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2008 Patriot - electrical problem?, radio loses time, keyless doors won't lock/unlock

11K views 15 replies 9 participants last post by  jackster  
#1 · (Edited)
PROBLEM SOLVED - IT WAS A FUSE NOT PUSHED IN!


hi all-

we just picked up an 08 patriot and noticed an odd issue with the radio/keyless.

1. sometimes, the radio settings will be lost after the car sits for a short time. when turning on the car, the radio will default back to OFF, clock time wrong (was set right), and tuner on AM (it was previously FM).

2. we've noticed once a message on the instrument panel that said "no fuse" or something like that when the radio settings were lost

3. after locking the doors with the keyless, it will sometimes not unlock with the keyless (have to unlock manually, no buttons function on keyless).

4. sometimes, after driving and taking the key out of the ignition, the car will beep as if the key was still in the ignition when opening the door (lights are off). at this time, the keyless will not LOCK the doors (doors need to be locked manually, no buttons function on keyless)



other then that......... its a great car. anyone have any ideas? i'd rather skip the dealer again if i can...

thanks!
 
#2 ·
I'd love to help, but have no idea... we have had ours only for 2 days and have not had this. With EVIC I have programmed every options as I like and all seems fine... I think you are best to take it to the dealer... tell them you need your car fast to see if they can pass you first. Good luck and keep us posted!
 
#3 ·
That's pretty major.

Back to the dealer unfortunately.


Good Luck tho,
Jim
 
#5 ·
Sure sounds like a trip to the dealer is needed here. The clue I see is the "No Fuse" message. You possibly could have a simple problem such as a fuse not fully seated causing intermittent current loss, or it could be a bigger problem. In any case you need to have the dealer check it out. Good luck!
 
#6 ·
Even if you can fix it yourself, imo, the dealer should know about this kind of thing.



It would take your personal time (see $$) to fix something that never should have happened. Maybe get a free oil change or something if you do fix it.


Jim
 
#7 · (Edited)
Though I agree that you should go back to the dealer. If it were mine, before I went back for service, I'd check the fuses in the TIPM (underhood power module where the fuses are) to make sure they are all pushed in fully. I would also probably lift off the air intake plenum and check that the grounds that will then be visible under it by the side of the TIPM are secure. Sounds like an intermittent connection to me. I'd much rather spend 30 minutes or so of my time looking at the easy stuff myself than take it to a dealer, let them have it for a day (or who knows how long) and get it back no trouble found... Unfortunately with intermittent electrical issues, that's probably what they will say the first time in for service. Or they will say "Technician could not replicate problem"... Arghhh....

Get the ground/splice manual from nearly.normal.jimmys website...
http://www.nearlynormal.biz/jeep/patriot_info.html

It lists all of the grounding points and gives a pictorial view of their locations. Really good info...
 
#8 ·
Hmmm... I would, and DID take mine in immediately when I had electrical issues. Actually it gave me no choice when it completely shut down in rush hour traffic on the highway, lucky I didn't get hit. They eventually found that 'the factory' missed a nut on one end of the power cable from the battery to the distribution block.

Your problem sounds a little different. Mine too was intermittent, but eventually, shut EVERYTHING down. Sounds to me like you have a defective fuse as was mentioned that is affecting the radio and wireless remote receiver system.

I agree the dealer needs to know about this, and, though you could look into it a little, remember that it is in warranty and you shouldn't have to concern yourself with such things.
 
#10 ·
Eureka!:smiley_thumbs_up:

P.S. It's good you mentioned this, so we all can double check our own cars to be sure the fuses are in place properly.
 
#12 ·
Ah, Ignition off draw fuse eh? You should definitely mention this to your dealer just as a precaution so they don't deliver another Patriot or Compass without making sure they check those fuses again. I'm pretty sure that fuse gets pulled when the vehicles are shipped from the factory to reduce parasitic load during shipment.
 
#15 ·
If you had a good salesman, go to him with the issue and how you solved it.

If it works like my dealership, you will get better response, sympathy and results from him than you would from the guys in service.
When I had the TSB done on my Jeep, I stopped in to say Hi to my sales guy. When he found out why I was there, he handed me a bottle of Mopar Total Care for my problems and time. The service guys cared less.

Jim