Frustrating Cooling System Problem

lemonboy · **Posted:** Fri Mar 18, 2016 10:58 am

Hey all-

About at my wit's :banghead:

end with a recurring problem (been to a small mechanic and the stealership neither helpful):

08 Liberty throws a code P2181. Has a new temp sensor and new Tstat. Only happens when it is cold out (<25*).

When it happens I get the CEL, the Red lightening bolt and Svc 4wd lights all at once and the temp gauge seems to die. When all of this happens it also seems to enter an overheat protection mode where both fans kick on. Which is to say that it gets real cold real quick in the cab. Upon restart the normal CEL remains but temp gauge never goes above 1/4 (and when it is cold out I would say that regardless it doesn't usually get above 1/3). Above 40*s comes to normal operating temp no problem. Also, my mileage has been not good lately (<17).

Maybe replace (again) the Tstat?
Maybe a broken/loose connector?
Maybe a.....?

Thanks!

ajohns1288 · **Posted:** Fri Mar 18, 2016 1:39 pm

Do you have a block heater by chance? Also check your coolant levels and make sure there is no air in the system.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Fri Mar 18, 2016 10:30 pm

If the t-stat is not one from the dealership I'd start there,same goes for the ECT sensor.

Dealer only!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PALiftedKK · **Posted:** Fri Mar 18, 2016 10:42 pm

following.

check fluids as said above. burp the system if you know how to.

ajohns1288 · **Posted:** Sat Mar 19, 2016 11:09 am

Also, there is a TSB/PCM flash for this, however it looks like it only applies to the 42RLE trans.

Scar0 · **Posted:** Sun Mar 20, 2016 4:45 am

ajohns1288 wrote:

Also, there is a TSB/PCM flash for this, however it looks like it only applies to the 42RLE trans.

What is the TSB #? I am aware of the P0123 Or P0222 And ETC Light TSB, but not one for the P2181 code.(BTW all US automatics in the KK are 42LRE)

P2181 = Cooling system performance; Possible causes - Radiator, coolant thermostat, engine coolant blower motor

There is a RR for P0128 & or P2181. It requires the T-stat to be replaced with part # 52079476AD (Year model 2010 only).

chabaz · **Joined:** Sun Mar 20, 2016 9:23 pm **Posts:** 7

lemonboy wrote:

Hey all-

About at my wit's :banghead:

end with a recurring problem (been to a small mechanic and the stealership neither helpful):

08 Liberty throws a code P2181. Has a new temp sensor and new Tstat. Only happens when it is cold out (<25*).

When it happens I get the CEL, the Red lightening bolt and Svc 4wd lights all at once and the temp gauge seems to die. When all of this happens it also seems to enter an overheat protection mode where both fans kick on. Which is to say that it gets real cold real quick in the cab. Upon restart the normal CEL remains but temp gauge never goes above 1/4 (and when it is cold out I would say that regardless it doesn't usually get above 1/3). Above 40*s comes to normal operating temp no problem. Also, my mileage has been not good lately (<17).

Maybe replace (again) the Tstat?
Maybe a broken/loose connector?
Maybe a.....?

Thanks!

Hoooly Moses, the EXACT same thing is happening to me. Have you found a concrete solution yet??

I just picked up my libby a few weeks ago used. It has 85k miles on it but pretty clean all the way around. It's a 6 speed '08. A few days after I e-checked it, I got the following codes in addition to the red lightning bolt, Serv 4WD light and the CEL. Oh and like you mentioned the temp gauge goes all the way down to C when these lights turn on. But when I turn off the truck and turn it back on - seemingly back to normal, except the CEL. (The lightning bolt, and 4WD light go off, and the temp gauge reads normal)

P2181 (same one you got) - Cooling System Performance
P0128 - Coolant Thermostat below regulating temp

The first thing I did was check the coolant, it was pretty murky so I drained it twice, put in some of that super flush stuff, ran it for a few hours around time and flushed it the next day and put half and half - HOAT Antifreeze and distilled water.

I also purchased a thermostat from the auto parts store (not the dealer) but have not installed it yet.

Talking to my buddy - I suspected an electrical/dash/sensor issue... Is that what I should be leaning towards - or should I get the thermo from the dealer and try that?

Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you!!

lemonboy · **Posted:** Mon Mar 21, 2016 10:27 am

thanks for the suggestions everyone.

No block heater.
Coolant levels and cleanliness appear fine.

Going back to the dealer tomorrow for a new fuel tank thanks to the other thread about burping during fueling so I am going to have them retest and might just get them to replace the stat/sensor out of hand. Sadly it is not going to be really cold enough for them to recreate. chabaz, no offense but I am psyched to hear that I am not crazy and that someone else has the problem.

chabaz · **Joined:** Sun Mar 20, 2016 9:23 pm **Posts:** 7

Haha, and it's all good man. I am stoked to hear that I am not the only one having these issues as well.

Let us know what happens at the dealership and if these issues persist.

Good luck!

chabaz · **Joined:** Sun Mar 20, 2016 9:23 pm **Posts:** 7

So the coolant codes came back on for me today when driving in 50 degree weather about 5 minutes after start up.

In addition to those codes - I got these 2 O2 sensor Codes -

P0138 - O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2

P2271 - O2 Sensor Signal Stuck Rich Bank 1 Sensor 2

The jeep is running fine as far as I can tell, and the coolant codes are present along with these O2 sensor codes.

Could they be related?

Could nothing at all be the matter besides a sensor or a switch causing all of these codes to pop on and off?

thanks guys and any help is greatly appreciated.

lemonboy · **Posted:** Tue Mar 22, 2016 4:52 pm

btw - this morning they indicated that a PCM reflash might solve the issue if you are not on a certain version or higher.

Which of course the last time I was there and told them to DO EXACTLY THAT they said they had no idea what I was talking about and that mine was up to date.

Which is to say, that could also be your problem.

lemonboy · **Posted:** Wed Mar 23, 2016 12:17 pm

So no love from the dealer, tech couldn't replicate and said that my best hope is to bring it in when it happens again. Given that it only happens when it is cold probably....in November! :roll:

chabaz · **Joined:** Sun Mar 20, 2016 9:23 pm **Posts:** 7

Wow! What a joke!

Sorry to hear man and I'm still running with all 4 codes, LoL but engine and cooling system seem 100% normal to me! I'm going to dig into it this weekend I'll let you know if I find anything good or bad either way!

Frustrating Cooling System Problem

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