2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit
Recently, our Jeep has been doing some odd notifications on the dash. A couple of weeks ago, the left rear turn signal being out displayed on the dash but later it seemed to work OK. This occurred a few times over the past couple of weeks. About a week ago the engine light started to blink but later that stopped blinking and just was on steady. However, that reoccurred a couple of times this past week and the Jeep seemed to be a bit shaky after starting it up but after a short drive that seemed to stop, and this engine light was just on. However, I had the oil changed a couple of days and ago and both of these items seemed to get worse as the turn signal is out and the blinking engine light has come on during travel for a while and then stops to just steady but when it is blinking the Jeep is a bit shaky.
Let me add that we are nearing 270K miles on this Jeep. The mechanic that I spoke with told me that one of the cylinders may be bad and there is a leak in one of the oil pans? I did not know that there was an upper and lower pan to go along with the issue of 3 plugs up and 3 lower which makes any repair for this very expensive.
So I am not sure if the cost is worth this based on the mileage, but we are trying to decide based on getting a new car note against just getting the Jeep repaired. I have been watching your YouTube videos for a few years and love how passionate you are on your craft so I would love to get your thoughts on our dilemma.
About a week ago the engine light started to blink but later that stopped blinking and just was on steady.
A flashing CEL means you shouldn't drive the car. A solid CEL means something's wrong and you need to have it looked at.. When you're going back and forth between the two you should default to the flashing CEL warning. That year model Cherokee had numerous problems: https://www.carcomplaints.com/Jeep/Grand_Cherokee/2012/
So I am not sure if the cost is worth this based on the mileage, but we are trying to decide based on getting a new car note against just getting the Jeep repaired.
I would NOT sink any money into a 12 year old Jeep with 270K miles on it, especially if you can afford to purchase a newer, more reliable vehicle. It's very likely that Jeep is about to turn into an endless money pit.
Strong work getting to 270k. My wife has a 2013 GC at 180 and is hoping to get just to 200
Without having all the details, it’s hard to give a final answer. Assuming it has the 5.7 hemi it will always have some value, but I agree with @hixter that anything you spend now could be throwing good money after bad. Unless you’re ready to do your own diagnosis and repair, might be time to look at a replacement.
About a week ago the engine light started to blink
so if you look in your manual, it'll probably tell you to stop driving when you see this. It's blinking at you because it's causing damage.
Run a diagnostic scan to find out what it's trying to tell you, but based on the shaking you describe, it's probably misfiring. See our FAQ for info about how to diagnose it.
Older Jeeps were really reliable especially the straight Inline 6 engines with Aisin transmissions. The newer ones fiat/Chrysler used to own them and now Stellantis owns them. It has nothing to do with Jeep. They fool people thinking Jeep is American when it is really an European car. I would sell that sucker and get a Toyota. Good luck.
Thanks for all of the feedback and we are going to have a local friend who is a mechanic give us a look and see if it can provide us with at least
another 30-50K so we can get a down payment and credit together.