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Starting/Dieing issues

2K views 9 replies 4 participants last post by  ewatters 
#1 ·
Hey everyone,

Im new to the site and also a new jeep owner. I own a 2008 grand cherokee laredo. Ive owned it just over a month and now im having issues with it killing on me. When it does the ETC light comesx on along with the red security dot. I know there is a recall on the ignition and im waiting to get the letter that will allow me to ge tthat service done. Ive hooked it up to a code scanner and it is not throwing any codes. Im looking for some insight so im just not throwing money into it and replacing unnecessary part.
 
#4 ·
The ignition recall is simply to engineer a way to stop people accidentally shutting off the car with their knee...unless that is what you're doing (which I suspect is not the case!), it's not going to help.

How long does the car run for before it shuts down? It could be the sentry key system not detecting an authorized key being used and shutting off the motor. That would explain the flashing red light.

Do you have a second key that you could try?
 
#5 ·
no when i bought it there was only one key! usually in the am it will run fine all the way to work. now after i get done with work is usually when it happens. sometimes it acts like it wants to start then sputters and dies. other times i start driving and then it kills on me but the ETC light and that little red security dot are the only ones on until it dies and then the other lights are on like im 1st starting it. i read on another sight could be cam position sensor or throttle body could be bad. my thought is if its the cam sensor wouldnt it run like crap? thats not what it does in my case. still average almost 18 MPG and seems to run perfect except that little hiccup at times
 
#6 ·
Does it stall out if it just sits (once it starts), or does it have to be driving?

Can you pull the codes to see if anything shows up (or do the 'keydance' if your year supports it).

Right now, my first two guesses would be either the sentry system or the ETC module, but they are just guesses!
 
#7 ·
I used to have this issue too. I used to replace the key battery, remove terminals for the battery, all kinds of stuff to get it to work. I haven't been having this issue anymore but I've changed the car battery as well and now that you mention it, I haven't had a problem since. One issue being the crap mechanic who swapped the battery one time ( shoulda done it myself) put a smaller grade battery in there. I'm assuming to make a few bucks. Two things. Make sure you have the correct SIZE battery and maybe swap yours if it's old. Get a good battery as well it's worth it. Mid grade at least if you can you know with more crank and all that.
 
#8 ·
ok sorry for long time between responses. there are no codes being displayed already tried that. last weekend wouldnt start after i drove it. i turn key over wait for dinging to stop and then would hear a click like a relay is pulling in but then all the radio power is lost like its a security thing. as far as the etc light coming on it was mostly happening when slowing down for stop lights. then would take a few times to start again. now however it wont start. I was thinking starter but it doesnt make sense that when i turn it over i hear relay pull in then all power to raido is cut like anti theft or something. measured battery at terminals an have the 12 volts required. measured battery in the key and had 3 volts on that as well. was thinking of taking starter off and having tested but not so sure its my issue. Really stumped right now and would really like to ge tit fixed though. really appreciate all the input you guys are helping me with since im not too familiar with this vehicle yet.
 
#10 ·
I got the starting issue figured out. It was the starter like I suspected. Now I just gotta figure out why it keeps killing on me and etc light keeps coming on. I'm thinking it's the throttle body since it only does it while I'm coming to a stop. Or has so far. Doesn't have any codes that are showing up though so kinda stumped on this one
 
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