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Check Engine Light - NOT the gas cap

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TaunyaD

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
My check engine light came on today. I've been researching this forum and see that this is a common problem with the Patriots. HOWEVER, I doubt it's the gas cap because the Jeep has been running "funny" as well.

It's an '07, just over 50k miles and I've noticed for the last week or so that it's been "off". It felt like it wasn't accelerating as well as usual. I'm in Texas and just started using the A/C so I thought it might have been the pull from the A/C. But today when the check engine light came on, I noticed it was worse than usual (to the point where I was nervous driving it - even though the light wasn't flashing). And the acceleration wasn't inline with the normal RPM's (if that makes sense).

I'm taking it to a shop on Monday, but as I'm a woman, I'd like an idea of what could be the possible causes to ensure I don't get ripped off. Anyone have any ideas? And could this be an expensive fix?

Additionally, I had my oil changed 2 weeks ago. Could they have jacked something up to cause this? Again, I know I'm asking people to guess, but I'd like to have an idea of possibilities before some mechanic takes me for $700+ bucks!
 
#2 · (Edited)
make sure you check all your fluids to include window washer i know it's lame. top off everything. check your spark plugs. and if it's acceleration problem could be a fuel filter or the fuel pressure flow regular (called something like that). it controls how much fuel is used by the engine.



This goes for everbody.

you can purchase an OBD2 code reader for an 1996 or newer vehicle for about 69.99 at autozone and it is a huge help!!!! barrowed my freinds to check my old pontiac that way you don't have to go to the dealer everytime something goes wrong.
 
#3 ·
Taunya, Its hard to diagnose from just "It's running funny". At 50k miles it might just need a tune-up. If the RPM's "acceleration wasn't inline with the normal RPM's" (that almost makes sense to me. Scary...) It could be sparkplugs or water in the fuel. I seriously doubt an oil change would cause your problem. (As long as they actually PUT oil back in...) Too many possible things to try and guess the issue without a more detailed description.
 
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Discussion starter · #4 ·
Thanks for the replies! I knew saying it's running "funny" was going to get me into some trouble. =)

I'm going to Autozone tomorrow in hopes they can find out the code for me so I can Google some info. Bottom line: I'm dreading the fix and hoping and praying it's under $200 bucks. I've been knocking on wood with my Jeep and a money-suck is the last thing I need right now.
 
#5 ·
Good choice on autozone to get your code read for free. After you get the code, update us on this thread. We'll be more then happy to help diagnose the issues and tell you what you'd want to check or replace.

But just for some additional information, did you have the spark plugs changed at 30,000 miles? They use standard copper core plugs in our jeeps and they are not the 100,000 mile platinum ones. If you haven't changed the spark plugs yet @ 50k miles, that's probably going to be a plausible cause, with some misfire detected codes stored in the computer. Same goes for the air filter, 30,000 mile change interval.

Let us know how it goes!
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Not sure about the plugs or filter - I bought it at 32k. It was well maintained with low mileage, so I'd like to think so - but on the flip side, I'm hoping that's the cause. Because that's a much cheaper fix than I've been imagining!

I'll definitely come here when I have the code so I can get some ideas before the fix. Thanks again!
 
#7 ·
from what you are saying the pat is now driving in limp mode.
this mode doesn't allow rpm over 3000.
if you stop the vehicle for some time,does the light go off?
 
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Discussion starter · #8 ·
Update: Took it to Autozone this morning and it threw a p2004 code. I've done some research and it looks like someone else on here had the same problem and deduced they would have to replace the intake manifold for $500+ dollars.

Please tell me there could be a cheaper problem. Also, would this put the Pat in limp mode? And is it safe to drive? Not for long distances, of course, but I need to get my daughter to school and go to work before I make it to a mechanic tomorrow evening...

Thanks for any input on this!
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
PS - Not sure if this helps at all, but I've definitely noticed a drop in MPG's. I've read it could just be a bad valve - could this imitate limp mode, or cause the Pat to go into limp mode?

I know, I know - I'm asking for guesses - but I REALLY don't want to get taken for $500+ if I don't have to.
 
#10 ·
P2004 code is for the air valve flapper in the intake. There are two components that make up the system, an electric motor/sensor that opens and closes it and sense it's position and then the intake manifold itself with the mechanical valves as an integral part. If the valves seize or stick, then it will throw the code, and if the sensor/motor fails, same thing. The motor/sensor is located between the air cleaner intake pipe and the intake manifold itself, right up top on the drivers side.

http://www.moparonlineparts.com has the intake @ $138
 
#11 ·
I had a check engine light go on once on my Trooper, and it actually started to run funny (wasn't just an o2 sensor)... it was running rich and had no acceleration.... turned out to be a bad thermostat/temp sensor. The engine thought it was over heating and started shutting itself down even though the temperature was fine.

Point is, it could be something simple like spark plugs, PCV valve, or some other random sensor. Since you pulled a code, you are more likely to know th exact cause now, but who knows... Hopefully the mechanic has good news for you :icon_rolleyes:
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Thanks for giving me an idea of what I'm looking at. At least now I have a basic knowledge of what the problem could be.

Hopefully it's on the cheaper side of things. I'll come back here and report whatever it is. Thanks again for all the ideas!
 
#13 ·
Taunya, There was a TSB issued for 2007 models with that code too. Might be worth a call to the dealer to see if yours is covered. Here's a link to the TSB to print out and take along:

http://www.wkjeeps.com/misc/Patriot/TSB/tsb_1803207.pdf

From another post, here is the electronic part of the flapper valve:
If anyone is interested in the part number for the 07 jeep patriot Intake Manifold Actuator aka Flow Control valve it is 4884549AB and it is $ 135.70.
Click to expand...
If you know anyone with some mechanical ability, they can remove the electronic valve and see of the flapper valve rod is easy to turn. If it's stuck or turns very hard it probably means you'll need the intake. If it moves very freely then best bet is the actuator.
 
#14 ·
My 2008 burnt through 2 oxygen sensors in the first 30k miles. Both times it triggered the light, killed my mpg, and made it run a little rough. I'm not sure if this helps because it seems you found your problem with the code, but just something to consider.
 
#15 ·
Dont know if this helps but had the same code on a diesel Pat at 60k.

I took off the throtle valve and it was really dirty due to crap from the egr. Cleaned it with carb cleaner and the problem went away. Dont know if the petrol models have an egr.
 
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Discussion starter · #16 ·
Turns out I have the same problem as this guy: http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14188

Something about a baffle or valve being stuck in the intake manifold. Unfortunately there was no resolution on the post. I took it to a mechanic who said he couldn't fix it because the computer has to be flashed first, and that can only be done by the dealer. The dealer quoted me $700+ bucks.

Anyone have any ideas on how to do this cheaper? I sure as hell can't do it, but I have some friends/family that are mechanically inclined that have offered to help...
 
#18 ·
TaunyaD said:
Turns out I have the same problem as this guy: http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14188

Something about a baffle or valve being stuck in the intake manifold. Unfortunately there was no resolution on the post. I took it to a mechanic who said he couldn't fix it because the computer has to be flashed first, and that can only be done by the dealer. The dealer quoted me $700+ bucks.

Anyone have any ideas on how to do this cheaper? I sure as hell can't do it, but I have some friends/family that are mechanically inclined that have offered to help...
Click to expand...
Well, you should be able to get the dealer to just do the flash for you. Shouldn't be all that much if anything. Then buy the actuator parts yourself and have the friend/family bolt it on. The actuator part is probably the easiest part. If it turns out you need the intake too, then just swap the new actuator onto the new intake. Both parts combined would be under $300.
 
#19 ·
The dealer shouldn't be charging more than 1 hour labor for the re-flash. Because it doesn't take more than a few minutes.
 
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