6 Common Problems With Jeep Wrangler Diesel Engine

Just like any other Diesel powered car, the Diesel-powered Jeep wrangler is nothing new. Also, similar to any other diesel engine, Jeep Wrangler diesel engines have problems too.

Before the 3.0L EcoDiesel, two major issues with the Wrangler engine were poor fuel economy and a lack of power. Later, despite EcoDiesel’s fuel economy and power efficiency, we heard complaints about EcoDiesel, including the Oil Cooler Issue, Turbo Lag, Oil Contamination, Cooler being Prone to Crake, and more.

Don’t panic; these issues are not difficult to handle; we will describe in detail the potential solutions for you to try. Keep reading to find out more.

What are the most common problems with the Jeep Wrangler’s diesel engine?

Diesel engines are a big thing. It develops a variety of problems over the course of its life. Some problems are more serious than others. 

In addition to the problems mentioned earlier, there can be other problems as well, but for now, we are only concerned about them.

  • Oil Cooler Issue
  • Turbo Lag
  • Oil Contamination
  • Cooler Prone to Crake
  • Exhaust Leak
  • Ecodiesel Is Big and Expensive

6 Common problem with jeep wrangler diesel engine 

Fortunately, there are solutions to fix the problem. You will have two benefits, knowing about the potential threat that you could face and learning a fixing strategy that you can follow.

1. Oil Cooler Issue

As the name suggests, an oil cooler cools the oil so the oil temperature does not exceed the recommended limit. More oil temperatures contaminate the oil and reduce its ability to lubricate. 

More specifically, an oil temperature of more than 20% means the cooler has failed or is not working properly.

The oil cooler of the Jeep Wrangler with 3.0 EcoDiesel may fail, especially when the wrangler tow. Oil and coolant mix together, which results in the wear of an internal component of the wrangler. 

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of oil cooler failure include but are not limited to 

  • Engine overheating
  • Black smoke
  • Poor performance

Fixing Strategy

When it comes to fixing the issue, in any case, you might have to replace the cooler, or sometimes replacing oil might fix the issue.

The cost of replacing the oil cooler is somewhere between $300 to $350, including labor costs and parts. Cost changes depending on other things like tax, fees, or location.

2. Turbo Lag

This is yet another issue that might occur with the Jeep Wrangler Eco diesel. Turbo lag refers to the time to create exhaust pressure and the compression of intake air into the engine. 

The turbocharger pressurizes the air before it enters the engine, creating more power. Suppose there is a leg; enough power will not be created when necessary. 

Symptoms

The common way to understand that you have turbocharger issue is that when the accelerator pedal is pressed, you will feel a significant pause before the car accelerate swiftly

Fixing Strategy

There are a few ways to fix this issue. In any case, you can upgrade it and fix the issue. On the other hand, since spool-up time increases, you can try after-market exhaust, reducing the spool-up time.

Jeep wrangler eco diesel has a very efficient turbocharger and tackles off-road and daily driving without reducing the fuel economy; still, you might face a lag turbo. 

Unfortunately, if you have to replace the turbo, which is rare, you will have to pay up to $1200, including $400 for the labor.

3. Oil Contamination

Just like any other diesel engine, the jeep wrangler Ecodiesel’s oil might get contaminated. Here, contamination does not mean outside dirt and debris getting into the fuel tank; it is rather water that might get into the oil tank.

There are several ways it could happen, but the most likely is water condensation, when the oil tank is not full, allowing water to condense in the empty space in the fuel tank. 

Symptoms

When the oil gets dirty, you may find one of the following symptoms

  • Oil change light 
  • Knocking sound from the engine
  • Dirty oil cooler 
  • Bad oil smell
  • Smoke

Fixing Strategy

So make sure the tank is not empty. Also, buy oil from renowned dealers since a bad oil refinery allows water to get into the oil.

If the water has already mixed with the oil, replace the old oil with the new one. Oil is like blood for the engine. The internal component will remain lubricated and function well as long as it remains clean.

4. EcoDiesel EGR Cooler Prone to Crake

The sole purpose of the EGR cooler is to reduce the air temperature before it recirculates back to the chamber. If the cooler fails to work properly, exhaust gas temperature will increase, producing more NOx.

Jeep Wrangler 3.0 EcoDiesel, crack EGR cooler is a less likely event, but it can happen. 

In 2019, FCA claimed and recalled more than 100000 eco diesel that cracks in the cooler may cause the coolant leak. So make sure that the EGR cooler is working fine.

Symptoms

The symptoms include leaks in the cooler, overheating of the engine, and very rarely an illuminated check engine light. 

Fixing strategy

The probable solution is to replace the EGR cooler. We all know that diesel engines are known for releasing more NOx into the atmosphere; EGR Cooler plays a big role in this case.

5. Exhaust Leak

Unlike the jeep wrangler Ecodiesel, the Ecodiesel of RAM has more of this leaking exhaust couplers issue. 

Symptoms

Wrangler eco diesel owners should be careful about bed smell due to exhaust couplers leak. 

  • Engine Noise
  • Loss of Acceleration and Power
  • Reduced Fuel Economy
  • Gas Smell

Couplers are connectors. It connects the exhaust pipe to the manifold. Many jeeps have successfully redesigned the coupler and successfully avoided the issue. 

Fixing Strategy

Any exhaust leaks should be fixed before it harms other components.

Exhaust leak is responsible for overheating and further damage to the engine, such as turbocharger failure. Carbon deposits may play a big role in the issue. 

There you might have to remove them. For the best result, the coupler might have to be replaced.

6. Ecodiesel Is Big and Expensive

The Jeep Wrangler Ecodiesel is big and quite expensive. Maintaining it regularly increases its lifespan while saving money that would otherwise go into the mechanic’s pocket. Also, the cost of replacement parts is huge.

Therefore, replacing the oil and filter regularly is a good idea. When you drive, drive slowly. 

Tips to Avoid Common problem with jeep wrangler diesel engine

As we have stated, the Jeep Wrangler Diesel engine is expensive. If one or more parts are damaged, you must bear two expenses. Cost of labor and the replacement parts. 

Therefore you can avoid losing a significant amount if you take good care of it. Here are some tips and tricks that you can follow.

Cleaning the engine at a regular time interval

When you drive for longer periods, dirt and dust accumulate, resulting in decreased fuel economy, shorter engine life, and other issues. Therefore you have to clean the engine after a long drive or at least a week.

Check your Fuel Filter and Air filter 

Fuel economy is an important consideration for any engine, especially a diesel engine. 

To reduce fuel economy and increase engine power, make sure to replace the air filter every 10,000 miles and check the filter after every 5000 miles. 

Just like a fuel filter, you should check the air filter at a  specific time interval.

Coolant and Regulator Maintenance

Unlike gas engines, diesel engines tend to overheat. Therefore, maintaining the Wrangler cooling system, like coolant and regulator exchange, is very important.

FAQs

Hopefully, by now, we were able to mention the most common problems with the Jeep Wrangler Ecodiesel that you could face. Here are some frequently asked questions that you might want to know.

What diesel engine does the Jeep Wrangler have?

Jeep Wrangler uses a 3rd generation 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6 turbocharged Diesel engine. It is great. Compared to the earlier model, it is fuel efficient and more powerful. This version of Ecodiesel produces less noise, vibration, and harshness.

Is the jeep wrangler diesel engine a good engine?

The jeep wrangler diesel engine is the most reliable ever. It is better than other engines, such as 3.6-liter V6 gas engines. It is the best engine, with 260 horsepower and a fantastic 442 lb-ft of torque.

How many miles will a jeep wrangler diesel engine last?

You can expect EcoDiesel to last at least 15 years without internal failure with proper maintenance and care. It can last even more than 20 years. On average, well-maintained eco diesel exceeds more than 350000 miles.

Can you delete a Jeep Wrangler diesel engine?

Here deleting the diesel engine means taking out the DEF or DPF or replacing the catalytic converter. In simple language, you are removing (deleting ) engine features that are not needed for engine functionality. In the same way, in Jeep wrangler, you can delete but check the law whether it is permitted.

Conclusion

The Jeep Wrangler eco diesel is one of the best diesel engines ever. Unlike RAM eco diesel, which has more complaints, Jeep Wrangler Ecodiesel is more efficient and has fewer complaints.

Common problems we have mentioned earlier are all to make you conscious that these problems are all potential threats to the owner of the Wrangler, and they should be aware of them.

Finally, at some point, a diesel engine will run into issues, you should be serious about it, and by taking care of it regularly, the engine’s lifespan will increase while saving money that will otherwise go into the mechanic’s pocket.

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