Hey - Just curious what your model is? I know I've read that older Patriots had issues with highway overheating but those had been 'resolved' thru recalls, etc

 

2007 2.4L CVT with low gear.

 

Might want to check with the dealer - I know this problem affected pre-2010 models (though honestly I can't remember which exactly) which almost prevented me from buying my 2011 until I saw the problem had been resolved on never models.

 

It was never "resolved". I own a 2014 FDII with the CVT and had the trans overtemp light with less than 30K. I had the fluid and filters changed at the dealership and the problem has not recurred for me. They also said they updated the PCM software when they did the fluid and filter change. When I had the issue driving at highway speeds for more than 20 minutes with an outside air temp over 80 degrees F, would result in the trans overheating.
A lot of people have had issues with the CVT. And it is completely a Chrysler problem. The same CVT is used in Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, and some Subaru models without issues. Chrysler has from the start refused to accept any liability for their programming and implementation and likely never will. It's unfortunate, because the Patriot is an almost perfect vehicle in every other respect.

 

I wonder if Chrysler was the only manufacture to cool it with the AC condenser (which gets HOT in the summer)

Sounds like they reprogrammed it not reduce throttle if the temp goes high - or moved the set point to a higher temp. While that would make it safer to drive, it wouldn't help with the high temp issue...

 

That makes sense about the wine, ours for sure makes the same sound and is at its loudest right before throwing the light and robbing throttle control. It would be nice to know exactly what the 'improved driveability' programming does.

 

From looking the repair manual and threads on here, do I have this right?

 

No worries Kori, We all appreciate you being here. I'm sure you get hit with a lot of frustration from folks, sorry to add to that.

-Charles

 

Did you take it to a dealership to get the transmission fluid changed? I wouldn't trust anyone but the dealership to do the transmission fluid changing. I had this problem happen to me last year but after I immediately took it to the dealer and told me to show me the old filter and fluid from my jeep (making sure they did the work) I haven't had any problems even on days 100F+

 

I don't trust anyone, dealers especially. I do all work on all my vehicles myself.

 

The trans cooler on the fdII is a full-sized separate unit in front of the condensor, and it's the largest of the bunch. You should get it checked at the dealer and make sure the thermostat is functioning properly.

Anecdotal, but I have pulled an 18 ft bowrider at highway speeds and have never had an overheating issue on my FDII.

 

These are the Aux Transmission Coolers I'm looking at, just need to double check behind the grill and see which would be a better routing/size. I'm thinking the larger one would be the better way to go. I like the mounting flanges of the #678 though...

________________________________________________________


Hayden Rapid-Cool Plate & Fin Transmission Cooler 678
Size: 3/4" X 11" X 9-1/2"

_______________________________________________________


Hayden Transaver 1405 Transmission Oil Cooler
Size: 3/4" X 15" X 10"

Maybe I'll put togerher a 'How To' since this is such a systemic problem.

 

The plate and fin cooler is the better option, they are much more durable and have significantly higher cooling capacity in a given foot print (so the "smaller" plate and fin cooler will actually have more cooling capacity than the "larger" tube and fin cooler) since there is much more surface area in contact with the fluid allowing for better heat transfer.

 

Member Sandstone also added one of these. He likes it.

 

I have a Hayden 678 I bought from Amazon, just needs installed. My CVT on my 2010 has never overheated, though I was extremely hard on it. Because of that hard use, the first fluid change at 82k miles was too late and ended up showing the effects of such use, allowing the trans to slip on occasion until it snapped at 97k miles. Then it was replaced with a 2013 unit that had 29k miles at purchase. This replacement was shipped to my mechanic for $1400(including one-year warranty), and installed for $1100. As of now, I'm sitting at roughly 107k miles with no issues on the new trans so far. And I also pushed it hard recently, on a 5-6 day trip Michigan-Phoenix-EastTX-Michigan. Some have lots of issues, others not so much. I've been pretty blessed thus far.

As for the cooling plate info you showed, that's the piece for a 2007-2009. 2010-2017 has an actual plate. Easily changed part between eras, but most shops think it's a 2007-2010 and 2011-2017 thing, and won't officially sell you one for the "wrong era". Made it hard getting a newer one for mine.

 

JeepCares,

If I wanted to bring my Patriot into my local Dealership (Christopher Dodge world in Golden, CO) to get the software on the Transmission ECM updated would you be able to help me with coordinating with them on what I need to have done?

I've got the trans cooler installed and it seems (knock on wood) to have solved the overheat and limp mode issue, but going up I70 to evergreen it still got a decently loud whine and it sounds like the software update doesn't something (don't know what) to reduce the whine noise.


Thanks,
-Charles

 

Hi Charles,

Your dealership will be best able to identify what TSBs should be applied to your vehicle using your VIN and their systems. We'd be happy to assist in setting up an appointment or answering any questions that may arise during your appointment or questions about the TSBs themselves. Just PM our page and let me know!

Andrea
Jeep Social Care Specialist

 

Well, I should have knocked on real wood.

Its been fine for 2 weeks since installing the aux cooler. Wife just called and said she was sitting on the side of I25 because it killed power on her again.

What a POS... .ugh.

 

Is there any way you can have her check those lines coming into the bypass valve and see if they're all the same temp?

 

I eliminated the thermostat valve block if that's what you're thinking.

I've got that large aux cooler shown above connected directly to the heat exchanger on the trans. I replaced the small filter behind it while I was there and made sure the fluid level was correct for both cold and hot mm readings on the dipstick

 

Yea, good luck and keep us posted!

Mine first whined about 6 years ago (basically new), going up I70 around Floyd Hill on a 95 degree day. Took it in, they said nothing was wrong. Fluid was in good shape, no metal bits, burned smell, etc.

 

Does yours still whine or did you get it resolved?

Did you ever get the temp light and get put in limp mode?


Thanks,
-Charles

 

Funny thing is mine first (and only time) whined going from Denver to Colorado Springs too. Managed to get over momument hill but the high temp light came on and I was stuck for about 30 minutes.

Right after that instance I took it to the dealer and forked over the money to get them to change the fluids. Haven't had a problem since on the hottest days and hilliest drives.

I would still recommend taking it to the dealer to get the fluids and filter changed. I know you did it yourself and probably did a good job but maybe the dealer knows something about it you don't. I don't want to offend your skills but this is how I solved this issue for me. I took it to the arapahoe road dealership near the tech center.

 

I am going off roading up mt princeton this weekend. Leaving tomorrow in the heat of the day to drive over a few passes and then off road in the heat as well. I am sure it won't whine at all.

 

Princeton should be fun with the shelf roads and altitude. : )

Post back and let us know how it went.

And now that you have an FDII I think it's time for Medano Pass 2.0. >

 

Tried to take it through Nebraska to pick up my son's from spending a few weeks at Grandpa's.

I made it 43 miles out of Denver on i76 before the trans temp light came on. Stopped and let it cool then went another 20 miles then came on. Barely made it to Ft Morgan to get a rental car from Hurtz before they closed. The Dealer flashing the ECM/TCM did squat.

Last straw. I'm dumping this POS.

Glad I hadn't installed the lift kit I got my wife for Christmas yet. Though I'm sure I'll loose out on the cost of that too.

 

That stinks, sorry to hear it. : (

I did a complete drain/fill and changed both filters this weekend.

The fluid was well used, but no burnt smell. I looked around in the sludge that accumulated on the magnets and found 3-4 small metal flakes. The strainer filter in the pan was fairly clean, but the small paper filter inside the exchanger was very dark grey dirty.

I haven't run it out on the highway yet, but the soft whine I could hear sometimes driving around town now seems to be gone.

Edit: Just got back from a trip into the mountains up US 6 and I-70. No more CVT whine.

 

2012 Jeep Patriot CVT Overheating

Yup, put me on this list too. My 2012 Jeep Patriot has overheated 4 times on the highway in the last 2 years. I don't even have 70,000 miles on it yet.
This last time was very scary, as my 3 year old son was in the car with me, and my car is slowed down to 45 MPH on a highway where the speed limit is 75 MPH. I was half in the shoulder and had my hazard lights on, and people were still coming up fast and switching lanes last minute on me. I had about 2 miles to drive before there was an exit I could take.
The remaining hour and a half drive to our destination was done with windows down, and the heater blasting. Just trying to get safely to our destination safely, in 90 degree weather.
The same weekend mine overheated... One of my family members who owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty had her car overheat as well.
We both have a whining noise from our transmissions, on both the Liberty and the Patriot.
There are tons of Videos on YouTube, and comments just like this all over the internet of Jeep's overheating and killing power to the engine.
The temperature gauge stayed right in the middle, showing that it was neither cool or hot, but operating in a safe temperature.
I have had my Jeep looked at, and reached out to Jeep on their Facebook page... looking for any recall information.
Anyone who is having this same issue, please reach out to Jeep's Facebook page and let them know, If they get enough notice, hopefully we can get a recall issued on it.
www .facebook .com /jeep/
Lets help each other out here!!!

 

Yup, put me on this list too. My 2012 Jeep Patriot has overheated 4 times on the highway in the last 2 years. I don't even have 70,000 miles on it yet.
This last time was very scary, as my 3 year old son was in the car with me, and my car is slowed down to 45 MPH on a highway where the speed limit is 75 MPH. I was half in the shoulder and had my hazard lights on, and people were still coming up fast and switching lanes last minute on me. I had about 2 miles to drive before there was an exit I could take.
The remaining hour and a half drive to our destination was done with windows down, and the heater blasting. Just trying to get safely to our destination safely, in 90 degree weather.
The same weekend mine overheated... One of my family members who owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty had her car overheat as well.
We both have a whining noise from our transmissions, on both the Liberty and the Patriot.
There are tons of Videos on YouTube, and comments just like this all over the internet of Jeep's overheating and killing power to the engine.
The temperature gauge stayed right in the middle, showing that it was neither cool or hot, but operating in a safe temperature.
I have had my Jeep looked at, and reached out to Jeep on their Facebook page... looking for any recall information.
Anyone who is having this same issue, please reach out to Jeep's Facebook page and let them know, If they get enough notice, hopefully we can get a recall issued on it.
www .facebook .com /jeep/
Lets help each other out here!!!

Phase3030, could you add the model (FDI, FDII, FWD) and whether or not the trans fluid and filters have been changed?

 

My 2 cents... This issue is what made me ultimately decide to upgrade to the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. I miss my Patriot but this issue was a safety hazard and I'm saddened that Jeep never recognized and solved the issue. Story is the same. Driving down the highway and you start to hear a whine, followed by light in dash, followed by loss of power, followed by trying to cross over 4 lanes of highway with a limping car (horrible situation). Under manufacturer's warranty, dealer checked it out and said the fluid was overfilled but the issue continued to happen. Traded my car in at 20k miles and it's gonna be some other poor soul's problem now (I hate to say).

 

My 2013 CVT Is doing the same thing, started happening around 70k and now I'm a little over 100k. Already took it to the dealership under warrenty and their fix was to "replace a valve" which temporarily made a difference but the problem has returned. Hot days on trips an hour or more on the highway is when it happens. Transmission starts whining super loud, power starts to decrease, then tranny overheat light turns on. Then my heart races like crazy and I have to pull over and turn the car off for 10 minutes and pray the light is off when I restart. Seems sketchy to me. Jeep needs to do something that's actually a solution to the problem for all the people with CVT drama.

 

Hi maggie, sorry to hear this, thanks for letting us know.

Do you know if the CVT fluid and both filters have been changed yet?

 

Dealer says fluids and filters are fine. What I'm gathering here is that it's a design flaw and that's why jeep stopped putting the cvts in patriots all together.

 

Ok, the reason I was asking about the fluid is due to the mileage you have. If the fluid and filters haven't been changed after 100k miles, they've certainly seen better days and I'd get them changed no matter what the dealer says, especially if it's been overheating.

You say you first noticed the whine then overheating around 70k miles.

At 70k+ miles on original fluid/filters, mine did whine, but never overheated or went into limp mode. Changing the fluid and filters fixed the whine, at least for now.

I think there's somewhat of a consensus on here that CVT fluid changes should probably be done every 20-30k, or sooner in hot climates/ heavy use despite what the service manual says.

The fluid level is important too. If it's too high, the fluid will foam which is what causes the whine. These Jatco CVT's are apparently more sensitive to this than other transmissions. Over on one of the Nissan boards a Nissan tech recommends the fluid be no more than 1/2 to 3/4 full to help prevent foaming.

CVT Transmission Issues. (Fail safe, Whining, Temps, & FIX!) - Nissan Forum | Nissan Forums

As far as design flaws, there may be one. Thing is though, some people have had problems, but others haven't; or at least not to the same extent. The question is why, which I guess isn't easy to answer. Not 100% sure on this either, but I think the decision to replace the CVT with the 6 speed auto in the FDI may have had to do with getting a better deal on price. The CVT is still used in the FDII and the 2.0l.

 

IMHO, the suggested CVT fluid & filter change is too optimistic. 50,000 is a better plan, especially if you're in a hot climate, do a lot of hills or travel at speed for extended periods. Similarly, the transmission cooler is a good idea, not just for towing, but for anyone driving under the aforementioned conditions.

 

Yeah, 20k-30k is a really safe bet with changing CVT fluid/filters, but even if you beat on it you should still be able to get away with 50k, maybe 60k miles between changes. To fix a whining issue, I've heard AMSoil CVT fluid fixes that, and another guy fixed it by installing an aux trans cooler. Both are always a good choice...Chrysler was never good with even suspensions, and still tried using a transmission that required research to use. They did alright with it, but could definitely have done better. At least they know how to build a great engine, even if it's mostly just in the Challenger/Charger.