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Dealer says this normal...

2K views 17 replies 13 participants last post by  info4tim 
#1 ·
I am interested in a 2003 Jeep for my son who is about to turn 16. I located one, but it's not near me so I asked the dealer to provide a video. On the video, when about to shift or shifting, the check engine gone light comes on briefly. The dealer says that's normal, but I have no frame of reference. I was hoping one of you could comment either way. The video is located here: https://youtu.be/OPdvcszD_OE?t=169
 
#8 ·
You folks are great. Thank you for your confirmation that it's normal - looked like a check engine light to untrained eye. My son espouses to be a hobby mechanic and loves the idea of working and modding his own vehicle. He keeps threatening to 'fix' dad's truck. I have not found a more enthusiastic group that just love thier jeeps, so I am certain he is up for the challenge.
 
#9 ·
I would have no qualms at all about buying another TJ as long as it wasn't a rust bucket. My 2002 TJ with 4.0L and 5 speed was just about the most reliable vehicle that I've ever owned, barring the zippers on the soft top.

I put about 100k miles on it and didn't have any mechanical failures at all except wearing out the control arm bushings at around 90k miles. Even the factory battery lasted about 6 years, in spite of the fact that it baked every day in the Phoenix heat.
 
#11 ·
I think a TJ is a great vehicle to learn repair and maintenance on. Everything is accessible and information on how to do anything and everything is easy to find. The important part is actually wanting to learn and do the work. It is very easy to get in over your head, especially if your priorities favor customization and modifications over reliability and functionality.
 
#12 ·
I bought an "older" TJ 7 months ago. An 03 Rubicon with 121,000 miles. I wasn't much of a mechanic before buying it but with the help of this forum and other online resources I have done a lot of updating and fixing things on my own. If your son has the desire and interest to work on it and is half way intelligent I'm sure it will be a good vehicle for him. It may be a little older but its reliable and super easy to work on.
 
#18 ·
Absolutely. However, teenagers n young adults in 2000 era and earlier wranglers are not a good mix. Hi center of gravity, and short wheelbase limitations must be observed esp on wet/snowy roads, n they generally don't know/think about this until its too late. Mechanically, they are truly a dream to work/learn on. Many concepts can be brought forward to other vehicles. A real confidence builder!
 
#16 ·
Routine maintenance and "normal" repairs are incredibly easy. As long as it's not windy out (!), you can open the hood all the way back to the windshield. Everything is easy to access under the hood. Soon as we got this one, as with every used vehicle I get.. changed ALL fluids and filters, hoses, belt.. very simple vehicle.
 
#17 ·
I'd have to agree a TJ is a good vehicle to learn basic mechanics on, as would most vehicles in that age range. I learned on modern VWs and you can hardly do anything without removing significant parts or dropping the whole engine. A simple alternator change could be an all day job.
 
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