Jeep WJ died while commuting -- now in anti-theft/immobilizer mode? Ideas?

[Troop92]

UPDATE

Replaced the crank sensor, but it won't get out of the Sentry Anti-Theft nonsense to start. Maybe it is a key issue? Ugh.

I'm going to have a locksmith come tomorrow and program keys. Well see where we go from there.... I have this nagging feeling a dealer is in my future.

 

[sawtooth4x4]

Jeep likes to copy land rover. Electronics from Hell

 

[Troop92]

UPDATE

Took out PCM, cleaned connections, cleaned grounds, inspected everything we could think of or even thought remotely relevant... No dice. Then, on a whim, we plugged in a obdII reader, cleared codes, and boom! Started.....

And ran for all of two minutes before completely dying. Now same drill - when cranking (no start) Sentry light is on. When stop cranking, Sentry light illuminates, followed by gas light, then the CEL.

Going to try and get key re-synced tomorrow, and then the dealer will take a look. Everywhere I've read, next step is PCM. Part of me wants to just get one, though part really wants a true and accurate diagnostic before anything more replaced.

 

[skippy]

UPDATE

Took out PCM, cleaned connections, cleaned grounds, inspected everything we could think of or even thought remotely relevant... No dice. Then, on a whim, we plugged in a obdII reader, cleared codes, and boom! Started.....

And ran for all of two minutes before completely dying. Now same drill - when cranking (no start) Sentry light is on. When stop cranking, Sentry light illuminates, followed by gas light, then the CEL.

Going to try and get key re-synced tomorrow, and then the dealer will take a look. Everywhere I've read, next step is PCM. Part of me wants to just get one, though part really wants a true and accurate diagnostic before anything more replaced.

pull the PCM apart down to the circuit board and check for any burnt chips or black spots on the board itself. Check it really closely it may not be very obvious. Often times its only a 50 cent resistor that junks a whole circuit if you feel froggy just buy a new resistor and solder it on

 

[Troop92]

pull the PCM apart down to the circuit board and check for any burnt chips or black spots on the board itself. Check it really closely it may not be very obvious. Often times its only a 50 cent resistor that junks a whole circuit if you feel froggy just buy a new resistor and solder it on

Not a bad idea at this point.

 

[Troop92]

I'm wondering if I'm going about it wrong... If Sentry isn't the issue. Maybe it is the computer or electrical, since it at times runs fine, all data can be obtained from OBDII, but when it cuts out only limited info can be had.

 

[B2-Bomber]

I had a customers WJ do exactly this, i put in a new computer. Programmed the Vin, and boom problem went away. That was near a year ago

 

[Troop92]

I can't see anything with connections, grounds, etc. So, off to the dealer I go. Anyone on the board have a preference between Layton Hills Jeep vs Bountiful LHM Jeep?

 

[moab_cj5]

Bountiful out of those choices. Doug Smith in AF is by far the best (a little far for a non running jeep), but I would avoid Layton like the plague. I hate those @$$holes. Too many bad experiences there.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

 

[Troop92]

Bountiful out of those choices. Doug Smith in AF is by far the best (a little far for a non running jeep), but I would avoid Layton like the plague. I hate those @$$holes. Too many bad experiences there.

Yeah, I've heard stories about Layton, but proximity is nice. I wish AF, but.... I already shilled out for the tow home, and I hesitate to think what that tow charge would be.

Bountiful it is, then.

 

[moab_cj5]

I have a truck and trailer if you really want AF. I am out a of town Tues-Fri though.

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[sawtooth4x4]

I can tow you down. I think all my buddies trailers are gone. If you can rent a u haul trailer I'll tow it down

 

[Jay5.9L]

How old is your battery? I had a friend with a ZJ which was freaking out as you described. His battery was not supplying enough voltage to keep the computer happy.

 

[Troop92]

How old is your battery? I had a friend with a ZJ which was freaking out as you described. His battery was not supplying enough voltage to keep the computer happy.

Battery is a new NAPA 84 month, purchased/installed in late January. It hasn't ever been abused, and electronics/lighting are stock, no no aftermarket drains... But, a battery can be go bad. So maybe...

 

[Troop92]

I have a truck and trailer if you really want AF. I am out a of town Tues-Fri though.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

I can tow you down. I think all my buddies trailers are gone. If you can rent a u haul trailer I'll tow it down

Thanks, guys, appreciate it. I think bountiful is fine, and if I have a bad experience, then I'll know and not go back.

Still planning this out, I'll keep in touch.

 

[mbryson]

I've used LHM Bountiful Jeep for service on my JKU and on the Cummins before it. Never had a bad experience with the techs or the work. Have had some good experiences. Hope it goes well for you.

 

[Troop92]

Alright, jeep is at the dealer. A buddy got me down there last night. We parked out in front of their gate, since they lock the gates in the evening.... They might want to rethink that angle.

Thanks, all, for the advice and offers to help. Much appreciated. Here's hoping this is something simple.

 

[sawtooth4x4]

Good Luck. Let me know when it's reliable enough to follow my Rover. ha ha ha. Just giving you crap.

Alright, jeep is at the dealer. A buddy got me down there last night. We parked out in front of their gate, since they lock the gates in the evening.... They might want to rethink that angle.

Thanks, all, for the advice and offers to help. Much appreciated. Here's hoping this is something simple.

 

[Troop92]

Good Luck. Let me know when it's reliable enough to follow my Rover. ha ha ha. Just giving you crap.

Haha, thanks. Needed the laugh.

Honestly, it's been trouble free in the 10k miles I've had it as my DD / weekend wheeler. No complaints.

That said, I need to pick up another commuter. Civic, Corolla, etc.

 

[sawtooth4x4]

Have you seen my Commuter. ha ha. I paid $900 for two of these. I parted one out and now this owes me $0. Gas mileage isn't the greatest. But who cares when it's so comfortable to drive.