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2015 Patriot tune up

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pclaptop

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
I didn't know if I should have added this to my first post "Three Patriot Questions" or start this new post . . . ?

Anyway am I correct in that a tune up for my 2015 Patriot (besides oil change etc.) is just an air filter and sparkplugs?

I have some decent mechanical skills, so is this something I can do in my garage, i.e. no lift required?

Are the sparkplugs a PITA to reach/access?

And JUST the air filter is all else that needs servicing?

Thanks in advance, just let me know when you are in Phila! 8^)

Oh and one more thing, are there performance "chips" available for a Patriot?
 
#2 ·
These are the easiest spark plugs you will ever change. $2 each (more expensive plugs won't get you anything more than the US made NGK coppers which are even pre-gapped) and they are right on top of the engine (plastic engine cover pops right off).
There's a lot of things to check on a modern "tune-up" but nothing to "tune" because the computer brains tune it constantly. Just another thing I love about my MK.
 
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#4 · (Edited)
Be very careful removing the ignition wire from the plug coil. After giving advice on the thread below, I actually had the same thing happen. The plastic *tab on the coil can break off, leaving nothing for the red/gray wire connector to hold on to. Slow and gentle is the way to get the wire connector off the coil after the red thing is slid back.

https://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/15-engine-drivetrain/319210-spark-plug-help.html

* - It's not the red part that breaks. It's the tab on coil that the red/gray connector locks on to.
Image
 
#5 ·
Pat as most modern cars dont need much as far as tune ups goes
Aside frm plugs/filters
If pat is +60k miles you could follow schedule b maintenance schedule and look at changing trans fluid
Other than that i would probably treat fuel system with some additives
Get underneath and closely examine all bushings and suspension components
Treat it to a good wash/wax
 
#6 ·
#7 ·
As said above, the plugs are a simple DIY job. There are threads on this site about that.

Helpful hint: Use the coil packs to get the plugs started. That reduces the risk of cross-threading. Others have used a flexible tube to get the plug started. Whatever works for you. There is discussion about how tight the plugs should be. I always followed the snug + 1/2 turn rule, but since I have a torque wrench I do torque them to spec. You'll have to check the threads or the manual to find the torque spec.

The air filter is the most difficult filter box I've ever encountered! It is a tougher project than the plugs. I miss the days when it was just a single butterfly nut!

I doubt a chip will have a significant impact on your performance. Our little motors are already putting out more than 1hp/CID -- that's a lot considering NASCAR is only running 2hp/CID.
You could try this: https://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/5-jeep-patriot-general-discussion/11796-trick-may-work-you.html
Or this: https://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/15-engine-drivetrain/198778-resetting-computer.html

Honestly I've done neither, but I don't feel the need to. My Patriot accelerates satisfactorily and my fuel economy is excellent. Remember, these are little 4-bangers, not V6s or V8s. If you wanted a sports car, you bought the wrong vehicle.

Beware the placebo effect on these various gizmos and additives. What usually happens is after adding whatever the owner takes the vehicle for a ride, drives it hard, and then thinks, Wow, I've got more power! when in fact all that happened was that the driver demanded more of the vehicle by driving it hard. Pure placebo and nothing more.
 
#9 ·
Ignatz said:
Beware the placebo effect on these various gizmos and additives. What usually happens is after adding whatever the owner takes the vehicle for a ride, drives it hard, and then thinks, Wow, I've got more power! when in fact all that happened was that the driver demanded more of the vehicle by driving it hard. Pure placebo and nothing more.
Click to expand...
while cant prove whether its placebo effect,
I have treated all my cars with various fuel additives,
no, one doesn't get instant results, but over long haul I would say they help to keep system clean,
pat is my 4th car I have treated that has gone +200k miles,
other 3 cars even at 300k miles showed no signs of engine problems, no fuel system issues, I have never had a fuel tank/fuel pump, injector problem on any of my cars
and in the north especially on older cars adding additives to remove moisture is highly recommended
 
#10 ·
Terasec said:
. . . I have treated all my cars with various fuel additives, no, one doesn't get instant results, but over long haul I would say they help to keep system clean . . .
Click to expand...
Yes, a fuel system cleaner takes a while to work, but most people drive it like I said above the instant they put it in the tank and claim fabulous results. It takes the additive the whole tank to do its work before the driver will see the difference. The change being gradual its probably barely perceptible.

Terasec said:
. . . and in the north especially on older cars adding additives to remove moisture is highly recommended
Click to expand...
I've wondered what with ethanol being added to gasoline what the need is for drygas anymore. I haven't added any drygas this season and we've been down below -0 F already and I've had no problems. Its been a very wet Fall and if ever there was a year for it, it would be this year. That said, my windshield washer froze a few mornings ago. :(
 
#11 · (Edited)
I disagree with the comment to add alcohol containing products to E-10 gasoline to remove moisture. The 10% ethanol already attracts moisture. Why would you want to attract more?

The site linked below is self serving in that it sells ethanol/water test kits. And, I don't condone the E-10 hysteria that they somewhat promote. But, some of the information about managing E-10 fuel to avoid any pitfalls seems good: Is your gas additive safe with E10 fuel?


Regarding fuel cleaning additives, there is a strong consensus that ones containing PEA are the best. Gumout Regane and Techron are two that come to mind. The Gumout page has some good marketing information.
 
#14 · (Edited)
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Ignatz
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