New Jeep Owner w/questions
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Inspector-Gadget
New member
Modern gasolines are brewed from extremely complicated recipes.
"Octane" is not a measure of the energy contained within some standard quantity of gasoline. Rather, "octane" is a measure of gasoline anti-knock properties. That is to say, a gallon of low test and a gallon of high test contain the same amount of energy.
It is the addition of and the blend of unpronounceable additives the refiner selects that cause the differences of gasoline performance and price.
You could try a higher octane fuel, try different brands of 87 octane, or hit the "cancel overdrive" button on the shift lever when going uphill as ways of killing the crickets. (If your Jeep has that OD feature.)
Most localities have something equivalent to a Bureau of Weights and Measures which ensures that you get a full gallon of gas for every gallon purchased.
Few localities test octane.
Shop around -- experiment.
Regards,
Gadget
"Octane" is not a measure of the energy contained within some standard quantity of gasoline. Rather, "octane" is a measure of gasoline anti-knock properties. That is to say, a gallon of low test and a gallon of high test contain the same amount of energy.
It is the addition of and the blend of unpronounceable additives the refiner selects that cause the differences of gasoline performance and price.
You could try a higher octane fuel, try different brands of 87 octane, or hit the "cancel overdrive" button on the shift lever when going uphill as ways of killing the crickets. (If your Jeep has that OD feature.)
Most localities have something equivalent to a Bureau of Weights and Measures which ensures that you get a full gallon of gas for every gallon purchased.
Few localities test octane.
Shop around -- experiment.
Regards,
Gadget
ahunt01
New member
Rofl! What was the name for the turtle's vehicle anyways? Heh I figured the jeep has more of a Hulkish look though. Of course, my parents and friends tease me calling it "kermit."
About the anti-knock additives, I had never heard of that. I always thought that the higher octane was a higher refined gas that gave the car more "pep." Wow, all these years I've been wrong lol. Well I hope that's what all the problem is. I have an appointment with the service dept. tomorrow morning, so hopefully they can figure it out. I hope I can get it to make the noise tomorrow w/the mechanic. But, I suppose with computers and all now days that they can just hook the Jeep up to a computer and diagnosis it without even taking it for a test drive.
LadyJeepFreak
New member
RE: Sig question
Dude, I can't offer positive advice here because my Jeep has had a squeeling noise in the gear shifter area *under it* since about four months after purchase (brand new). Jeep won't fix it or even look further at it without charging me, warranty or no. No one else has any ideas. It alternates loud to quiet as well.
Now I have another friend with a ping/squeel in his new jeep and he bought the EXTRA warranty and they are covering all his work, although they have had it five times and not fixed it or figured it out.
I just live with it, someday I'll figure it out.
BUT, welcome to JEEPZ! Lovely jeep you have there. I love the electric colors, thought about one myself and didn't do it.
I know another girl with a YJ that is as green as yours. Awesomeness! Hope you get this straight.
It's good to see such an excited jeep owner!
Lady
Dude, I can't offer positive advice here because my Jeep has had a squeeling noise in the gear shifter area *under it* since about four months after purchase (brand new). Jeep won't fix it or even look further at it without charging me, warranty or no. No one else has any ideas. It alternates loud to quiet as well.
Now I have another friend with a ping/squeel in his new jeep and he bought the EXTRA warranty and they are covering all his work, although they have had it five times and not fixed it or figured it out.
I just live with it, someday I'll figure it out.
BUT, welcome to JEEPZ! Lovely jeep you have there. I love the electric colors, thought about one myself and didn't do it.
I know another girl with a YJ that is as green as yours. Awesomeness! Hope you get this straight.
It's good to see such an excited jeep owner!
Lady
ahunt01
New member
Okay, I have some more odd news to report. I took the Jeep out today about 20 miles and it made no sound that I could hear. Boy was I happy. I gassed it up and was driving it back when all the sudden I heard it.
Evidently the sound happens when the engine begins to heat up. Not only that, but it ONLY happens in the last gear, 4th. AS SOON as the transmission shifts into 4th gear and only at 1500 RPMS does the sound start. I can't say if the sound goes away as the jeep goes faster from that point because of road noise. It appears to still be there though but less audiable.
Any new ideas?
Evidently the sound happens when the engine begins to heat up. Not only that, but it ONLY happens in the last gear, 4th. AS SOON as the transmission shifts into 4th gear and only at 1500 RPMS does the sound start. I can't say if the sound goes away as the jeep goes faster from that point because of road noise. It appears to still be there though but less audiable.
Any new ideas?
88Wrangles
New member
I would go by the Jeep Stealership where you got it and take one of their technicians for a ride. It's still under warrantee, so they have to fix it.
I know, I hate going to the dealerships too, but times like these are when I DO take advantage of what they can do.
I know, I hate going to the dealerships too, but times like these are when I DO take advantage of what they can do.
ahunt01
New member
Re: RE: Jeep clutches.
Alright, I just got back from the dealership. I'm upset. They took it out twice and heard it both times. They do not feel that it is fuel related. They said they felt like it was drivetrain related. They checked it over and said they could find nothing wrong with the vehicle. They told me it is "drive train drone." They said it's normal. I'm upset because I really don't believe that is what's wrong with it. Although I pray I'm wrong. I plan to take an automatic Unlimited out and see if I can replicate that sound. If so, then it's normal.
Can I ask a favor from you all? If anyone here has a V6 Wrangler Unlimited, can you take it out for a good length drive (the engine has to be warmed up and slightly under strain), role the windows down, and drive it until it shifts into the LAST gear at 1500 RPM and listen. Do you hear a funny noise start at that point? It only will start to happen at that point. I'd greatly appreciate it.
Alright, I just got back from the dealership. I'm upset. They took it out twice and heard it both times. They do not feel that it is fuel related. They said they felt like it was drivetrain related. They checked it over and said they could find nothing wrong with the vehicle. They told me it is "drive train drone." They said it's normal. I'm upset because I really don't believe that is what's wrong with it. Although I pray I'm wrong. I plan to take an automatic Unlimited out and see if I can replicate that sound. If so, then it's normal.
Can I ask a favor from you all? If anyone here has a V6 Wrangler Unlimited, can you take it out for a good length drive (the engine has to be warmed up and slightly under strain), role the windows down, and drive it until it shifts into the LAST gear at 1500 RPM and listen. Do you hear a funny noise start at that point? It only will start to happen at that point. I'd greatly appreciate it.
ahunt01
New member
RE: 4.0 Throttle Body on a 2.5 myth???
Ok, more news to report.
I took the Jeep to a dealership in Fairfax VA. I explained to the mechanic that the noise only occurs when the engine warms up, is in the last gear (4th), and begins to start when the engine hits 1500 RPM in 4th gear. It's the loudest at that point, and gradually fades as the speed increases (maybe it's really fading, or maybe it's windnoise, hard to say). I told him to check to see if it's throwing codes, check the sensors, drivetrain, and transmission. I also told him I wanted to take him for a drive to show him.
Well, he ended up taking it out by himself, so I really can't be sure he heard it. He told me he had. He said it threw no codes, and that he then took it for a drive and heard the pinging. He said he did not check anything else, as it'd be difficult to narrow it down without it telling them something via the codes. Now, keep in mind, I know FOR A FACT that the guys who told me it didn't sound like pinging, but rather drivetrain groan heard the sound because I was with them and heard it too as clear as day. I only have this guy's word that he heard it.
What happened to the good-old days when mechanics ACTUALLY looked over the car to see what was wrong, instead of reling on computers to tell them...have they gotten dumber, or lazier. :| Probably both.
Anyways, I'm rambling, where was I? Oh yeah, he heard the pinging and got no codes. He said he really thought it was fuel-related pinging. He said it may be running too rich/lean (I forget). Also, he said that he has gotten 5-10 calls within the past week about other Wrangler Unlimiteds pinging as well.
He said he'd call up Chrysler and report the problem. He told me that he suspects that Chrysler will make a software-update to fix the problem. In the meantime, he said to drive it and ONLY put 87 in. He said to stay away from anything else, it's not recommended for the engine due to more anti-knock/chemicals added to the gas, and that it'd be harder for the motor to burn. He says 87 will burn cleaner, and should be what is always used. He suspects that, if a computer upgrade doesn't exist yet, that it will be created by Jeep within a month or so. He belives that this will fix the problem. He said he'd call me in a week or less and let me know.
So, how does this all smell to you guys?
Ok, more news to report.
I took the Jeep to a dealership in Fairfax VA. I explained to the mechanic that the noise only occurs when the engine warms up, is in the last gear (4th), and begins to start when the engine hits 1500 RPM in 4th gear. It's the loudest at that point, and gradually fades as the speed increases (maybe it's really fading, or maybe it's windnoise, hard to say). I told him to check to see if it's throwing codes, check the sensors, drivetrain, and transmission. I also told him I wanted to take him for a drive to show him.
Well, he ended up taking it out by himself, so I really can't be sure he heard it. He told me he had. He said it threw no codes, and that he then took it for a drive and heard the pinging. He said he did not check anything else, as it'd be difficult to narrow it down without it telling them something via the codes. Now, keep in mind, I know FOR A FACT that the guys who told me it didn't sound like pinging, but rather drivetrain groan heard the sound because I was with them and heard it too as clear as day. I only have this guy's word that he heard it.
What happened to the good-old days when mechanics ACTUALLY looked over the car to see what was wrong, instead of reling on computers to tell them...have they gotten dumber, or lazier. :| Probably both.
Anyways, I'm rambling, where was I? Oh yeah, he heard the pinging and got no codes. He said he really thought it was fuel-related pinging. He said it may be running too rich/lean (I forget). Also, he said that he has gotten 5-10 calls within the past week about other Wrangler Unlimiteds pinging as well.
He said he'd call up Chrysler and report the problem. He told me that he suspects that Chrysler will make a software-update to fix the problem. In the meantime, he said to drive it and ONLY put 87 in. He said to stay away from anything else, it's not recommended for the engine due to more anti-knock/chemicals added to the gas, and that it'd be harder for the motor to burn. He says 87 will burn cleaner, and should be what is always used. He suspects that, if a computer upgrade doesn't exist yet, that it will be created by Jeep within a month or so. He belives that this will fix the problem. He said he'd call me in a week or less and let me know.
So, how does this all smell to you guys?
Sparky-Watts
Banned
Re: RE: Road noise? What road noise?
Rotten. Smells like a mechanic that is hoping you'll forget about the conversation in a couple of weeks, because truth be told, he has no clue what the hell is causing the noise and has no intention of calling you.
To be honest, I'm confused by your description. First you say it sounds like crickets chirping, then you say it sounds like a ping. I've never heard an engine ping that sounds like a cricket chirping. Which is it?
Back to the original question: I seriously doubt Chrysler will fire off an update to their "software" based on one phone call from a mechanic that has no evidence to back up his assertion (such as engine codes). I think he's just yanking your chain. He doesn't want to do any work on it because it's warranty work, which doesn't pay the shop very well. If it was out of warranty, you can bet your booty he'd tear into that engine in a heartbeat and tell you how many things he found wrong and charge you out the ying-yang for it. As it stands now, he can't do that and charge it to warranty without some type of verification via engine codes or defective parts. And the part about anything but 87 octane being harder to burn is a crock!!! Good Lord, if that were true, then there's no way a drag racer would ever reach anything over 50 in a quarter!!!!
My advice: Keep looking for another mechanic that will be straightforward with you and actually try to find the cause and fix it. Either that or buy some KY and grab your ankles......
ahunt01 said:
Rotten. Smells like a mechanic that is hoping you'll forget about the conversation in a couple of weeks, because truth be told, he has no clue what the hell is causing the noise and has no intention of calling you.
To be honest, I'm confused by your description. First you say it sounds like crickets chirping, then you say it sounds like a ping. I've never heard an engine ping that sounds like a cricket chirping. Which is it?
Back to the original question: I seriously doubt Chrysler will fire off an update to their "software" based on one phone call from a mechanic that has no evidence to back up his assertion (such as engine codes). I think he's just yanking your chain. He doesn't want to do any work on it because it's warranty work, which doesn't pay the shop very well. If it was out of warranty, you can bet your booty he'd tear into that engine in a heartbeat and tell you how many things he found wrong and charge you out the ying-yang for it. As it stands now, he can't do that and charge it to warranty without some type of verification via engine codes or defective parts. And the part about anything but 87 octane being harder to burn is a crock!!! Good Lord, if that were true, then there's no way a drag racer would ever reach anything over 50 in a quarter!!!!
My advice: Keep looking for another mechanic that will be straightforward with you and actually try to find the cause and fix it. Either that or buy some KY and grab your ankles......
ahunt01
New member
....ROFL :lol:
Yeah I know, it sounds fishy to me too.
Sorry about the confusion about the sound description. You know, it's extremely difficult to describe a sound, especially for someone who knows very little about cars. I've never heard engine pinging, so I really can't say "it sounds like engine pinging." However, it does sound like crickets chirping in that, the pinging is fast (almost like rattling), but quiet. Maybe chriping crickets is a bad analagy.
It is really not all that noticable unless the windows are rolled down, oddly enough. You really can't hear it much when driving in high-wind, or with the stereo on. Maybe that's the typical pinging sound described that is related to fuel issues. I really don't know. I do know that it's quite noticable with the windows rolled down/top and or windows off.
I realize no one on a message board can really truely diagnosis this by my description. Heck, I'm not even good at conveying what the sound really sounds like, as you pointed out lol
. Only thing I really am sure of at this point, is that this sound IS not normal, and two dealerships have both confirmed this. What sucks, is that each one has a different explaination, and are just passing me right out the door. I've had bad experience with small auto-repair shops, and have generally had good experience with dealerships. I really don't know what to do, but continue to try dealerships, although I have a gut feeling that as long as the Jeep's computer doesn't say anything wrong, then no mechanic will touch it. Stalling 258
To keep from going back and reading the thread again, I'll just ask.......
Have you put some high octane in it to see if the sound goes away? If it is spark knock and it's only happening at 1500rpm in fourth gear, then some higher octane would knock that right out. My wifes 4.0 sounds like a can of marbles at around 4800rpm on regular, but is noise free with premium.
I really wouldn't worry about it too much. You're pushing a transmission gear that has less than a 1:1 ratio----at 1500rpm----with an engine that doesn't make that much power at 1500rpm. Expect a little objection from those combustion chambers when you first press the skinny pedal. What diff gears do you have in that thing?
Do you have mid-grade available, like 89 or 90?
To keep from going back and reading the thread again, I'll just ask.......
Have you put some high octane in it to see if the sound goes away? If it is spark knock and it's only happening at 1500rpm in fourth gear, then some higher octane would knock that right out. My wifes 4.0 sounds like a can of marbles at around 4800rpm on regular, but is noise free with premium.
I really wouldn't worry about it too much. You're pushing a transmission gear that has less than a 1:1 ratio----at 1500rpm----with an engine that doesn't make that much power at 1500rpm. Expect a little objection from those combustion chambers when you first press the skinny pedal. What diff gears do you have in that thing?
Do you have mid-grade available, like 89 or 90?
ahunt01
New member
So some pinging is normal? Even if the manuel says only use 87 octane? I'm asking because I'm in the dark about car stuff.
I'm considering running higher octane, but the thing is, I shouldn't have to. I've been reading that alot of Jeep owners have pinging problems, even with new vehicles. Most people get no satisfation from the dealership mechanics, and either solve (or mask) the problem with running higher octane fuel, or just drive it while it pings.
My thinking is, that if it's not normal, and I can't get it fixed, then I'll explore the lemon law and prey that I get some closure. In the meantime though I want to keep having the dealership look over different things.
Yup 87, 89, and 90 (or 91, I don't recal) are available to me. I could understand putting higher octane in if it were an older car, but I shouldn't have to with a 2005 Wrangler with less than 1k miles should I? :?:
Sparky-Watts
Banned
ahunt01 said:
Yeah, you might need to. My old Toyota 4wd needed higher octane (91) to keep from pinging up until it turned over 100,000 miles. My dad had a '98 S10 that had to run 91 octane to keep from pinging, now my brother drives it and I believe he still has to run 91 in it.
Sparky-Watts
Banned
Ok, here's the scoop: Put some 90 or 91 octane in it and see if it makes a difference. It won't hurt anything. You can't void your warranty so long as you don't let the mechanic know you did it (even if it did matter) and they won't test your gas to see if you have been running higher octane.....at the very least by doing so you will eliminate one possible cause.
Let your tank run to almost empty and fill up with 90 or 91 octane. You will notice the difference (if it makes any) within a couple of minutes.
Let your tank run to almost empty and fill up with 90 or 91 octane. You will notice the difference (if it makes any) within a couple of minutes.
ahunt01
New member
Besttop soft top installation
Alright, I'll go ahead and work on burning out the gas and see what the premium octane will do. It's worth a shot I guess, for troubleshooting purposes if nothing else.
deadred, I live in Shepherdstown WV. I'm actually planning on taking the jeep to THOMASSEN CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP . They are also a Jeep dealership, but not any "stars." We take our 1991 F-150 truck to them, and they've been good to us. I figure, what the heck, Jeep dealerships suck, so maybe these guys would be good. They do service work on Jeeps.
But, yeah sure I'd love to your bud about the problem. Maybe he could recomend a good Jeep service department? Heh, also, maybe he could take a spin in it with me and give me an un-biased opinion?
I feel I'm not getting that at these stealerships.
Alright, I'll go ahead and work on burning out the gas and see what the premium octane will do. It's worth a shot I guess, for troubleshooting purposes if nothing else.
deadred, I live in Shepherdstown WV. I'm actually planning on taking the jeep to THOMASSEN CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP . They are also a Jeep dealership, but not any "stars." We take our 1991 F-150 truck to them, and they've been good to us. I figure, what the heck, Jeep dealerships suck, so maybe these guys would be good. They do service work on Jeeps.
But, yeah sure I'd love to your bud about the problem. Maybe he could recomend a good Jeep service department? Heh, also, maybe he could take a spin in it with me and give me an un-biased opinion?
I feel I'm not getting that at these stealerships.
