Need Help with Stupid Mistake Question

JKJenn

Adventurer
So, I made 2 blunders this weekend. N use beating me up for them - I am already frustrated enough.

First, I was getting my winch ready for spring/summer and had it disconnected from my batttery this weekend. When I reconnected everything, I inadvertanly left the winch ground wire disconnected. Second, I nearly ran out of gas. As a matter of fact, I believe I was pretty much on fumes or close to it when I pulled up to the pump. Pretty pathetic to never come close to running out of gas on my treks out west but came too close for comfort in PA/OH.

When I pulled up to the pump, my engine ws very hot. As a mtter of fact, a woman sadi she saw smoke coming out from under the hood. I am not 100% convinced what she saw was smoke. It was also cooler, damp air so could have been steam from the hot engine. I filled the Jeep and had no difficulty with it running or starting but it was hot again (gave it ample time to cool after getting gas) when I arrived home.

I didn't realize the ground cable was disconnected until I got home. I reconnected it this AM.

Do you think the loose ground wire from the winch was causing the engine to get hot? The temperature guage was right in the middle where it should have been. I was driving from Cleveland to Pittsburgh, all highway, so it was not exactly difficult terrain and I do have a transmission cooler installed. With the ground wire now connected should I fire it up and let it idle a while to see if that cleared things up or do I just need to get it to the dealer?
 

4x4x4doors

Explorer
Not aware of any special quirks of the 2011 JK that would negate this so am responding from a generic POV.
Winch connected only to the positive without ground should be immaterial if you weren't using the winch, i.e., it was just setting there wired partway. I can't see it mattering.
Nearly running out of gas could be a long-term issue if you do it repeatedly but shouldn't be a big deal if you did it once but I'm basing that on years of GM driving.
 

JKJenn

Adventurer
Not aware of any special quirks of the 2011 JK that would negate this so am responding from a generic POV.
Winch connected only to the positive without ground should be immaterial if you weren't using the winch, i.e., it was just setting there wired partway. I can't see it mattering.
Nearly running out of gas could be a long-term issue if you do it repeatedly but shouldn't be a big deal if you did it once but I'm basing that on years of GM driving.

Thanks, yeah, it was the first time I have come close to running out of gas. Sounds like I need to get it to the dealer. Pretty annoying to have to take a newer vehicle in. I keep the maintenance regular but I am sure they will try to pass the buck. I am not thrilled with my local dealer.
 

onetraveller

Adventurer
If the temp gauge was in the middle, why do you think the Jeep was running hotter than normal?

Neither low fuel, nor the unconnected ground cable would have any effect on the engine temperature as long as the winch wasn't tying to be used.

Mike
 

JKJenn

Adventurer
If the temp gauge was in the middle, why do you think the Jeep was running hotter than normal?

Neither low fuel, nor the unconnected ground cable would have any effect on the engine temperature as long as the winch wasn't tying to be used.

Mike
Good question, Mike. I think it does run a little hot (smell) regualrly, but it seemed like it smelled a bit hotter. I might be paranoid because the woman said she saw smoke. I saw none. Seems like thermostat and temp sensor are regular problems on a JK and might be worth having spares of and even replacing. Maybe I will give it a go when it is not dark and rainy and see what I can make out.
 

JKJenn

Adventurer
Update: I see it's leaking oil, so there is something legitimately going on. Hopefully, whatever it is will be covered by warranty. I will try to pull it out and take a closer look tomorrow.

Update #2: Dealer screw up during last oil change. Oil filter not sealing correctly. No charge. Now, going to try to get at least a free oil change out of them because there is oil on my driveway to clean up.
 
Last edited:

highlandercj-7

Explorer
I'm not sure what dealer you are going to, but I have had good luck with Kelly Jeep in Moon TWSP.

They offered me a deal I couldn't refuse on oil changes too. I can't buy the oil and filters for the price they do the work for. Four oil changes for $75.00
 

JKJenn

Adventurer
I'm not sure what dealer you are going to, but I have had good luck with Kelly Jeep in Moon TWSP.

They offered me a deal I couldn't refuse on oil changes too. I can't buy the oil and filters for the price they do the work for. Four oil changes for $75.00

That is a good price. I really don't like the dealership I go to - West Liberty Ave. The sales guy didn't even act like he wanted to sell me a Jeep when I bought mine and in addition to botching the oil change, the cashier is fairly rude. The dilemma I face is that it is just a couple f miles down the road from me. I will probably buy my Jeep elsewhere whenever I buy a new one...which won't be anytime soon.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
189,780
Messages
2,920,806
Members
232,914
Latest member
Linesman1776
Top