Possible Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Gauge Malfunction May Have Caused Engine Block Warp

[mcarmel]

I have a 2020 Wrangler JLU with about 62K miles. On September 11, my TrailDash indicated elevated ECT running about 224 degrees. The OEM engine temperature gauge appeared normal and no warning light came on. I took vehicle to dealer shop where they replaced cooling fan, flushed coolant, and replaced the thermostat. I was told at the time, Jeep had issued a software update for the dash gauges and they updated this at the same time.

Yesterday September 26, the problem resurfaced, only worse this time. The shop advised me to bring it in again. Enroute to the shop I had driven about 15 miles when the ECT shot up to 280. I immediately pulled to the shoulder and waited for the engine to cool. Then I turned my heating system full blast and resumed drive.

This morning, shop informed me the aluminum engine head and/or block may have warped due to elevated temperature. This mean an engine replacement.

Has anyone else experienced this issue? Was it due to faulty ECT software failing to warn about elevated temperatures? When did Jeep know about the bug in their ECT software and what was the exact date of issue?

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[Jeep Wick]

I have a 2020 Wrangler JLU with about 62K miles. On September 11, my TrailDash indicated elevated ECT running about 224 degrees. The OEM engine temperature gauge appeared normal and no warning light came on. I took vehicle to dealer shop where they replaced cooling fan, flushed coolant, and replaced the thermostat. I was told at the time, Jeep had issued a software update for the dash gauges and they updated this at the same time.

Yesterday September 26, the problem resurfaced, only worse this time. The shop advised me to bring it in again. Enroute to the shop I had driven about 15 miles when the ECT shot up to 280. I immediately pulled to the shoulder and waited for the engine to cool. Then I turned my heating system full blast and resumed drive.

This morning, shop informed me the aluminum engine head and/or block may have warped due to elevated temperature. This mean an engine replacement.

Has anyone else experienced this issue? Was it due to faulty ECT software failing to warn about elevated temperatures? When did Jeep know about the bug in their ECT software and what was the exact date of issue?

Is this on the 2.0T? They are known to leak at the water pump bolts. Ultimately this might be bad thermostat but it sounds like it was low on coolant.

 

[mcarmel]

3.6L engine. Coolant was not low.

 

[oldcjguy]

Sounds like air trapped in the system or low coolant after the system flush. 224 isn't that hot at all. That's the stock temp for running up the fan. If by TrailDash you meant a SuperChips TrailDash3 you can change the temp that the fan comes on right from that.

 

[mcarmel]

Coolant flushed, fan replaced, and new thermostat was installed. Shop also said there was an update to the gauge software. Shop said there was no air in the cooling system. My engine block may have warped from this.

 

[Bob Burd]

The visual gauge won't move higher until you get close to 240F - it gets to that point at 180F and just sits there. No software update has ever changed this behavior. Why did you think 224F was bad for coolant temp initially? Mine hits this and higher all the time when the jeep is doing some work. I'm surprised the dealer didn't just tell you that's normal. Am I missing something?

 

[mcarmel]

My mechanic warned not to go above 230. I subsequently had the ECT malfunction indicator lamp turn on and the temp shot to 280. I immediately pulled over and shut the ignition off.

 

[Bob Burd]

That was after you let the dealer change some parts out. It seemed to be normal behavior before that. I suspect the dealer f'd up a perfectly good JL. Maybe something simple like failing to hook up the cooling fan.
Your mechanic is off by about 10 degrees. If he'd said don't let it hit 240F, I'd agree. Just takes a long, steep grade to hit 230F.

 

[SavannahAL]

I had a long thread on this about 18 months ago.
A 2018 JL 3.6 purchased new August 2018 with monthly overheating since new.
I was on a first name basis with the service techs at both Savannah, GA dealers.

My analog gauge always read in the same precise location even when sitting at a rest stop off the Interstate with steam coming out of the engine bay.

I traded in January 2022 for a 22 EcoDiesel and couldn't be happier.

I'm sorry for your issue, I know it's frustrating to have an expensive new(ish) vehicle fail you.
I meet other 3.6 owners at the dealership with the same issue.

 

[mcarmel]

I have almost $200K in mods on this. I can’t just trade it in.

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

I have almost $200K in mods on this. I can’t just trade it in.

I don’t know squat about your overheating issue, but I don’t think any of us are going to glaze over that statement. I didn’t know anything remotely close to that was even possible. A build thread with photos is definitely in order.

 

[Remorseless]

TBH, 224 isn't that hot for JLs. Willing to bet the shop screwed up the cooling system work. What you describe sounds like an improperly bled cooling system leading to a hot spot and creating the warping.

 

[mcarmel]

 

[mcarmel]

I had a long thread on this about 18 months ago.
A 2018 JL 3.6 purchased new August 2018 with monthly overheating since new.
I was on a first name basis with the service techs at both Savannah, GA dealers.

My analog gauge always read in the same precise location even when sitting at a rest stop off the Interstate with steam coming out of the engine bay.

I traded in January 2022 for a 22 EcoDiesel and couldn't be happier.

I'm sorry for your issue, I know it's frustrating to have an expensive new(ish) vehicle fail you.
I meet other 3.6 owners at the dealership with the same issue.

I am gathering information to support a possible claim against Chrysler to reimburse me for repair costs. Could you email me any supporting information about your issue, and the others you met at the dealership? [email protected]

 

[Chocolate Thunder]

DETAILS!!! I don’t want to derail your thread about your issue, but start a separate build thread. Good luck with the overheating.

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