JKU Overheated - Perfect Storm - Any Advise
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JK Newbie
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2
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From: Denver, CO
JKU Overheated - Perfect Storm - Any Advise
Hello -
I need some advice on my 2012 JKU. I just had some of the worst luck a guy could have with this Jeep, and the recent chain of events takes the cake. Pure bad luck and some stupidity on my part lead to my Jeep overheating until it stalled and all of the antifreeze was on the ground.
1. Trigger 4 Plus Wireless System malfunctioned and drained the battery on the Jeep.
2. I jumped it with my other Jeep and I let it run to get some charge and heat up defrost the windshield before going heading out.
3. Got a phone call for work and got pulled away 35+ minutes.
4. Came back out the Jeep wasn't running and there was a Pool of Red under it and it was smoking.
5. Basically, when I was jumping the power cable that was on the fan circuit got disconnected.
Several instances of shit luck. I have no idea how long it was running, but it was HOT for a good bit of time, at least until it died. IDK if there is a safety switch that shuts it down after a certain point. I just assumed the motor was toast and it ran until it couldn't. I did my best to cool it down with snow on the ground knowing it was likely futile.
After letting the Jeep sit overnight I attempted to add some coolant and fire it up to see what level of damage I was working with. When adding the coolant it went straight out and onto the ground ( can't see where). I figured I would try and see if it started. To my surprise, it started, and it was running great, no new sounds and it had power. Also had the code scanner hooked up and to my surprise, there were no codes, except P0480 for the fan. I shut it down and it's been sitting there since.
My questions:
1. Once I'm able to locate where the coolant is leaking, where should I go next? Is it safe to assume that if there are any demons/major issues hiding I won't start to see them until the motor gets to temperature or under a load, correct?
2. Besides the obvious things (Knocking, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, coolant in the oil, running rough...) Are there any other things I should be looking for or things I could test?
3. If the motor is shot. I assume all the aluminum would be unsalvageable, and it would get costly for a rebuild and I would need a new 3.6 long block?
Thanks,
I need some advice on my 2012 JKU. I just had some of the worst luck a guy could have with this Jeep, and the recent chain of events takes the cake. Pure bad luck and some stupidity on my part lead to my Jeep overheating until it stalled and all of the antifreeze was on the ground.
1. Trigger 4 Plus Wireless System malfunctioned and drained the battery on the Jeep.
2. I jumped it with my other Jeep and I let it run to get some charge and heat up defrost the windshield before going heading out.
3. Got a phone call for work and got pulled away 35+ minutes.
4. Came back out the Jeep wasn't running and there was a Pool of Red under it and it was smoking.
5. Basically, when I was jumping the power cable that was on the fan circuit got disconnected.
Several instances of shit luck. I have no idea how long it was running, but it was HOT for a good bit of time, at least until it died. IDK if there is a safety switch that shuts it down after a certain point. I just assumed the motor was toast and it ran until it couldn't. I did my best to cool it down with snow on the ground knowing it was likely futile.
After letting the Jeep sit overnight I attempted to add some coolant and fire it up to see what level of damage I was working with. When adding the coolant it went straight out and onto the ground ( can't see where). I figured I would try and see if it started. To my surprise, it started, and it was running great, no new sounds and it had power. Also had the code scanner hooked up and to my surprise, there were no codes, except P0480 for the fan. I shut it down and it's been sitting there since.
My questions:
1. Once I'm able to locate where the coolant is leaking, where should I go next? Is it safe to assume that if there are any demons/major issues hiding I won't start to see them until the motor gets to temperature or under a load, correct?
2. Besides the obvious things (Knocking, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, coolant in the oil, running rough...) Are there any other things I should be looking for or things I could test?
3. If the motor is shot. I assume all the aluminum would be unsalvageable, and it would get costly for a rebuild and I would need a new 3.6 long block?
Thanks,
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,109
Likes: 465
From: SE Pa. W. Chester County
Well,, #1 First Get It running. #2.. Yep.. all those symptoms could be present; I doubt knocking.. performance as you can compare to before this instance.. #3.. Mopar Reman Engine with 3yr/100K miles parts and labor warranty list was (12/2020) was $4685.. An aftermarket engine with same warranty list was #3819.90. If you must go that direction there were several Chry Jeep Ram Dodge dealerships that were big in wholesale. Check the NET for other suppliers of reman engines.
