Okay, I always have these odd questions that my service/dealer can't ever answer...

Here goes:
*I have a 4x2 manual sport
*I would like to have capacity to tow 2000# instead of my current 1000# for a little wiggle room.
*It seems that the tow prep package is wiring harness and engine oil cooler.

Question: Do I only need to add Item: Jeep Patriot Manual Transmission Engine Oil Cooler Kit, Part# 82210701 (description: Engine Oil Cooler reduces high operating temperatures associated with off-road or heavy-duty operations)?

Since its a manual, I don't need the tranny cooler and the patriot already has an engine oil cooler (one service tech says that means I am good), but I am thinking that the engine oil cooler is probably a smaller one than what I need but I can't find specs comparing them or if they are same?

Thanks in Advance1

Okay, got my own question answered. I gave up trying to get information from my dealer and didn't have any luck using Jeep email, but their 800# people were very helpful (gen question line-800-964-0600 and VIN specific - 800 992 1997).

According to them, the Jeep Patriot Manual Transmission Engine Oil Cooler Kit, Part# 82210701 ($132) is the same engine oil cooler that comes in the Tow Prep package. It is the only additional part needed to get the 2000# tow rating. The down side is that its $400 (parts and labor) whereas if I would have found one with it already on it would have been much less.

Maybe you can find one after market, but I kind of doubt it since the PAtriot is so new. After market would probably void you warranty as well. CRX can be a real stickler for that stuff.

You may or may not need it. It certainly depends on the load. i would think you could safely pull 1500lbs without issue. Just don't pull it in extreme conditions like steep, continuous grades or when it is very hot out. Also keep you cooling system in good shape. Also do not tell your dealer of anyone associated with CRX.

I thought about that, I agree that their rating of 1000# is low and its probably closer to 1500#, but I haven't run the numbers. However, we live in the desert, last week I pulled a load just over 1000# in 100degrees and I have a 2" receiver so I am already pushing the whole warranty thing. I was nervous the whole time, but the temp gauge never moved past its typical position of just over halfway. So, I think I'll get it for peace of mind.

The oil cooler cools only the oil... What does cooler oil do? It makes the actual oil last longer because it will not break down as much and fail so soon. Cooler oil adds a little protection to the rotating assembly but if you are using a synthetic oil there won't be too much change.

Running as a tow vehicle, the regular cooling system can properly cool the Patriot even with the extra strain added in. Sure the electric fan will run a little faster and a little longer and you should probably change your oil sooner but I doubt you should worry about the weight.


Two asides:

1) The parts are expensive right now because the Partiot is still new and most of them are allocated to the production line. As the product stocks start to build up you will see a drop in the price of the oil cooler and at that time you should be able to add it. (Which I recommend)

2) I put 1500 pounds of sand in the back of my Liberty over the weekend!

Thanks! I like the idea of waiting and maybe getting a better deal, then maybe mine won't be the guinea pig too. I just need to be more aware of when I want to tow and keep the conditions decent.

Sorry if this is alittle off topic, but I'm curious. Does the FDII package add an engine oil cooler?

I was under the impression that the FDII package did include the Oil Cooler... but I can not confirm, it's just something that I thought I read along the way

This is something I saved while deciding what to order:
Freedom Drive II Off-Road Group $725.00

140-Ampere Alternator
4-Wheel Drive Off-Road Mode
Air Filtering
Brake Lock Differentials
Height-Adjustable Driver's Seat
Engine Oil Cooler
Fog Lamps
Fuel Tank Skid Plate Shield
Full-Size Spare Tire
Hill Descent Control
Tow Hooks
Trail Rated Badge
Transmission/Engine Oil Pan Skid Plate

how would you know if you have an engine cooler would it be on the window sticker? or do you have to go on an adventure under the hood?

FDII or trailer tow prep group listed on sticker, as far as I know, anyway....

how would you know if you have an engine cooler would it be on the window sticker? or do you have to go on an adventure under the hood?

can see a small radiator just infront of the radiator,
about 6" tall.

I don't know what the factory Oil Cooler looks like.
But the add-on one looks like this
http://www.automotiveconcepts.net/store/images/m82210700.jpg

You remove the theaded part that your oil filter screws into now.
Then you put the oil cooler in place the use the supplied replacement part to hold it on.

can see a small radiator just infront of the radiator,
about 6" tall.

That's for the AC.....
Oil cooler just taps into your engine coolant and operates off the rad.
Trailer tow package and FDII come with with the oil cooler.
There are some good pics if you do a search, Homac took some pics of his, and I think Gramps has a complete install with pics.

That's for the AC.....
Oil cooler just taps into your engine coolant and operates off the rad.
Trailer tow package and FDII come with with the oil cooler.
There are some good pics if you do a search, Homac took some pics of his, and I think Gramps has a complete install with pics.

quite dissappointing,
to find out there is no cooler with the oil cooler,
so now if engine runs hot, will heat up the oil even faster.
would much rather have radiator type cooler, than relying on engine coolant.

in any other vehicles?
Am so used to standard radiator type oil coolers, not familiar with this setup,
based on what i see so far, prefer standard oil cooler,
anyone have pros/cons?

Here is the link to oil cooler instal. hvac59 did it....my bad
http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5045&highlight=cooler

It's not hard at all, just a little time consuming! The extra one someone was reffering to that resides above the a/c condenser & radiator is the FDII's oversized tranny cooler.......... The FDI's cooler is located within the radiator, actually it's the top 3 or 4 tube rows of the radiator itself.......................................
hvac59

I like going on adventures under my girlfriend's hood :-)

You can pick up the oil cooler kit from a few places online in the $130-$140 range.

http://www.leeparts.com/jeep_patriot/accessories/towing/engine_oil_cooler_kit.html

http://www.autotrucktoys.com/jeep_patriot/Mopar-OEM-Jeep-Patriot-Auxilliary-Engine-Oil-Cooler-P17661C5374.aspx

Just use a clean catch pan for the anti-freeze and re-use it and your total cost is just the cooler assembly and some time.

I have a 2010 Jeep Patriot 2.4L 4x4 as anyone put on a Trans (Automatic) Temp sensor for external gages same question on oil press/temp sensors

Thanks

If you have an Android phone, you can buy a cheap bluetooth OBDII port dongle to communicate with an app called "Torque". I believe one of the features this supports is reporting transmission temperature.