Episode 947 – Police Mount Jeep!
Investigation Closed into Jeep Compass
U.S. auto safety regulators have closed an investigation into complaints that engines on some small Jeeps can shut down while being driven.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tuesday it will not seek a recall of about 229,000 Jeep Compass SUVs from the 2019 and 2020 model years.
The agency opened the probe in December of last year after getting 15 complaints that drivers had gotten dashboard messages saying their coolant temperature was too high, followed by an immediate engine shutdown.
However, an investigation found that the failure rate was low and that the SUVs can normally be restarted immediately after the engine shuts down. The agency found only one allegation of a crash and no injuries.
The agency says its investigation agreed with Jeep maker Stellantis’ conclusion that once the engine shuts down, the SUVs can be put in park and restarted with no issues.
Police pursuit ends patrol car on suspect’s Jeep!
Cobb County police said officers tried to pull over 50-year-old Robert Shirling near Sandtown Road and Hollyridge Drive in Marietta. Police said Shirling wouldn’t stop and tried to ram his Jeep into one of the patrol cars.
Troopers said the driver led officers through multiple neighborhood streets before getting on Interstate 75 southbound. Shirling then exited I-75 and hit two other cars at the intersection of Northside Drive and 17th Street before turning onto 17th Street, according to police.
Police said Shirling then turned onto Howell Mill Road and hit a third car. That is when a Cobb officer performed a PIT maneuver.
The Jeep rolled over and landed on its roof during the maneuver, while a Cobb officer’s patrol car landed on top of the Jeep. Police arrested Shirling, who had minor injuries, and booked him into the Cobb County detention center.
Newbie Nuggets with Wendy
Ladies Offroad Network Challenge Update
The Ladies Offroad Network Challenge was over in August, technically September and we just found out the results. Charlene has been swamped and I think the reveal was planned for this time of year.
For those not familiar: the LON Challenge started in March and ended in August was a series of challenges (10 to be exact) with additional scavenger hunts behind each challenge. It included learning about mapping/dropping a pin, welding (my favorite), and Everything about your vehicle, like all the wiring, lights, components; alternator, battery, bolts, etc. We learned about shopping online for parts or gadgets, and radio comms, and we even had to write a story about how we got into off-roading. There was one challenge that you had to drive your jeep and not touch a ball on a cone – for each corner – learning your spatial awareness. There was one whole challenge dedicated to treading lightly and cleaning up projects. We also had to venture on 5 different types of trips, including camping. Lots of pictures, and documenting the process were involved. It was detailed and boy did I learn a lot.
My plan in all this was to be in the top 5. I wanted to win the whole darn thing, but I would have been happy in the top 5. We had to finish by the end of August to be considered for the top 5. If you didn’t do all the challenges by Aug they could finish any of the challenges by Sept.
So I finished all 10 challenges, all the scavenger hunts, and additional Social Media posts by the end of August. Charlene announced the winners and
Drum roll…… There was a tie for first place!! 6 of us!!! So excited that many finished. There were so many who did several of the challenges, but 6 of us did it all!
I encourage all ladies to check out #ladiesoffroadnetwork and sign up for next year’s Challenge. Who knows what you can accomplish? You might just surprise yourself.
Fabrication Freezy, with Larry, JeepingMo
Year-end wheeling checkup
As we get ready to wrap up the year, there are always many items that we need to address on our rig from a year of Wheeling.
Even if you just drive it as your daily, or beat on it on the trail there is maintenance that needs to be done.
Now depending on how many miles you have on your rig there are some maintenance items you definitely need to address, to ensure your rig recovers from a Good year of wheeling. There are some checks and servicing you need to do.
Now Nobody wants to get underneath their jeep in the winter months if you live in an area that has a lot of snow.
But, You should always get under your rig and check for those loose bolts and bent or broken mounts, or those joints and bushings that need looked at or serviced.
Now when did you look at your ball joints last? Probably one of the more abused parts of your rig, and least checked.
Here are some items that we typically go over and some of them are going to be based on mileage.
I have a 2018 JL with 130,000 miles.
The easy one to start with is fluids.
Diff fluids are always a biggie, especially if you have done some water crossings.
If you have a manual definitely changing that fluid is on the list, check your owner’s manual for your lube type.
Depending on mileage, you might need to get an auto transmission or radiator service.
That is recommended at 60k miles
And if you’re around 100k the list gets bigger, normally you do all the services again and others like.
- Inspect and replace the PCV valve
- Check the drive belts and replace them
Now most of these items you can do yourself.
I just had my Jeep serviced, it was leaking on the back of the engine, the VVT solenoid was leaking.
I was going to change plugs since i was over 100k.
But I still have a warranty, and had the plugs changed while it was taken apart. As part of that service, my PCV valve was bad and was replaced.
And if you haven’t taken off the serpentine belt of a JL JT, that’s fun.
Now if you haven’t been under your rig in a while, get under there and see how much fun you have had, you might have had more fun than you thought.
Must-Have Stuff for your Jeep!
AI Hand Warmers Rechargeable 2 Pack, 15Hrs Lasting Electric Pocket Hand Warmer, Quick Recharge 2 in 1 USB Hot Handwarmers Reusable Portable Heater, Hunting Camping Gear, for Men $24.99