Limp mode to not staying running?

2008JeepPatriot · Nov 16, 2014

I was driving our 2008 patriot sport yesterday and it went into limp mode. I was only a mile away so I was able to get home, very slowly. When I popped the hood I saw that when my father-in-law clamped down the new battery he put the battery cover back but didn't put what looks like the air intake back into place. It was just sitting above the tube it was supposed to go in.

I put that back but it was still in limp mode. I just pulled the battery clamps for about an hour thinking that might reset the computer. Now when I put them on the engine starts and dies within a few seconds each time.

At this point I can't even limp it to the dealer. Any suggestions? I can get a tow of needed but I'd rather just figure out what was wrong and save whatever they are going to hit me for it if it's not super complicated.

Thank you.

rich316 · Nov 16, 2014

Sound like the throttle body to me. Make sure all your wires are connected, etc. But mine did that when the throttle body went out on my 2008. You would floor it and couldn't get over 1200 RPMs. It's an easy jeep fix. See if you can get a scanner (obd-ii) and see what error code you get. Autozone or Oriley's can check if you can get up there of course.

Just an FYI; the dealership will bust your head on the replacement of the TB. If you can do it your self you will save $$$.

Good luck and post more info if you can get a scanner on it. Here is a link to the codes : http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-1601.html

2008JeepPatriot · Nov 17, 2014

Thanks, I had a feeling it was the throttle body after reading a bunch of posts here. Unfortunately I can't fix it myself but my family knows the local dealer so they are asking them to look at it for me. Hoping I only get the "normal" repair cost, vs the typically higher dealer cost, we'll see.

2008JeepPatriot · Nov 18, 2014

So they called today, it was the throttle body. But, they talked to my wife instead of me, and said it's the throttle body... and they need to replace coils and spark plugs too, so $800+

I called them back, they said the other stuff wasn't likely related to the problem, but should be done soon anyway. So really, the throttle body itself is 375 installed, plus the tow there. More than I expected, but at least it wasn't the 800+ bill. I'll get the other stuff changed in a few months somewhere else, not going back to that place.

rich316 · Nov 18, 2014

I believe that's the dealer's standard response

They tried to hit me up for the same thing. $375 is about what I paid a mechanic to-do mine.

The part it's self is about $175-$200 depending on where you pick it up. It would take about 2hrs to-do the work or less.

I paid to have mine replaced, but later had to take it off to run my CAI and to replace the starter. Now that I know, if I have the issue again I'll replace it myself.

2008JeepPatriot · Nov 19, 2014

If the plugs and coils need to be done in the future, what should I expect to pay a non-dealer mechanic for that?

Metaxa · Nov 19, 2014

2008JeepPatriot said:
If the plugs and coils need to be done in the future, what should I expect to pay a non-dealer mechanic for that?

Buy the parts over the parts counter if you don't do Internet buying and then hit YouTube for some learning and do it yourself.
nothing could be easier, heck even the plugs come pre-gapped and even tho I check the gap, its never been that far out.

trust me, if I can do that, then you can.

Mind, I've never replaced a coil pack but you have to remove them to do the plugs, so same, same.

Limp mode to not staying running?

2008JeepPatriot

rich316

2008JeepPatriot

2008JeepPatriot

rich316

2008JeepPatriot

Metaxa

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