QuestionThis was running fine and within 5 minutes, it started smelling like gas, was doing 3000 RPM's at 50 MPH, the security light came on, and the instant MPG read 13 and did not change and it was vibrating badly. This is my brothers Jeep that I use a good bit to pull my boat and it pulled the boat great last weekend (3,500 lbs boat). The dealer said that the Powertrain Control module / computer was bad, that the distributor needed to be replaced, the transmission needed to be serviced, and intake manifold was leaking oil.
My brother wants to junk it, but I want to try and fix it. My questions are this:
If it was running fine and the within 5 minutes started having all of these problems, would it not most likely be the PCM?
If the PCM is bad, would something of caused it to blow that would need to be fixed before replacing the computer?
I know this is limited info and there are a million varying factors, but I appreciate any input that you can offer.
AnswerThis one I would really need to check out myself. The transmission probably needs to be serviced. The intake leaking could have an effect on the way the engine is running. I dont know how they came to the conclusion of the PCM, but if you do replace it, try a used one, so you won't be out much if it fails again. A wire shorted out going to the computer could cause the PCM to go bad but have not seen much of that. Honestly, to me it sounds like they don't know what is wrong. If they replace all the items mentioned surely it would fix it! I would get a second opinion! Hope I could help you!
