Clock resets, radio changes channels randomly, wipers sometimes won't work and at other times wipers come on by themselves and can't be turned off. The A/C or heat stops working or can't be turned on, and the passenger side blinkers fast blink. Changed bulbs didn't fix. Passenger blinkers won't come on if headlights are turned on.
It all started with the right turn signal not working. I thought it needed a new bulb. NO, a new TIPM. I couldn't afford a new one so I got a used one put in. That p.o.c. is making my AC not work and makes the dashboard light up like Xmas tree! WTH! Is there anyway to add my 2008 Jeep Patriot to this Class Action suit??
It started with my rear, passenger side blinker quit working. No problem, I'll change the bulb. The bulb was just fine. I checked fuses next and couldn't find one dedicated to the blinker so I started looking for a short. After about 30 man hours of my time, and the headlight going out with the plug melting, and the heater blower not functioning (I'm in Minnesota and it's January) I brought it in to the shop. They tell me that the TIPM went out and it would cost me around $1100. I was stunned. After getting it fixed I started looking around at the price of the actual part and found that this is a common problem in Jeeps. So here we are...
I only recently found out about the issue that Chrysler/Jeep has been having with TIPM's in different makes and models (I must have been living under a rock for 2013-present) when I took my car to a local auto mechanic and he told me that it could be up to $1500 to fix. In response to the shocked and appalled look on my face, he told me to do some research and see if the model is covered under warranty. After limited success (that's the fancy way of saying none though I do have more information now) it's a little disheartening to know that there is something in my car that can just decide to stop cooperating whenever it wants.
On Christmas Day I was stranded on my way home from visiting family and had to get the car towed 90 miles in order to make it home. Naturally, after making it through that panic attack, I thought the trauma was over. I've reached the conclusion that there doesn't seem much that I can do beyond sucking it up and fixing the car and dealing with it and I've accepted that, but I'm open to suggestions, if you have any.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Clock resets, radio changes channels randomly, wipers sometimes won't work and at other times wipers come on by themselves and can't be turned off. The A/C or heat stops working or can't be turned on, and the passenger side blinkers fast blink. Changed bulbs didn't fix. Passenger blinkers won't come on if headlights are turned on.
- Lee R., Temecula, US