Fan causing car to vibrate

Tiny
YANGMM
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 11,000 MILES
Recently, my malfunction indicator light came on. Two days later, my car started to vibrate every time my engine fan would turn on, even when the AC/heater is off.
Saturday, February 5th, 2011 AT 8:57 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,863 POSTS
Most likely the two symptoms aren't related. Any time the light turns on there will be at least one diagnostic fault code stored in the Engine Computer. Most auto parts stores will read them for you for free. They will lead us to the circuit or system with the problem, not necessarily the defective part. That would be the place to start.

You might also be able to read the code(s) yourself. Chrysler makes that very easy for us. Cycle the ignition switch from "off" to "run" three times within five seconds without ever cranking the engine, then watch for the code numbers to flash in the odometer readout. Holler back with those numbers.

Caradiodoc
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Saturday, February 5th, 2011 AT 9:46 PM
Tiny
YANGMM
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Its p-0455.
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Monday, February 7th, 2011 AT 8:19 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
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That means a large leak was detected in the evaporative emissions system. Be sure the gas cap is tight.

Caradiodoc
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Monday, February 7th, 2011 AT 8:37 PM
Tiny
YANGMM
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Gas cap is tight.
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Monday, February 7th, 2011 AT 9:16 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,863 POSTS
The leak detection pump puts two pounds of pressure on the fuel tank and supply system, then a sensor watches how long it takes for that pressure to bleed down. The hoses for the leak detection system cause more problems than the fuel supply system itself.

A slow leak would be caused by something like a loose hose clamp or a pinhole leak in a hose. That will set a different fault code for a "small leak". A smoke machine is useful for finding those. It injects white smoke into the system at about two pounds of pressure, then you watch for where the smoke comes out.

A large leak, other than the gas cap, usually involves a broken plastic pipe on the pump or a disconnected hose. Once you find the cause, it will usually be pretty obvious. I'm not sure where that pump is on your vehicle but it's generally underneath close to the gas tank. Start by looking for anything that may have been hit by road debris, and rusted or missing hose clamps.

Caradiodoc
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Monday, February 7th, 2011 AT 10:05 PM

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