Temperature Gauge is not working accurately/affecting Auto Start/Stop

[TaiMc]

Hey Yall!

Just wanted to inform everyone that Lil' Hulk is having a hiccup! Over a month ago, my temperature gauge just stopped working while driving. The LOUD fan came on and stayed on and the Auto Start/Stop warning light came on (indicating it was not working). I drove Lil' Hulk home...turned him off...and turned him back on. And everything was back to normal. Temperature gauge started working..no problem...fan was off. The next day, it was fine as well. Then two days later, the same issue occurred. I drove it to my mechanic and he ran diagnostic on it and said my Jeep was due for a software update, according to the system. He installed the software and Lil' Hulk had been perfect!

....until TONIGHT! This time the temperature gauge rose all the way to the top and my engine temp light came on blaring "HOT". I parked, turned it off, got out, felt the hood (it was cool to the touch). I popped the hood and the engine bay was delightfully cool. No coolant leak smell...no sign of any major overheating issues. I locked the hood and cranked and immediately temperature gauge rose to the top. I drove it home (16 miles), but halfway during my commute, the temperature gauge failed...and fell to the bottom (like before)...then ESS light came on, and temp gauge light stayed on. I got home, did the same thing...the hood was cool...popped it and the engine was slightly warm (as any normal engine would be after 16 mile drive). So, I do not believe I have a mechanical issue with overheating.

Instead, I believe I have a sensor/software issue. Will be reporting back when I get more information! Will do a check tomorrow and head to the dealership just to see if they got any software updates for Lil' Hulk. They may not be able to fix it tomorrow, but I'm hoping they can diagnose. I'm sad that Lil' Hulk is "sick".

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[Rauch]

Mine has done this a few times with no actual overheating.

 

[TaiMc]

Mine has done this a few times with no actual overheating.

You ever take it in? My issue is that... If the temp gauge stops working... and registers that the Jeep has the correct temp...it may not...and may actually overheat as maybe the fan wouldnt come on. At this point I'm happy to report that the fan has come and stayed on while the temp gauge was faulty each way: too hot or not hot at all. At this point, I know it won't actually overheat. However, I don't like the idea of the fan constantly blowing at those high revolutions...i feel like if it continues, my fan might experience probs. I'm not concerned about it being fixed and money and all that because I'm warrantied-up. However, I love my Jeep...and being without it gives me sad days...

 

[TaiMc]

Update: I tried to drive Lil' Hulk to work this morning and he would barely crank! The battery light came on as the jeep tried to crank...and once it Jeep finally started, the battery light went off. It began shuttering a bit like it would stall. The Temperature Gauge rose to the max and the Fan came on...temp light also came on. So, I shut it off... called the dealership...they gave me the number to Chrysler's Roadside assistance. I got that squared away and bae was towed out of my driveway to the dealership. My dad took me to the dealership, separately in his truck...and i was able to get a nice loaner (Grand Jeep Cherokee) while repairs are being made.

By the time the Jeep got there, the symptoms were still there and more (engine light appeared). While the jeep was cranked, they used their lil machine diagnostic thingy and it began throwing a code for a faulty Temp sensor. My mech told me that there are TWO temp sensors and he wasn't sure which one it was strictly by the error code, initially. He said he would have to do a bit more investigating. A few hours later my mechanic texted me saying that he found a faulty "Coolant Sensor". They have ordered the part and it likely will arrive next week.

Will give an update when I get my jeep back (hopefully fixed).

 

[JeepCares]

Hi Tai,

We're going to keep our eyes peeled for your updates. If any help is needed while you're in service, our team can be contacted via private message. We'd be glad to assist in the best way possible.

Jasmine
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[TJ2018]

Will give an update when I get my jeep back (hopefully fixed).

Hopefully that takes care of the problem. From what you described I was wondering if you had an electrical/battery issue as well... did you check your voltage when everything was going haywire? Low voltage can wreak all sorts of havoc.

Hope once it's back it's as right as rain! Good luck!

 

[VNT]

I wonder if your battery may be the problem, with low voltage the computers dont like that and do mysterious things, especially where you said it didnt crank too well.

 

[TaiMc]

Hopefully that takes care of the problem. From what you described I was wondering if you had an electrical/battery issue as well... did you check your voltage when everything was going haywire? Low voltage can wreak all sorts of havoc.

Hope once it's back it's as right as rain! Good luck!

YUP! I didn't check my battery but as I began reading some of the issues with this...i mentioned to my service rep that some people have had their batteries charged and the same problem occurred...resulting in it being fixed by a battery replacement. He took notes on what I said. Then plugged up his diagnostic device...and the info was transferred to his ipad device, of which he showed me the error codes. There was no code about a battery. However, we will see. If I get it back, fixed and it does this again...I'll be sure to reiterate that a battery check is necessary. Either way...each time something goes wrong with this jeep, it's on their dime, not mine. So, lol let's hope they get it right.

I will say tho...this is the first "issue" i've experienced and I ain't ever giving up my Jeep. I enjoy it too much.

 

[TaiMc]

I wonder if your battery may be the problem, with low voltage the computers dont like that and do mysterious things, especially where you said it didnt crank too well.

Yes! I suspected the battery as well, when it didn't want to crank. Let's hope that if it is the battery, once they install that new coolant sensor...the problem will persist...which would force them to take another look at the batt.

I realized that it also may not have wanted to crank due to the Engine light displaying. This is what I hate about so much technology... it's all related. One important thing goes out...then everything is affected. Oh well, I can't change it tho...so gonna have to deal!

 

[TaiMc]

Hi Tai,

We're going to keep our eyes peeled for your updates. If any help is needed while you're in service, our team can be contacted via private message. We'd be glad to assist in the best way possible.

Jasmine
Jeep Social Care Specialist

Hi Jasmine! I missed your message. Thanks so much! *hugs*

 

[TaiMc]

@VNT @JeepCares @TJ2018 @Rauch

Update!

I got my Jeep back today (had to say goodbye to the Jeep Grande Cherokee the dealership loaned me: yall gotta try the Sport Mode on that thang! ) and Lil' Hulk is working great so far! I missed my bae! The dealership returned him back to me freshly washed and waxed, as always.

I'll indicate what was done below, as well as error codes from my Repair Order (13,387 mileage):

A. Check engine light on. Vehicles shows to be overheating but engine isnt hot.
081420P1 WC: Sensor, engine coolant temperature- Test and Replace 3.6 liter engine (1-Semi-Skilled)

68217702AC 1 SENSOR-FLUID TEMPERATURE

Story: 13391 HOOK UP WITECH AND FOUND ACTIVE CODE: P0117. FOLLOW DTC CHART 70 LOP 081420P1, FOLLOW DTC CHART AND SENSOR FAILED TEST. REMOVED AND REPLACED COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR. CLEAR AND RESET MODULE AND ROAD TEST AND FOUND NORMAL OPERATION AND NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SET BACK AT THIS TIME -----

Hope this helps someone in my situation!

*Props to my Mac Haik CDJR, Katy Freeway Mechanics and Service Reps! Amazing always <3

 

[JeepCares]

Hi Jasmine! I missed your message. Thanks so much! *hugs*

You're most welcome, TaiMc. I saw your recent update and I'm glad to hear your service appointment turned out great. In the future, don't hesitate to connect with our team if a question or concern arises.

Jasmine
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

[TaiMc]

You're most welcome, TaiMc. I saw your recent update and I'm glad to hear your service appointment turned out great. In the future, don't hesitate to connect with our team if a question or concern arises.

Jasmine
Jeep Social Care Specialist

Thanks for your support! Will do

 

[LEO95]

I am having the EXACT same problem. Took it to the dealer and they ordered the sensor which will be in next Wednesday.

 

[Coloradopatriot_]

Hi Tai,

We're going to keep our eyes peeled for your updates. If any help is needed while you're in service, our team can be contacted via private message. We'd be glad to assist in the best way possible.

Jasmine
Jeep Social Care Specialist

My ambient temperature gauge is reading 65 degrees and it’s 95 degrees today here in Colorado. This is a constant issue with the JL, when is this going to be corrected by Jeep?

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