Rough/poor idle/driving?

BEETLEPUNK21

MEMBER
2008 JEEP WRANGLER
3.8L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
248,000 MILES

Hey guys,

I have a friend who needs work on this Jeep and I said I would help. I pulled the codes and attached them in the photos. It runs and idles rough and doesn’t have any power. When pressing on the accelerator, even pressing it all the way to the floor, the RPM’s won’t go over 2,000. When driving, there is absolutely no acceleration, power or quick throttle response.
I did notice the spark plugs probably need replaced. Just curious what you think the issue is and where I should start?
Thank you very much for your help. You guys are amazing!

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Friday, April 10th, 2026 AT 12:00 PM

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
55,383 POSTS

Thank you! and thanks for the detailed question, so I would start with a compression test because it looks like the timing chain has jumped time. The compression test with tell us what is going on. Also, at idle can you hear the engine making a slight rattle noise this would be a clue as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOxIm1F8AW0

Please go over this guide and get back to us. Also, if you can shoot a quick video of the engine cranking over I can tell if it sounds okay are not, you can upload it in your response. Ken

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Saturday, April 11th, 2026 AT 8:13 AM