WATCH THIS BEFORE BUYING A 2012-2013 JEEP WRANGLER JK! INSTANT REGRET!?

[@b0xster5oo]

I have a 2013 JKU with 195,000 and not a single engine problem. And trust me my 3 kids from 18 to 23 have driven her hard.

[@timothycash9577]

I have a 2012 and it runs like a champ, no problems you got a lemon from the dealer. They screwed you.

[@VehicleTribe]

Well, although they didn't do a great job inspecting it before selling it to the public, is not that simple. First, the Jeep is not new, it has 71K miles (all factory warranties expired already). The sell was "as is" so I bought it at my own risk. Also the Jeep never showed any significant sign of a bad head gasket for the first month, so I am not sure they even noticed the problem in the short time they had it. Regardless, I was able to negotiate the price and I bough it cheaper (like $4000 cheaper that normal) knowing that it needed some work. I agree they could have done a better job inspecting the Jeep before selling it and being honest if they knew of the problem, but who knows.

[@josedejesus3117]

T cash you got lucky, that problem could happened to anyone. The guy is helping us.

[@tylerw.5458]

Tough break dude, I just bought a 13’ Rubi JK UL with 61k it also came with a lifetime power train warranty & 109k mile bumper to bumper warranty as well. Which is great for me because I barely put 2k on my personal truck last year.. (My employer has me in rentals constantly) I was really curious as to why I was also granted all the warranties. I’m assuming maybe because of the 2012 debacles… anyways hope you’re able to get everything sorted out.

[@adamking5937]

I had a carbon copy of that problem. Two reconditioned head later and $3k it is fixed. Great video well done

[@jamescole6846]

2013 JK 2D with a 100k on it ZERO engine problems. It doesn't even have slightest oil leak arounf any of the seals. I have been around Jeeps all my life. this is a one off to some extent. The 2012-2013 head issue on some of the 3.6 Penstar's was related to an oiling issue on the rocker arms located closets to the driver causing them to fail. The issue you are having is much different. Also in 2012ish Mopar changed from HOAT to OAT cooling fluid in the radiator. YOU CAN NOT MIX THESE. you should NEVER mix OAT based formulas (which includes hoat) with IAT formulas. The result is typically turning your coolant into sludge due to a chemical reaction. You stated that you checked the cooling but it is possible someone topped of the radiator with the wrong type and this will cause your temperature to rise in the engine because the coolant fluid will thicken and could even cause hot spots in the head creating a blown gasket. Just a thought.

[@todtalk3912]

I have a 2013 10th anniversary ruby 115k miles n its strong. These engines do not get the credit they deserve tbh. Ive known of one person to have theirs rebuilt, but idk what year it was for sure. I know he beat the hell out of his, n mine is meant for offroad but its babied n believe it or not, mostly highway miles lol. I change the oil every 4k miles n very good about maintenance. Change the coolant every 4 years, change the brake fluid every 3 or 4 years. Changed the diff n transfer fluids every 40k because im not hard on them. It sounds like a lot but its really min maintenance

[@ADCC-qp2gk]

Jk beats new jl for quality

[@TheOriginalGOC]

Buying a 2012 on Monday; appreciate the tip and heads up. Will be asking them for a service history to see if that was addressed or an issue.

[@sauceroflivingpeople]

I have had my 2013 jk sport for four years now and while ive had my fair share of issues, I haven’t had any misfires (might just be lucky). My big issue has been a leaky radiator and thats been the source of all of my engine heat problems. Also from experience the 3.6 L just runs a lot hotter than other engines (the local jeepers where I live are of the same opinion). Another good engine health check I’ve learned is to see how much oil the engine is consuming when you change the oil, the 3.6 is usually 6 quarts in 5 out. If you getting under 5 thats usually a sign that your engine is not healthy. In that case check for smoke on start up out the exhaust cause you might have a drip leak in one of the cylinders that could also cause misfire issues depending on how bad it is.

[@freddieshermanpuff]

Ugggg, I just bought a 2013 Wrangler last month and already the Check engine light has come on with the Coolant Temperature Sensor code. Maybe I should get rid of the Jeep before I have to put more money into it.

[@cyrus6692]

Sorry for all your troubles! I owned a 2003 TJ for 10 years and now own a 2007 JK. I haven't had your issues, my suggestion is report the dealership you bought it from and file a law suit.

[@michaelmarch4950]

You have a different motor in the 2007

[@jeepercreepers54]

Sorry for your troubles but buying from a small dealership and the fact that it's been modified is never a good idea.

[@ANTArts-ix4ju]

2013 Jeep wrangler. Inn July 2013 They changed the design of thermostat has a pin hole. So make sure you get the right one. And you install it the proper way

[@GGH-tw1mp]

Damn, I have an Xj and i was planning in the future to get a JK with the 3.6. I really thought they were very reliable. I had the JK with the 3.8 and it sucked. Definetely sticking with my 4.0 and starting to take a look onto the TJ with the 4.0 . Great content, greetings from Argentina!

[@VehicleTribe]

G GH yeap, 4.0 is the way to go if you want a bullet proof engine. Jk from 2014-2016 with the 3.6 are reliable too but there are some exceptions. Anyways avoid 12-13 year if you can.

[@soggyfries4347]

Hi fellas. My first Jeep 05 TJ 4.0. Bought it used six years ago. i've put maybe 80k, drove it up, down, side ways everywhere. Never experienced any major issues. Just do my oil changes and rinse her off everynow and then.She's a tank. Recently bought 16' JK. Its meh. I still have my TJ by the way. Never gonna sell her.

[@josephbuczek9949]

Bought 2012 rubicon 2 door new ! 95 thousand miles on it now , no motor issues just change my oil with regular 5/30 oil every 3000 miles and other fluids as recommended at intervals . Your previous owner may have misused it some way . I dont wheel mine ! over all i find my jeep to be very trust worthy. you might change the coolant sensor on drivers side toward the fire wall. you can get at it from the drivers wheel if you pry the plastic inner wheel well back. they cost about 25 bucks be prepared for a small amount of coolant to pour out while changing. changing plugs was a small challenge but good videos out there and not hard really . same with the pcv valve (very tight spot to get at screws) buy a tiny wrench and a tiny philips bit " good luck " 2012 jeeps are Awesome just depends on the owner generally! Dont let people tell you its not jeep . ? It will make some one a very nice vehicle if they have the time to figure the issue out .

[@gordongman3423]

Swap the engine to 6 IL 4.0. From what I have read all the V6 have problems. Good luck Bro.

[@KoolMada]

Better off with a v8 swap.

[@fsb_-bf3th]

Look up Steel Seal!! Works amazing!! Stopped a blown headgasket on my sons moms pathfinder. It's been a long time since I put it in. It's about $100 but it works wonders! Seals the headgasket/cracked head right up

[@danielsavage3405]

The inline 6 in your xj is the shit. Would love to see Jeep reinvent the Cherokee while sticking with the inline 6 and the square body. Come on Jeep...2020 XJ!!

[@VehicleTribe]

Daniel Savage oh believe me, that 6 in line 4.0 is gold. Now more than ever I appreciate the good old cherokee XJ 👍🏻

[@turbofc]

Dude a new straight 6 xj2020 would be the shit. But it would have to have d44s and not have cup holders and have the headliner droop. That would make it a real xj

[@pcm7315]

Thanks for posting and hope you get your jeep up to speed soon.

[@dafonteinc]

Also one more thing I heard to flush the radiator. It was very common to overheat. First thing I did when I bought mine was had that done.

[@dafonteinc]

Yo my man, I feel for you. Thanks for the info on the extended warranty on left side. I also have a 2013 Jeep and had to repair many things I’m at 150,000 miles. I’m currently working on the ABS.😢

[@49kitkatbar]

My 2012 rubicon has had $5,000 worth of repairs over the last 3 months at 100,000 miles. Spark plugs replaced, then left head replaced after finding out that the engine part recalled a few years back is no longer covered by warranty. Then 3 weeks ago, thermostat repla ed. This week the cam shaft sensor on left side needs to be replaced and possibly something else. Still owe $9,000 on it and not happy

[@DifferentGrove70]

Search the month of your Jeep 2013. In July they changed redesigned the therma stat . Also that July thru Dec has a very small pin hole. If it is installed not facing upward it will not work correctly..

[@ronniebeckwith4884]

I'm not having any of these problems either. 2013 Rubicon 10th Anniversary.

[@Rando31able]

Same thing happened to my daughters 2012 wrangler but on cylinder 1, and the warranty extension covered it.

[@johnseger7058]

I Own a 2012 Rubicon Unlimited four-door Jeep I have 220,000 miles on it with no head problem did have to change cats on it .

[@williambreeze2659]

Hopefully you were able to get that fixed.

[@josedejesus3117]

Better explanation for that never !! Thanks a lot Im planing buy a 2012, 75k miles

[@geographyinaction7814]

Buy a crate Mopar engine and replace it; best, cheapest, option. Too many 'cowboys' out there doing modifications on vehicles because they saw it on KZbin. Too many wingnuts putting 35's on JK's and bragging how they didn't have to re-gear. Stupid big lifts, stupid mods, stupid driving... Private sales, and trade-ins are often done because the previous owner knows it's on its way out, and they will never tell you....I brought in many trades at my old lot, they looked good, but in a day or two, we knew it was wholesale junk...the owner knew that too. Best of luck!!!!!

[@love.pugsss449]

So true. I'm also an avid vw enthusiast and the same applies with those cars. People blame the cars for being junk when in reality they are second/third hand or more, high mileage, live a hard life, and lack basic maintenance and are often modded way beyond factory spec.

[@bdd1469]

What did you end up doing to fix it? Did you ask the car lot if they could help at all? If not don't be afraid to if you ever experience something like this in the future. I work at a small lot...Our reputation and happy customers are worth more to us than a few days worth of labor and some reconditioned heads or even a replacement motor. We offer in house extended warranties but even if you don't purchase one, or buy a car " as is" we always cover any major problems that show up in the first 30 days, and usually we'll cover 50% on anything major for the first six months. I know all lots don't value their customers like we do, but many used car dealers bend over backwards to make sure their customers are happy.

[@wallyfronzaglio372]

Another problem with the 3.6 is the roller rockers can screw the cam up

[@johnwayne1464]

I have a 2007 JK with a 2.8 CRD diesel engine here in the UK with 127k miles and runs great. Too bad you didn’t get the diesel in the US as they are a pretty robust engine with loads of torque.

[@davidtwa8492]

I'm glad that I did my research cause jeep fixed this problem after 2012 sorry man

[@davidtwa8492]

It should be a recall I'm pretty sure

[@VehicleTribe]

Yes, 2012 and 2013 were the bad years for the 3.6 engine.

[@R3nat002]

@@VehicleTribe Google does say 2012 is bad but not 2013

[@lisalamoureux6742]

I bought a 2012 wrangler 3.6 with 13,000 miles on it. Thought it was a great deal. Thankfully I bought extended warranty. Check engine light came on within weeks. Misfire. Dealership pulled motor and fixed it. Engine gets warm going slow on hilly Roads. Humm

[@mromatic17]

pull the head off and look at the head gasket. if you see any leaks fron the exhaust into the water jackets its the head gasket. if not then take the head to a machine shop and have them inspect it. after you pull the head put a piece of angle iron on it to see if its straight. it should lay flat on it. if you can rock it back and forth on the mounted side of it then its warped. look for cracks as well. you are probally getting a misfire on cylinder 3 cuz there is a bunch of exhaust leaking into the water jacket and its loosing compression. check your oil to see if theres water in your oil it will look like a milk shake if there is.

[@timmytool1231]

Thanks was going to look at a 2012 tomorrow, tonight I will pull up a lot of info on that engine see what I find.

[@todtalk3912]

What did you do bro? N did u run into issues? Usually if it has over 50k miles chances are if it was a 3 6l with the head issue it should be displaying the issue or ahould be noted in the maintenance record as being fixed. I love wranglers but unfortunately these 2012's mostly, more than the 13's were effected. Esp early 2012's a lot of those were affected.

[@powerboatguy2308]

I dodged a bullet, I have over 145k miles on my 2 door Polar edition Wrangler, other than replacing the alternator and routine maintenance with the brakes etc. I've had no issues.

[@f143744]

Do a compression leak down test. It’ll tell you which cylinder, how bad, and where gases are going. Anything else is a guess…

[@richardgallagher913]

Best of luck man. That really sucks! Thanks for the education!

[@eliasvigil]

I have a ‘12 Sahara Ltm. Bought it new. Two years into it it had a recall and the passenger side head had to be replaced. It ran ok after that. However it now has a tapping sound on the driver side head. Was told it could be the rockers. Huh!!!

[@sector783]

Looked at a 2013 two door JK today. It was sweet I loved it but after watching this video, now I’m skeptical. I don’t know a lot you guys and looking for help. I hear some saying to avoid 2012 and 2013 at all costs and then I hear some say that they have never had one issue. Looking for a friend

[@R3nat002]

Did you end up buying one? I've looked and researched. Google says to avoid the 2012 3.6 it is one of the worst years 2007 and 2008 with the 3.8. I'm looking at buying one but will go with a 2013 because 2014 is to expensive right now

[@roadrunner594]

Sup ... Brah keep'em coming. Waiting for more vids👍👍👍

[@VehicleTribe]

Road Runner thanks man! Appreciate it. Working on new videos now

[@roadrunner594]

@@VehicleTribe ya I think I need to do this to my 2001 cherokee...also I saw yours and this vid about compression. Watch "2 Things you NEED to know before buying a Jeep Cherokee XJ 4.0" on KZbin kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKq8c42ppLOZjMU

[@MWoods-rs4wp]

So, basically don’t buy 2012-2013 used Jeep 🤔 unless you have that money already set aside…. On top of every other problem that’ll pop up. And there’ll be plenty. It’s a Jeep thing! I bought a 2017, the same day the transmission went out! Luckily I bought from a reputable dealership that gave me three years bumper to bumper warranty for free. It just took a week before I could drive it which was sad 👍 then… misfire on a something number 5. Got that fixed in 30 minutes! Then, electrical issues. Then rear end issues 😂 I only drove it on the beach a few times, so no “off roading” it. Yet. Soon!

[@freddieshermanpuff]

I just bought a 2013 Wrangler with 47,000 miles last month. The check engine light came one yesterday, The code is P0128, Coolant Temperature Sensor. Which could be many things from The Sensor or thermostat. Hopefully that is all it is. If not it is good to know about the extended warranty if it should be somehow related to the left side cylinder head now or in the future. Thank you for the great video. I will be taking it to the dealer for the seat belt recall so will see what they recommend to fix the issue.

[@sebastianbenitez8634]

I have a xj and tj both are so reliable. Maybe you should sell ASAP and make a lot of upgrades for your xj put axles suspensión big tires etc 👍🏻

[@VehicleTribe]

sebastian benitez yeah I thought doing that at the beginning.

[@banyanyas839]

This is more like "previous owner mishaps" problems, rather than the car itself, bought mine from an individual who love the car and never miss any oil change the car were great no problem whatsoever

[@roialblu]

The JK was built during and after the GFC, lots of manfac /supply problems happened in the years after. Chrysler was finished financially so you can imagine quality control & R&D in the years after near bankruptcy . Your XJ was refined over years so there was no skimping on R&D, a few quality issues but were ironed out by 98.

[@VehicleTribe]

Roi -_- agreed

[@danhambrick6331]

You can also try one of those head gasket sealers in a bottle.I have had luck with them in the past.That might hold long enough for you to get rid of it like they did to you.....just saying.....

[@VehicleTribe]

Dan Hambrick yeah I’ve seen that, but I’m planning on keeping it for a while so I want to fix it the right way, if I sell it in the future it would be better than how I got it.

[@jeepinpete4016]

Dang. You got screwed. I would fix and sell ASAP.

[@VehicleTribe]

JeepinPete in part is my fault,l for not checking the coolant well. But I’m planning on keeping it for a while so I’ll just fix it and use it as long as the engine last then maybe hemi swap it 😬

[@skasc8623]

2 radiators and a heater core with under 10,000 km, heater core was clogged 3000km

[@danhambrick6331]

Odessa cylinder head in Pinellas Park,FL. can hook you up with a set of head's for a good price if you need need them....

[@VehicleTribe]

Dan Hambrick good to know! Thank you

[@elmaiwol]

You have to retune the ecu tu turn on the radiator fan at 205°F, the stock fan temperature turns on at 230° and for me that’s way too much, did this and problem solved

[@elmaiwol]

I tuned it with hptuners

[@smelvinvlogs]

Put a new 6 in it. I’ve been through this problem before this the biggest headache, a repair will only last so long

[@VehicleTribe]

Smelvinvlogs that’s the plan.

[@atalkingdonut]

Same here with my 2010 JK.

[@casamtb3715]

same. have a 2013 that i had to replace engine @108K. I DID have the LH replaced under warranty by dealer, only made oil consumption issue worse. cylinder 4 misfire, though i had oil on #s 3, 5 and 4. the whole engine was on its way out. sad, but oh well. I replaced the engine with a reman. glad i did. i had mine in and out of the dealer since 75K complaining of oil consumption issues. dealers dont care and arent really going to troubleshoot anything. many 12-13s are fine, though a lot more 2013s are having the same problems the 2012s did, only at higher mileage. bad head design, specifically the exhaust valve seats. i have spoken to quite a few people who have changed their engines. most of them jeepers that did it themselves as well. the pentastar IS a good engine. overall very reliable and from what I have heard the 14-18 engine are bulletproof. though some 12-13s do have the head problem. in such case, just replace the engine and consider it a "jeep thing"

[@5htv230]

All 2012 has the same problem?? And how to know from chassis number ??????

[@spencersanderson6642]

If your gonna drop a new engine in , do something like an Ls that’s compatible with the trans and t case . Would be so sick and set you apart from some of the other jeeosn

[@VehicleTribe]

Yeap, that is the plan. I just found a reliable shop that will fix the problem at a decent price, and offered me a good warranty on the job. But i already started looking for LS/Hemi swaps for the near future.

[@hydrashieldbasementservice8453]

I had a 2012 same thing happened to me. Overheating constantly and the head gasket blew.

[@electricamish]

Did you find out what exactly it was?, I understand that the intake was a big issue, especially if the engine got hot, and that thermostat may have been enough to warp that intake , just curious.

[@mindorios]

Save yourself the hassle and get a crate engine. That's what I did on my 00 XJ. Wont have any major worries for years to come. I should of gotten an LS though :( but the i6 4.0 is super reliable so I domt complain too much.

[@VehicleTribe]

I searched for a crate engine but it was not worth it at this time, I am considering a LS/Hemi swap in the near feature.

[@O-YKEM]

Amazing video, thanks brother!

[@tm5346]

Igg im glad you made the video I like it now idk thank you for video

[@z4m40]

This guy has no clue what he's talking about. I have a '12 JK with the 3.6 and runs perfectly fine. Only ever blown a thermostat, replaced it and it runs fine. Cools fine, I drive it hard offroad, and I daily it.

[@johnwayne1464]

The 3.6 is better than the 3.8

[@alwayscuriousalwayslearnin]

I am about half way through this video and I know it is old but I wanted to say right off that one of the things I would thing is heads cracked ( warped head sometimes you can get the heads ( maybe even block) planed to fix that) ) I would have checked the oil for contaminants I have seen people on other vehicles just use some type of sealant and they sell the car and if it was a car lot a person could have traded in the car after doping such a thing and the car lots barely check mechanical things the look mostly at the body. I am curious as to your fix

[@tuur1616]

I had a same exact issue with my 2007 Jeep Wrangler

[@ritchellgiel1894]

Hi did you fix it? Good video👌

[@leonilagreiter297]

Wranglers well Jeep in general aren’t known to be the most reliable. I’ve owned a 4Runner and Wrangler, now let me say this a wrangler isn’t no Toyota and they don’t have the reliability of a Toyota but Jeep Wranglers if you take care of it and do the regular maintenance then you won’t have as much problems through out. wranglers are fun to drive but you just gotta have time and money to fix it

[@tm5346]

I opened it ! The app recalls popped up

[@ronniebeckwith4884]

I have a 2013 Rubicon and have had NO problems like this at all.

[@dshauer16]

Lucky

[@Ohgreatcj.]

I have a 2013 Sport with 95k and have had no problems like this either. Only a cracked seal at 40k (that was covered under warranty) and a faulty thermostat.

[@kens7717]

2013s were corrected mid year.

[@jeepjeep9979]

I have a 2012 JKU and it has started to run hot. Took it in and they can’t find anything wrong with it. They did say it could be that my engine head is wrapped. I bought it brand new and it’s paid off. So bummed right now.

[@lisamartinez4168]

Just bought me a 2012 Jeep sport Wrangler and the engine light went on but I have a 90-day warranty so they're supposed to fix it at the dealership. What else should I be looking out for and another thing the stadium will shakes when I go a certain speed on the highway what do you 🤔 think it is like I said I do have a 90-day warranty and I'm going to take advantage of that

[@dtfaaron]

This scares me. I’m buying a jeep jk next week. Should i get an older one with the 3.8l ? Even though it has 80 less horses? Someone chime in please

[@kennyabreu6389]

Hola hermano, k pena lo k le a pasado con su new Jeep Wrangler, me parece increíble lo k FCA/Chrysler hace con sus productos , para mi eso es una estafa departe de esta compañía italiana y la Chrysler, deberían de demandar estas dos grandes marcas de autos por irresponsables , yo siempre le digo a la gente k antes de comprar un vehículo sea cual sea , pues k hagan siempre mucho resources k investiguen sobre ese vehículo antes de comprarlo porque es mucho dinero k hay de por medio , buena suerte hermano 👍

[@Frissdas1207]

You got sold a lemon. My 2013 jkru 10a has been great, going on 102k

[@zackcarneiro6218]

What’s the link for the combustion leak tester?

[@arnepielhoff8073]

I had the same problem whit a Volvo V70 2.5T, Thermostat didn't open completely, cooling system had to much pressure, now the zylinder gasket ist broken... 1600 euros 🙄

[@korlashgaming8313]

where u get the leak tester?

[@Chrisw678]

3 weeks? Is there a warranty? Not sure what FL law says for dealers. MA if buying from dealer it’s 30 days. Sorry to hear this.

[@VehicleTribe]

Wash Machine i bought it “as is” meaning I’m responsible of any problem

[@Chrisw678]

VehicleTribe ugh. I hope you can figure it out. Maybe it’s the head still covered by Chrysler. Best of luck bud.

[@maurodellacasa8845]

I live in another country and I don’t know the law of your state in this case but i think, like is also in my country, that everywhere is normal that a professional dealer who sell a car to a private people, even with the clause “as it”, have to refound the money for the hidden technical problems that does exist for sure before the purchase contract ... maybe you can try to feel a good lawyer about this ..... because I never seen something like this that happened to you ....there is always a general law that protect the private buyers I hope ....

[@rickycastro1877]

I was thinking of buying one with 90k miles this upcoming weekend. Anything in particular to look for??

[@dshauer16]

Just don't lol

[@marioherrera8065]

Lmao the tech didn’t think of doing a block test? Shame on that dealership

[@jesstonbruner2860]

What suspension?

[@carlosnsosa99]

If you’re having to change the motor why not use it as a chance to upgrade your Jeep to a HEMI ??? 6.2 Hemi out of a challenger or charger with the computer and harness will cost a little bit more than the one you’re going to buy but will give you way more bang for your buck.

[@mikehowell8983]

for ecm purposes, the motor will need to come out of a ram truck

[@mxrtiinez]

My step dads Jeep makes a weird noise I don’t know what it might be it usually makes a noise when it’s off

[@tonyppe]

Don't you have warranty there? Can't you return it back to where you got it from because it was missold? But thank you for posting this video - my friend has asked me to look at a Jeep for her, 2013 Wrangler Sport with 97,000kms (around 60,000 miles). I'm just doing research now and found your video. So thank you for this.

[@VehicleTribe]

No warranties unfortunately, I bought the Jeep “as is”.

[@tonyppe]

@@VehicleTribe thanks... she just sent me a text saying she's paid this place to hold this jeep for her... it's listed for $20k Australian $. Looking at all the others listed, this one is way cheap compared to others like a 2010 for $24k. I'm trying to get hold of a combustion gas tester like you mentioned in your video - your vid has been a big help :)

[@sjanov94]

FYI I’m pretty sure there is a recall on this, I had a 2012 wrangler.

[@kennethbyers2379]

Just subscribed

[@austinthompson7255]

Are the 2008 jk wranglers good

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Does your 2013 JK, (or similar, with the Pentastar engine), run great when it is cold, and can hammer the throttle with no issues,--but after a few miles, (definitely over 10 miles) the same throttle control will put your engine in limp mode, while your heater is blowing hot enough air to skrink "shrink wrap tubing"? I got new cats, (they raise engine temps a lot), and that was not it. Yea,--not getting hot,--the temp gauge tells me so. Wanna bet? That coolant is over 220 degrees after a few miles---and the radiator cap is still cold, (nothing flowing). I just discovered my napa blakamp thermostat does not open, (and I suspect the new one on my used Jeep is not either.). It is a 203 F. thermostat for the 2013 JK Wrangler, (which is hotter than I want really), and boiling the assembly, (thermostat and plastic housing) in water on the stove, it does not move at 203. It just starts moving at 220 F. The problem is 2 things. There is a .250" (approx), gap between the end of the plunger rod end and the plastic housing that it has to sit against to open the valve. The plunger may be moving at 203 degrees, (I will find out), but it does not close the gap until about 220. Then it does not have enough travel left to open the valve past the 2mm thick seal to allow good flow. I am making a little metal rod to fill that gap now, (I want to just feel it when I put the thermostat in the housing), and I milled 3 .180" holes in the metal diaphragm to insure some flow at all times, (even when warming up. Have not tested it yet). With a thermostat that is not opening the way it should, the engine temp gauge does not go past normal, (like it is stuck for the last 35 degrees), and the engine will start shutting down to make less heat, with error messages,--so the coolant will not boil over. Go buy a thermostat for about $14.00 at a auto parts store, and boil it in water to see what it does. If it is not starting to move at the designated temp and does not open fully,---you probably have a gap between the rod and the plastic. A mechanic who only looks for codes only, (and that is the vast majority of them today), will not find this,---because the thermostat does not have a sensor or a code. Fiat has cone everything possible as hot as they can get with the Pentastar engine, (adhering to strict EPA regulations, very much stressing the otherwise great engine), from restrictive cats bolted to the manifolds to 203 degree thermostats and insulated a intake shroud, and I will bet that failures from sensors to cracked heads,---are very much related to this heat. Get rid of that heat,---and I think the Pentastar engine will make 100,000 more miles than our "new normal".

[@bjornironsides6474]

You "hammer" the throttle when the engine is still cold...tells me all I need to know.

[@alberto8914]

bad head it has a recall, call the dealer they will replace for free, this was the issue with this set up on the jeeps

[@thelzmovement6480]

What wheels are those

[@StrangeDuder]

Soo.... what happened? Did you fix it or dump it? I have a '12 2 door and the replaced the Left head at 90K miles, like you said, all covered by Jeep. I'm the original owner so fortunately, I know the history.

[@dirtdevil2394]

This is why you buy the last year of the outgoing model .. and not buy the new model

[@Furrazii]

I'm getting a 2013 or after

[@josedejesus3117]

Good to know

[@Zachary77]

Jeep: Just Empty Every Pocket

[@ejjoyner710]

Could Just Be Bad Gas That's Causing A Missfire A thermostat won't cause any misfire A 3.8 Is Better then the 3.6

[@DaltonStephens25]

where can i get a combustion leak tester?

[@VehicleTribe]

Dalton Stephens any advance auto parts

[@Gabriel-fv3ir]

I’m sorry man

[@B1llman]

Hell cat engine !

[@australophitecus7490]

3.6-liter Pentastar V-6?

[@scottdoubleyou563]

I'm thinking LS swap. Just do it.

[@VehicleTribe]

Scott Doubleyou I wish man, but that’s expensive. Maybe in the future 👍🏻

[@perun814]

how much did u pay for it

[@gerardo641]

Im not from the usa, but if the problem was already when you bought the car, isnt it possible to return the car? That is cheating.

[@VehicleTribe]

gerardo san i bought the car “as is” which means that the dealer is not responsable for any mechanical problems with the Jeep.

[@Alex-tm4th]

13 JK gecko. 150k no issues.

[@marcusharley3064]

Can't even afford to upkeep one jeep and he buys another?

[@litehousekid1]

What about trying that liquid head gasket repair?