QuestionI have 124,000 miles at a stop the PRMS jump to 3000 while driving the vehicle acks like it is one cruse control. I took my Jeep to the dealership and they had the vehicle for 2 days and advised they could not find a problem. This is very hard on my new braks and wife drives around w/ newborn in vehicle. Please help
AnswerHi Michael,
First, let me empathize with you... it's very frustrating to have a problem that *seemingly* cannot be fixed. However, there is recourse, it just may require patience.
If they couldn't find anything, then chances are this is: 1) an intermittent condition, or 2) a communication error between you and the technician. Let's talk about #2 first. Often times, the Service Writer that 'writes you up' in the lane doesn't always have your attention 100%. Even if he does, you have to be completely thorough in describing your symptom, and when he asks to sign the repair order, make sure your issue is worded properly. It's possible they are not looking for the right thing, and occasionally, it's best to take a test drive with them. Ask to ride with the technician, or the shop foreman, in this case. Not only can you pinpoint the problem, but it makes the repair personal (techs love a challenge, sometimes).
As for #1, intermittent concerns are tough to track down. Here's some things to think about:
Does the vehicle need to be hot or cold?
Has it acted up when in motion, and at what speed does it manifest most noticeably?
Does it act up more on hot, humid days? Rainy?
When it happens, how long does it last?
Is the cruise control on or off?
Is it only at a stop, or will it do it driving down the road?
Does it happen *every* time you come to a stop?
Is the air conditioning on? If so, what happens if you turn it off?
Is the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) on? Normally, this will store a trouble code, and at least give the tech a general direction.
These are only a few things I ask customers before I test drive the more 'challenging' cars. Most times, the answer is there if you ask the right questions -- unfortunately, you seem to be lacking in the attention you deserve. I would suggest getting the Service Manager involved; calmly explain your situation and your concern with the safety of this issue. Generally, this gets things done, and they *should* put their best diagnostician on it. In extreme situations, it might take a call to the Jeep District Manager -- they have a few field engineers that travel around fixing the most mysterious issues, although they tend to concentrate on first-owner, inside-basic-warranty vehicles. Still, squeaky wheel gets the grease!
99% of the time, it doesn't escalate to this, and it just takes patience (and as much info as possible) to track this stuff down. Even something as simple as a PCM (powertrain control module) reprogram is something that takes less than a half hour, and can cover symptoms like this, even if they're not documented. However, most shops are gun-shy when it comes to this, because they don't want to 'marry' the vehicle by attempting to fix something they haven't experienced. Still, they should realize that they are a customers' last resource, and act accordingly.
Good luck to you!
