Navigating the world of OBD2 scanners can be complex, especially when it comes to specific vehicle models like the Jeep Patriot. For Jeep Patriot owners looking to utilize OBD2 scanners for modifications and diagnostics, it’s crucial to understand the potential compatibility and limitations of different tools. This article delves into a user’s experience with the Jscan app on a Jeep Patriot, highlighting some challenges encountered when attempting to make changes to tire size and DRL (Daytime Running Lights) settings.
One Jeep Patriot owner shared their experience using the Jscan app to adjust settings for tire size and DRLs. Initially, the user aimed to change the DRL setting from high beams to low beams and sidelights, alongside adjustments for tire size. However, the day after making these modifications using the Jscan app, the vehicle exhibited concerning symptoms. An engine light illuminated, and the Jeep Patriot entered limp mode, significantly restricting performance.
Alt text: The OBD2 port location in a Jeep Patriot, typically found under the dashboard on the driver’s side.
Troubleshooting the issue proved to be a multi-day endeavor. The error code associated with the limp mode was identified as P0610 TRANS CONTROL, pointing towards a transmission control system malfunction. To rectify this, the user undertook a series of steps aimed at resetting the vehicle’s electronic control units. This involved disconnecting the battery and, crucially, draining the electrical circuit by connecting the disconnected battery cables together to discharge any residual energy. After approximately half an hour, the battery was reconnected. Further steps included cycling the ignition switch several times without starting the engine, followed by starting the engine and allowing it to idle until the engine speed stabilized.
Alt text: The Jscan app interface displayed on a smartphone, showing various diagnostic and customization options for Jeep vehicles.
Following these reset procedures, the user re-engaged with the Jscan app to investigate and reverse the changes made to tire size and DRL settings. By navigating through the Jscan settings menu, they restored the parameters to their original configurations. Subsequently, an advanced scan was performed using Jscan, and all detected error codes were cleared. While the P0610 code disappeared, indicating successful resolution of the limp mode issue, new codes emerged: B1634, B1630, and B1638, all related to HIGH BEAM CONTROL CIRCUIT FRONT CONTROL.
Despite these remaining codes, after driving the vehicle, the engine light extinguished, and the Jeep Patriot returned to normal operation, exiting limp mode. Importantly, the user contacted the Jscan manufacturer regarding these issues. The manufacturer reportedly confirmed that the Jscan app is not optimally suited for tire size adjustments on the Jeep Patriot, suggesting a potential limitation of the software for this specific vehicle and modification type.
Currently, the Jeep Patriot in question continues to display the B1633, B1634, and B1638 codes, all pertaining to high and low beam headlight circuits. However, as long as modifications to DRLs or tire size via Jscan are avoided, the vehicle operates without significant issues, aside from minor speedometer inaccuracies due to the tire size difference and an anomaly with the high beams activating when low beams are selected. Further experimentation with Jscan, such as activating HIDs and other settings, also resulted in the reappearance of the engine light and limp mode, reinforcing the instability experienced with certain modifications using this app on the Jeep Patriot.
Alt text: The Appcar DiagFCA software interface displayed on a laptop, a potential alternative diagnostic tool for Jeep vehicles.
It is worth noting that the user’s Jeep Patriot is equipped with aftermarket HID projector headlights, wired through relays. This setup means the headlight wires trigger relays to power the HID circuit. The user speculates that the vehicle’s computer system may be detecting these electrical changes introduced by the HID setup, potentially contributing to the error codes and issues experienced when using Jscan to alter related settings. Considering alternative OBD2 tools, the user is contemplating trying the Appcar Diagfca diagnostic tool. However, the question remains whether similar problems might arise with Appcar Diagfca when attempting tire size or DRL modifications on the Jeep Patriot, highlighting the need for careful consideration and research before making such changes with any OBD2 scanner.
