’t pinpoint the rattling [ONLY after the jeep has been driven for a while and warmed up, never cold]
Thanks for sharing your experience. I have an 08 Wragler Sahara. It’s been issue after issue. Did you repair or sell your Wrangler?
2016 Jeep Wrangler It will start at times and other times it won’t until the next day, I have read several comments and seems quite common, any one has a solution, or are there any recalls for such an item?
I purchased a 2008 Wrangler because of its historical durability and the way it holds its resale value. What a mistake. At around 70K miles, the first engine failed because of a faulty gasket allowed oil to leak into the cylinders. Oil burned up and engines need oil so that was the end of engine #1.
Now the second engine 60K miles later has a faulty head gasket and has allowed radiator fluid to leak into into the cylinders corrupting the pistons as well as allowing fluid to get into the catalytic converter. Another $7K to fix.
The first engine failed with no check engine warnings. This engine did have the check engine light but it was already too late.
Never buy a jeep again.
Sidenote: My Toyota Sequoia now has 270K flawless miles on it. The only brand of car I’ll ever purchase again.
Today I had the issue of my side panel window of a soft top Jeep Wrangler flying off and getting damaged. I am sure that it was strapped in the correct way, so what could have caused this to happen. My passengers window was open while the others were closed, could this have caused the damage?
Hi, I have a 2013 2 door wrangler. i have a few things going on, while driving down the road my mileage and PRND lights flicker on and off but ill move the turn signal lever and it comes back on. next I drove it 3 hours straight on a trip and stopped for gas went to start it and would not start but noticed the switch stayed on turning the engine over with letting off the key. tried it a few times and kept doing it. i pushed it to a parking spot and let it sit for a few minutes then it started fine. my daughter was driving it one night going around 50 miles an hour and it just shut down, she pulled off the road and it took about ten minutes before it would start. quite a few times i would stop some where shout it off and 5 minutes later it wouldn’t turn over and just click. Any info would be appreciated.
I have a 2 door 2013 wangler as well and it shuts off while going 50+ and does the same when attempt to start it. Ignition switch stays on even when key is let go but it won’t start. If you ever figured out why please let me know!
Remove your ecm it’s time for repair or reflash. You can also get an exchange.
It’s plug the three big plugs in remove the old install the new simple.
Thank you for INFO.
I have 2019 wrangler and I love it.
George
Thanks for sharing great content, which is very important for us about the car engines. Nice Information.
Thanks for giving the amazing article, it is really useful for us .
I have a 2016 Jeep unlimited sport abs I’m hearing a cracking sound every time I stop and drive off. Any suggestions of what it can be?
I am having a similar issue in my 2017. But mine I would say sounds like a popping sound. Iv had it had the dealership twice. They tell me it’s just normal sounds a Jeep makes. My last Jeep never did this.
I noticed most of the negative year comments on the jeep 2dr wrangler were up to 2017. I have a 2dr. 2018 Wrangler sport with 7,000 miles, does the year 2018 still have problems?
thank you for your response.
I had a problem with my 2018 wrangler sport where randomly if I drove longer than 45 minutes shut it off to run inside the store real quick, I come back out and it won’t start. I had to wait 30 before it would start again. Very very inconvenient. I also had a seal leak and when it poured my drivers side floorboard would get soaked.
My 08 Wrangler randomly will not start. I fiddle with the steering wheel and key and after about 10 mins it starts. Does anyone know what this is?
In my years of seeing jeeps come into the shop, the common issue is your ignition is starting to burn out. I would check there first. If that isn’t your issue, check the alternator. They sometimes have the wild issue of trying to draw out all power keeping it in accessory mode instead of starting it.
My 2016 jeep Sahara wrangler break light And abs And tracks on lights All come on so we changed the front and back break’s And the abs and the tracks on lights are still on and when you take off it’s like the break sticks Three time’s and then it will do it again and again but not Everytime
This has been happening to my 2016 Wrangler. Do you know what causes this?
Air conditioner is not cooling properly – can the air filter on air conditioner be replaced or cleaned. Or do I need a new air conditioner?
2008 jeep wrangler, rotational squeek right side of vehicle. At bout 10 miles per hour. Or more. And after the drive train is warmed up. What would cause this
I just replaced my stock wheels and tires on my 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unl Sport with Motiv Offroad 424MB Mutants 20×9 5×4.5 lug pattern 18 offset and Cooper Zeon LTZ 285\50 R20. On expressway at 70mph the front steering shakes intensely.
It never did this before so what didnt happen when these tires and wheels were put on?
They could simply be out of balance.
05 TJ unlimited. Sometimes it’s hard to get out of 4 low, but sometimes it pops out of 4 low on its own and won’t move. I do have a 3 and a half inch lift.
Could be Transmission valve body. Occurred in my 2020 unlimited. Replaced under warranty
I just bought a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Hybrid and my backup camera grid lines work only intermittently. Most times they are NOT visible on the screen!!!! Camera has been replaced and still intermittent grid lines. Also I’ve had the screen go black twice as well and flash back to regular after a few minutes. Anyone else experiencing this with this model?
I have a 2017 JKU Rubicon 38000 miles can’t see any leak but jeep smells of coolant . Dealer claims it’s just fine .
It’s a very common issue. The radiator is aluminum with plastic tanks bonded on. I honestly believe it has a 100 percent failure rate. Not if but when. It isn’t really a leak in the sense that there won’t be a puddle on the ground but a small amount of coolant is lost so make sure to keep an eye on the level. The coolant is specific. Don’t just toss in regular green antifreeze. Make sure you get the right stuff.
Yes indeed the radiators on the third generation wranglers are very prone to leak around the small prongs that are bonded to plastic on the left and right sides of the radiator
Hey I have 2012 Jeep unlimited and the engine light keeps coming on, has no power. The garage has changed oil pump and sensor but still the light keeps coming on.
It’s one of your houses that’s in front of the motor at the bottom it’s hard to see I found mine it out of a 2015 Rubicon and I found where it’s leaking and only time you can see it is when it’s cold you started up for about 3 minutes and shut it off and you’ll see a little tiny drip
2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited. Bought it used in 2019, has always had intermittent starting issues. finally had the ignition switch diagnosed and replaced by the dealer where purchased. Problem started up again to the point of totally not starting at all. Went to another dealer, they diagnosed and repaired the following on 4/26/21 BAD FUSE 100 VERIFY CUS CONCERN VEHICLE WILL NOT START ,
SCAN VEHICLE HAS 19 CODE , INSPECT AND TEST CIRCUIT FOR STARTING ISSUE , TEST STARTER SIGNAL WIRE , WHEN TRY TO START AM ONLY GETTING GROUND , TEST THE TIPM SWAP THE
STARTER RELAY AND TEST START FUSE PASS REMOVE THE STEERING WHEEL UNDER COVER TEST THE IGNITION SWITCH , GROUND PASS,TEST IGNITION OUTPUT WIRE AND PIN 5 B+ WIRE NO POWER WIRE
GO TO THE TIPM AT M27 FUSE TEST FAIL REMOVE THE FUSE AND START VEHICLE.
Picked up the vehicle on 4/26. Problem of starting intermittent again as of 4/29/21.
Any ideas or have you heard of this before?
Omg… SAME! I took my 2018 wrangler jk sport to 3 dealerships and no one could diagnose it. I ended up selling it because it was unsafe for me to think it’ll start and then all the sudden sometimes it won’t start. But if I wait 30 minutes, then it would start again. So weird.
I have an 08 Jeep doing the same thing. What deelers did you go to? I live in SW florida.
Hi there,
I have a 2019 Jeep Wrangler Sahara with only 20100Km and I noticed that I was rolling along at 110Km per hour and on the highway and there was a slightly rough spot and my Jeep started to shimmy very violently. I slow down and applied the brakes lightly and the shimmy stopped. At slow speeds I do not have that shimmy and even when the road is smooth at high speed it rolls nice. I’m 54 years old and just street driven it. I haven’t been rough at all with my Jeep,, I even avoid pot hole.
Try getting your tyres rebalanced, that should solve the “shimmy” at certain speeds.
It’s called the death wobble you have to go to the dealership. It’s in the front they will change it out because there is a recall on the part and that year Jeep
Replace the steering stabilizer with a good brand like fox 2.0 unit. very will made.
I have a 2013 Jeep Wrangler rubicon straight drive. So when I put it in 4weel drive it doesn’t want to go on a hill. When I look underneath it smells like burnt oil or something burning. It has oil sprayed on the bell housing. Any idea what it might be? Please help.
well i had the prob with leaking oil down the bell housing….. mine was the oil cooler assembly that sets right on top of your motor!!! but if your running outta power il that could be your rear main if so thats very costly fix….. i thought my rear main was leaking it dumped oil everywhere spraying down hole underneath!!!! the loss of power to me seems you have slippage on tranny idk thats a new one i never lost power !!!! just wait until your abs wheel speed sensors go out on ya !!! and your traction control kicks in on ya !!!!! thats the mess im dealing with tomorrow have the parts gna replace all 4 the autozomes couldnt tell me the one that was bad!!!! so just got all 4 good luck what people don’t understand about a jeep !!!! if you can just get by on the payments your screwed!!! jeep does stand for JUST EMPTY EVERY POCKET!!!!! thats the truth!!! mine is going to get the axles gutted to rvc axles 5::13 gears with eaton e lockers front and rear 35 inch swamper tsl sxll….. everything axles to gears to yokes and drive shaft in no more mopar !!!! but i still have prob with the sensors!!!!! it never ends with a jeep !!! good luck i hope you use your jeep !!!!!! not a mall creeper lol
I have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sahara JK and sometimes after driving it and getting out for 10-15 min and getting back in it won’t start…Everything comes on but the car doesn’t even turn over. Normally after waiting 10 – 20 min it will crank with no problem.Its not an over heating issue… Nothing shows on a code reader and battery has been replaced. Taken into dealership and it won’t do it for them so they say there is nothing they can do.
Any suggestions?
The starter may be overheating. If that’s the issue, then just replace it.
I have an 1989 wrangler yj 2.5 tbi. This jeep is solid. I’ve rolled it pushed it back over on its wheels and drove it 190 miles back home. Still runs like a tank ten years later.
good ol 2.5L don’t care about nothing lol my 2.5L in my ‘95 Cherokee has been to hell and back with any issues, 160,000 miles on it so far.
‘95 2dr Jeep XJ 2.5L, f&r d60s 5.38 gears, Detroit locked, converted to ax15, np231 doubler tcase, 37” Goodyear MTR Kevlar tires
I have a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with 105,000 miles that recently started leaking on the driver’s side. When it rains heavy, it puddles in the floor. I changed the gasket around the door but it’s still leaking. A lot.
Any suggestions?
Hey Darrell, it could be the windshield seal. Look under the dash and see if there are any signs of leaks/drips there.
I had the same problem. There are small rubber drain holes in the floor I guess so you can wash it out if necessary. Anyway, over time, these little rubber stoppers start to leak. The water in my case was coming from outside rain splashed up from the street. I replaced my stoppers and it fixed the problem.
What can 2001 Jeep Wrangler tj to jerk
When letting off gas or giving more gas
Don’t forget in the 3.6 jk/JKU the oil/coolant leak on top of the engine requiring the manifold to be removed and a somewhat expensive replacement junction swap out. Just wish they wouldn’t use the plastic box as a replacement such a weak point and silly to use under such high heat. Prone to failure
What is that part called and how much I is it? I found it after I took manifold off and found that small plastic peace but don’t no tha name off it it’s on a 2013 v6 unlimited
Dorman makes a full aluminum oil filter/cooler housing to replace the crappy plastic factory ones. Some sites will try to tell you it want fit the earlier jks (bc its listed as a 2014 or 2016+ year part). But it’s the same axact part as the earlier jk housing. Just make sure to buy a housing cap and new sensors for it at the same time due to the cap thread count is different and I think the sensor treads may also be different or maybe not, i cant remember.. but it will bolt right up correctly to the 3.6L jk’s, idk about the 3.8s. I have a 2013 3.6l unlimited sport and it fits right in.
I just bought a 2018 Sahara Unlimited JL. Haven’t even had it a week and had to jump it twice. I’m not sure if I’m not turning it off the right way or it’s something else…
Hey Nicole. If the key is coming out then you’re turning it off correctly. This could be a number of issues. I would start by having the battery and alternator checked (some parts stores will do this free of charge). If those check out, you may have a short somewhere (especially is someone added any aftermarket electrical items to it).
Did this work? Have you figured it out yet? Mine did the same and after a year of going over other issues this one fix actually fixed everything. It was pointing to the TIPM however it wasn’t that. All fuses were getting power. To the things I was having problems with like the fuel pump, alarm, seat belt, gad gage and some panel lights not all, and the air bags…I followed each wire down checking to see which ones continued to get power following where the “cluster connectors” that’s what I call them. We’re leading and if they continued to get power. Power was positive until I got to another “cluster connector” under the paseenger headlight , connects wiring to the radiator, fog lights and a few other things and that particular cluster gets bumped a lot when wheeling and also when doing things like changing the radiator or putting in new headlights, power steering etc. the little locking mechanism is t the r greatest because of its location mounting. Took me two weeks to trace it all back to that particular module…and I had seen a YouTube video where a guy says don’t take your TIPM to the dealer and pay $1200 or more..try this first…every single Dodge he’s ever did this too all go tk that same connector under that same headlight. He fixes it or clicks it jn all the way and Bam! Problem solved. With ALL electrical as customers will report things no longer workjng such as cigarettes lighters or fan switches etc…and then when he fixes that issue they all start working again! I have a 2009 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited too! When my Jeep started over heating a lot and I could never find a leak, I noticed someone must have put Bars leak in it..so I’did the flushing etc because the radiators appeared it could be clogged. Didn’t work but broke loose a Clog in the radiator so I changed the radiator. Didn’t notice the module at that time either. Then it still over heated . So I tjj hi or cheap fox change the thermostat again maybe it’s sticking and it was because remember it had Bars leak in it. Worked for a week or so, back to over heating so I was going to flush it again…and check the heater core thinking it too can be clogged, but when I parked it in my shop, it would not start again. Would crank but no start. That’s when k tho it dang! Fuel pump but something told me all these little electrical issues I was having pointed me to the TIPM and reading how all these wranglers have TIPM issues. I almost was going to spend that money and have the dealer replace or rebuild the TIPM till k seen that video by that guy. Went out and checked that module or connector and i pushed in it harder to lock and it clicked loudly and locked in better but also has a lot of coolant sticky coolant on it so j also cleaned it up…locked in much easier and guess what, that fixed very electrical issue I was having including the over heating issue. Check those connectors and all the wiring from u set that TIPM! Follow or trace back all those wires checking the power to see if your getting it they ought each wire. Timely yes, but chances are you will find the culprit before havjng to do each one and you will save money!
I have a 2018 Wrangle, turbo with just under 23,000. The battery and engine light were on, then the ABS shut off, the traction control shut off, the breaks locked, not able to put into gear (says car is in park, when in N). Engine sputtering. Once shut off, will not start again. Could not even use manual override to be towed. Any ideas? thanks
I have recenty bought a petrol v6 auto with 164000km’s Im having an issue when im driving on Highway at 80 kmph then engine starts to knock when i keep on acceleration and when spped reaches 95-100kmph car again runs smoothly
They missed cracked exhaust manifolds for all Jeeps up to the 3.6L. Also, the 42RLE transmission shutter issues in the 3rd generation Wranglers. Also the 3rd generation had an issue with the 3.8L head gaskets failing prematurely.
I have a 2018 jk…after I drive for a while and turn off the vehicle..the stater won’t engage..I let it sit for a half hour then it will kicks in…dont know if its the natural safty switch or starter
Hi Richard. It sounds like the starter might be overheating. You may want to put in a heat shield, or wrap the starter in a heat-resistant material to see if that fixes the problem. If that works, you could leave as-is or replace with a high-performance starter that can withstand more heat.
I have a 18 jk.the transmission switch is bad,and needs to be changed.a service bulletin needs is available at your dealer.
What about unexplained oil usage in the 2007 wrangler manual transmission 4dr Rubicon and mo recall ?