Diagnose and Fix Common 1st Generation Renegade Problems
Like every other car, the Jeep Renegade comes with its own problems. While still being reliable, owners have encountered a few issues that are common across the board. Here we cover the top 5 Jeep Renegade problems for the 1st generation that covers model years 2015 and up.
Top 5 Jeep Renegade Problems – 1st Generation
1. Ignition Coils
The ignition coils are part of the Jeep’s ignition system. They increase the voltage that they receive from the battery to help create a spark in the spark plugs. This then helps to ignite the fuel. Since the Renegade has a four-cylinder engine, the engine has four ignition coils. These tend to go bad after some time.
Some of the symptoms you’ll notice include a Check Engine Light that will most likely be flashing or an engine that’s running rough. The problem is not often caused by the coils themselves but the boot that goes down to the plugs. The tubes installed allow moisture to pass through causing the boots to corrode.
Rusted boots put a strain on the coils, causing them to go bad. If you ever take out the coils and find rust in there, one of the easier options is to clean it all out. You could also replace the coils and the boots. It’s also a good idea to replace the spark plugs as well and apply some Jeep-specific dielectric grease to the new ignition coils.
2. Heater Hose
The heater hose is used to send excess heat away from the engine through the coolant and into the heater core. In some vehicles, the heater hose is normally positioned right next to the vacuum lines. The hose may rub on the lines over time and wear out. This then causes them to leak.
If you ever notice coolant dripping from where the heater hoses are located, chances are, your hoses are damaged and need to be repaired or replaced. It’s advisable to apply some cut-proof padded tape on the side of the hose that’s in contact with the vacuum lines. This prevents them from wearing out when they rub on the lines.
3. Jeep Renegade Problems with Oil Consumption
Excessive oil consumption is a common problem in many vehicles. It not only leaves some of your engine parts unlubricated but also causes wastage of money as you’re forced to frequently top up your oil. The first-generation Jeep Renegade is no exception.
If you suspect that you have an oil consumption problem in your Jeep, it’s best to check it out regularly. You want to ensure that the oil stays at its required level every time you pull out the dipstick. The engine could be burning excessive oil or it could be leaking through the vehicle’s piston rings.
It’s advisable to check your oil every one thousand miles. To confirm whether the problem is severe, you can head over to your dealer and have them start an oil consumption test. You’ll be required to top up the oil to its maximum, drive for a couple of miles while keeping a record of the oil consumed. The amount of oil that you’ll add every time the level drops represents the amount consumed, let’s say, per a thousand miles.
4. Front CV Shafts
The front CV shafts transmit power from the engine to the wheels with minimum internal play and friction. They allow the car to be driven smoothly as the wheels turn right or left. All CV shafts come filled with grease to lubricate the joints. With time, the boot that is supposed to protect the grease begins to wear due to constant turning and bumping.
A worn boot will allow the grease to leave and moisture and dirt to enter. Contaminants and corrosion cause accelerated wear and friction which then leads to excessive play within the CV shafts. The most common symptom of this problem is hearing a clunking noise every time you accelerate or decelerate.
To fix the problem, you’ll need to replace the front CV shafts altogether. It’s advisable to first find out which side is making noise. You can go further and replace both CV shafts just to stay on the safe side.
5. Radio Issues
A final Jeep Renegade problem is electrical issues. You may find that when it comes to the radio specifically, you may not be able to connect to its Bluetooth. The display also tends to go blank and may portray inaccurate information from time to time.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need a new radio system. There’s a Uconnect Software Update that needs to be installed. You can start by checking the radio’s settings to see what version of the software you’re currently running on.
If you don’t have the latest version, you’ll need to go to your dealer and have them do the update for you. This should help solve all the problems and inconsistencies you experience with your radio.
Shop Parts at 1A Auto to Fix Jeep Renegade Problems
- 2015 Jeep Renegade
- 2016 Jeep Renegade
- 2017 Jeep Renegade
- 2018 Jeep Renegade
- 2019 Jeep Renegade
- 2020 Jeep Renegade
- 2021 Jeep Renegade
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