Really really really strange problem. Anyone experience this?
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 834
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach CA
Really really really strange problem. Anyone experience this?
So the other night I was sitting at a stop light and my jeep started idling very very rough and it jumped up to about 1200 RPM. Then two lights came on, the red lightning bolt (battery light I assume) and the traction control (little car slipping light). My JK has 5,000 miles on it, so I can't imagine it's the alternator or battery issue.
So I pull over, turn the JK off and back on again and there was no problem what-so-ever. This happened about 4 times the next day. I tried to drive it for a minute while it was idling rough and it wouldn't make it to speeds about 30. So every time it happens, I pull over and restart with no issues. Haven't taken it to the dealer yet because I don't have the time till next week. Has anyone had this problem or have any clue what it might be?
Oh also, this happened on a first date with a hot little 24 y/o .... so that sucked.
So I pull over, turn the JK off and back on again and there was no problem what-so-ever. This happened about 4 times the next day. I tried to drive it for a minute while it was idling rough and it wouldn't make it to speeds about 30. So every time it happens, I pull over and restart with no issues. Haven't taken it to the dealer yet because I don't have the time till next week. Has anyone had this problem or have any clue what it might be?
Oh also, this happened on a first date with a hot little 24 y/o .... so that sucked.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,904
Likes: 185
From: Maine
The lightning bolt is for the electronic throttle control. Have you looked to see if a code was set?
This is from the Owner's Manual, describing what the light may mean:
30. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control System. If a problem
is detected while the engine is running, the
light will either stay on or flash depending on
the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when
the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and the gear
selector is placed in the P (Park) position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains on with the engine
running, your vehicle will usually be drivable, however,
see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated / rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
This is from the Owner's Manual, describing what the light may mean:
30. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control System. If a problem
is detected while the engine is running, the
light will either stay on or flash depending on
the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when
the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and the gear
selector is placed in the P (Park) position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains on with the engine
running, your vehicle will usually be drivable, however,
see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated / rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 834
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach CA
The lightning bolt is for the electronic throttle control. Have you looked to see if a code was set?
This is from the Owner's Manual, describing what the light may mean:
30. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control System. If a problem
is detected while the engine is running, the
light will either stay on or flash depending on
the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when
the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and the gear
selector is placed in the P (Park) position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains on with the engine
running, your vehicle will usually be drivable, however,
see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated / rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
This is from the Owner's Manual, describing what the light may mean:
30. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control System. If a problem
is detected while the engine is running, the
light will either stay on or flash depending on
the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when
the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and the gear
selector is placed in the P (Park) position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains on with the engine
running, your vehicle will usually be drivable, however,
see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated / rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
This may be a dumb question, but does "cycle the engine key" mean turn the Jeep off, then back on? Because that's what I've been doing and it works, but only for a little bit.
Thank you for the response by the way.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,904
Likes: 185
From: Maine
While you are there cycling the key, do the following to see if a code was set.
To check your Jeep JK Wrangler’s DTC codes:
1. Insert your key into the ignition, turn it to the ‘ON’ position but do not start the engine. Then, push the key into the ignition cylinder and while holding it in, turn it to the ‘OFF’ position and then back to the ‘ON’ position (3) times straight making sure to end with it in the ‘ON’ position. It is important to keep pushing in on the key to prevent it from catching at the different positions along the way.
2. If you do step #1 correctly, all your dash lights will illuminate and your odometer will show up as a series of (6) dashes. If your Jeep JK Wrangler has logged any DTC’s, they will be displayed soon after the dashes appear. Write down the DTC(s).
3. If your Jeep JK Wrangler has not logged any DTC’s, the dashes on your odometer will be followed by the message ‘-done-’. Turn your key to the ‘OFF’ position and you will in fact be done.
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 834
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach CA
Yes, that's what is meant.
While you are there cycling the key, do the following to see if a code was set.
To check your Jeep JK Wrangler’s DTC codes:
1. Insert your key into the ignition, turn it to the ‘ON’ position but do not start the engine. Then, push the key into the ignition cylinder and while holding it in, turn it to the ‘OFF’ position and then back to the ‘ON’ position (3) times straight making sure to end with it in the ‘ON’ position. It is important to keep pushing in on the key to prevent it from catching at the different positions along the way.
2. If you do step #1 correctly, all your dash lights will illuminate and your odometer will show up as a series of (6) dashes. If your Jeep JK Wrangler has logged any DTC’s, they will be displayed soon after the dashes appear. Write down the DTC(s).
3. If your Jeep JK Wrangler has not logged any DTC’s, the dashes on your odometer will be followed by the message ‘-done-’. Turn your key to the ‘OFF’ position and you will in fact be done.
While you are there cycling the key, do the following to see if a code was set.
To check your Jeep JK Wrangler’s DTC codes:
1. Insert your key into the ignition, turn it to the ‘ON’ position but do not start the engine. Then, push the key into the ignition cylinder and while holding it in, turn it to the ‘OFF’ position and then back to the ‘ON’ position (3) times straight making sure to end with it in the ‘ON’ position. It is important to keep pushing in on the key to prevent it from catching at the different positions along the way.
2. If you do step #1 correctly, all your dash lights will illuminate and your odometer will show up as a series of (6) dashes. If your Jeep JK Wrangler has logged any DTC’s, they will be displayed soon after the dashes appear. Write down the DTC(s).
3. If your Jeep JK Wrangler has not logged any DTC’s, the dashes on your odometer will be followed by the message ‘-done-’. Turn your key to the ‘OFF’ position and you will in fact be done.
Wow this was really helpful. I'll try it out and see what happens.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Dirty Jersey
- Definately take it to get serviced, even if you don't have the CEL, there will be codes/data stored that will help find the cause.
- My guess is that you have a throttle position, engine speed, or wheel speed sensor going bad. When the car stumbles and then raises it's idle speed its usually the ECU switching from MAF management to a default MAP management setting, a kind of dumber state of running. In MAP mode the ECU doesn't trust the sensors as much, and performance will suffer accordingly, but it can get you where you're going. The next step after that is limp mode and a flashing CEL.
When you cycle the ignition with an intermittant issue like this the ECU resets to a normal ready state, not to be confused with actually setting "readiness", and acts like nothing has happened, thats why its is working for you. But the issue isn't fixed, it will just keep happening.
- I don't know about Jeeps in particular, but it's not uncommon for these sensors to go bad in other cars.
- My guess is that you have a throttle position, engine speed, or wheel speed sensor going bad. When the car stumbles and then raises it's idle speed its usually the ECU switching from MAF management to a default MAP management setting, a kind of dumber state of running. In MAP mode the ECU doesn't trust the sensors as much, and performance will suffer accordingly, but it can get you where you're going. The next step after that is limp mode and a flashing CEL.
When you cycle the ignition with an intermittant issue like this the ECU resets to a normal ready state, not to be confused with actually setting "readiness", and acts like nothing has happened, thats why its is working for you. But the issue isn't fixed, it will just keep happening.
- I don't know about Jeeps in particular, but it's not uncommon for these sensors to go bad in other cars.
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JK Jedi Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,904
Likes: 185
From: Maine
- Definately take it to get serviced, even if you don't have the CEL, there will be codes/data stored that will help find the cause.
- My guess is that you have a throttle position, engine speed, or wheel speed sensor going bad. When the car stumbles and then raises it's idle speed its usually the ECU switching from MAF management to a default MAP management setting, a kind of dumber state of running. In MAP mode the ECU doesn't trust the sensors as much, and performance will suffer accordingly, but it can get you where you're going. The next step after that is limp mode and a flashing CEL.
When you cycle the ignition with an intermittant issue like this the ECU resets to a normal ready state, not to be confused with actually setting "readiness", and acts like nothing has happened, thats why its is working for you. But the issue isn't fixed, it will just keep happening.
- I don't know about Jeeps in particular, but it's not uncommon for these sensors to go bad in other cars.
- My guess is that you have a throttle position, engine speed, or wheel speed sensor going bad. When the car stumbles and then raises it's idle speed its usually the ECU switching from MAF management to a default MAP management setting, a kind of dumber state of running. In MAP mode the ECU doesn't trust the sensors as much, and performance will suffer accordingly, but it can get you where you're going. The next step after that is limp mode and a flashing CEL.
When you cycle the ignition with an intermittant issue like this the ECU resets to a normal ready state, not to be confused with actually setting "readiness", and acts like nothing has happened, thats why its is working for you. But the issue isn't fixed, it will just keep happening.
- I don't know about Jeeps in particular, but it's not uncommon for these sensors to go bad in other cars.
JK Freak
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 982
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, Alberta
The lightning bolt is for the electronic throttle control. Have you looked to see if a code was set?
This is from the Owner's Manual, describing what the light may mean:
30. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control System. If a problem
is detected while the engine is running, the
light will either stay on or flash depending on
the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when
the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and the gear
selector is placed in the P (Park) position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains on with the engine
running, your vehicle will usually be drivable, however,
see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated / rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
This is from the Owner's Manual, describing what the light may mean:
30. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light —
If Equipped
This light informs you of a problem with the
Electronic Throttle Control System. If a problem
is detected while the engine is running, the
light will either stay on or flash depending on
the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when
the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and the gear
selector is placed in the P (Park) position. The light
should turn off. If the light remains on with the engine
running, your vehicle will usually be drivable, however,
see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light continues to flash when the engine is running,
immediate service is required and you may experience
reduced performance, an elevated / rough idle, or engine
stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will
come on when the ignition is first turned on and remain
on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on
during starting, have the system checked by an authorized
dealer.
Thanks.
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 834
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach CA
Yes, that's what is meant.
While you are there cycling the key, do the following to see if a code was set.
To check your Jeep JK Wrangler’s DTC codes:
1. Insert your key into the ignition, turn it to the ‘ON’ position but do not start the engine. Then, push the key into the ignition cylinder and while holding it in, turn it to the ‘OFF’ position and then back to the ‘ON’ position (3) times straight making sure to end with it in the ‘ON’ position. It is important to keep pushing in on the key to prevent it from catching at the different positions along the way.
2. If you do step #1 correctly, all your dash lights will illuminate and your odometer will show up as a series of (6) dashes. If your Jeep JK Wrangler has logged any DTC’s, they will be displayed soon after the dashes appear. Write down the DTC(s).
3. If your Jeep JK Wrangler has not logged any DTC’s, the dashes on your odometer will be followed by the message ‘-done-’. Turn your key to the ‘OFF’ position and you will in fact be done.
While you are there cycling the key, do the following to see if a code was set.
To check your Jeep JK Wrangler’s DTC codes:
1. Insert your key into the ignition, turn it to the ‘ON’ position but do not start the engine. Then, push the key into the ignition cylinder and while holding it in, turn it to the ‘OFF’ position and then back to the ‘ON’ position (3) times straight making sure to end with it in the ‘ON’ position. It is important to keep pushing in on the key to prevent it from catching at the different positions along the way.
2. If you do step #1 correctly, all your dash lights will illuminate and your odometer will show up as a series of (6) dashes. If your Jeep JK Wrangler has logged any DTC’s, they will be displayed soon after the dashes appear. Write down the DTC(s).
3. If your Jeep JK Wrangler has not logged any DTC’s, the dashes on your odometer will be followed by the message ‘-done-’. Turn your key to the ‘OFF’ position and you will in fact be done.
showed code P 2173