Could be a multitude of different things below, I'd need some more info to make a better guess. Did the temperature gauge spike up into the red, or did she just notice steam coming from under the hood while the gauge stayed normal?

• Radiator
• Coolant
• Electric cooling Fans
• Water pump
• Thermostat
• Hoses and clamps
• Transmission oil cooler
• Coolant pressure bottle/overflow system

Based on what she described, if the gauge reads hot as well it could be due to a coolant leak, blown water/coolant pump, bad thermostat or faulty radiator fan due to failure or a belt breaking.

If it's the latter, it could be a faulty temp sensor. Essentially, if the sensor is broken and thinks the engine is running cold it will not allow what it perceives to be "excess" heat to vacate the engine compartment.

Good luck with the repair, hopefully it gets fixed under warranty, and let us know what it actually was. (My money's on a temp sensor, water pump or thermostat).

 

For the lightning bolt, if it looked like this

: then this is what the owner's manual has to say.

3. Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Light
This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a problem is detected, the light will come on while the engine is running. Cycle the ignition key when the vehicle has completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off. If the light remains lit with the engine running your vehicle will usually be drivable, however, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is flashing when the engine is running, immediate service is required and you may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will come on when the ignition is first turned ON and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on during starting, have the system checked by an authorized dealer.

If it is the ETC, there are some TSB's on this that may apply, depending on the year of her Patriot. http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5794

Did either the engine temperature

or transmission temperature warning lights

come on?

 

Perhaps her serpentine belt broke, which caused the over heat (water pump stops turning) and stopped the alternator from charging the battery?

 

That sounds right. It would explain all of the problems.

Hopefully there is no damage to the engine from overheating.

 

One rule everyone should follow (unless they are very knowledgeable) is to Pull Off the Road when those lights come on. I've seen some terrible stuff happen from folks just trying to make the next exit, or trying to just make it home, etc. That can cause major damage to your engine, etc.

 

Any word on the Electronic Throttle Control Light?

Any word on this issue? I'm having the same issue with mine Pat. The ETC light comes on probably once out of every 3 times I take it out on the road. The light blinks, I pull over and shut the car off, and usually it keeps blinking upon start up. When I took it in to get it looked at the mechanic told me he couldn't do anything for me if it wasn't blinking at the time and surprise surprise, it didn't come back on until I pulled into my driveway the next day. If anyone has any clue why this happens and what can be done to fix it, please let me know. You may be saving my life or my Pats life since i'm doing a lot of commuting on the freeway.

thanks in advance

 

Jeepkyle - maybe you could borrow a Scangauge and leave it in for a week or so. May give more insight to the problem. I had the "symbol" come on once. I drove the Pat very hard at highway speeds for 2 hours, and 2-3 minutes after exiting, it appeared. Shut the car off for a minute, restarted and it was clear. In my case, no code was set in the Scangauge. Maybe in others it would set one.

 

Okay so I have an 08 Jeep Patriot with almost 100k miles on it. Recently since its been cold out I would go start my car and let it run for a few minutes to let the heater warm up so its not cold for my son and I and on days that I do that the lightning bolt light and traction controlling light will be on when I get in the car. If I turn the car off for a minute or so they will go away and it'll drive fine but if I try and drive it with the lights on it will start to shake. I also recently had the electronic throttle body fixed at the Jeep dealership. Can anyone tell me why it's doing this or how to fix it. Thank you.

 

Its a problem with the electronic throttle. How long ago did you have work on your throttle body? It is probably related if it started very soon after that... if it has been a very short time (a week or so) you might be able to take it back to them and have them check it out.

 

My ETC light came on a few weeks ago and I pulled over and shut off my 2010 Patriot. I restarted and it was fine. Since then, my patriot has a very loud noise from the engine area and shimmies a little when going between 40-60 mph. After 60mph, it is much smoother and not as loud. it almost sounds like I need to shift my gears. Also, depending on the road, the sound gets louder or quieter. The only thing I have had done to my Patriot since then is have my tires rotated.