Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

New Jeeper - 2005 TJ Issues

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Travo03

New Member
Original poster
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Nov 17, 2024
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New Jersey
Hello all!

I just purchased my first Jeep - a 130k automatic 2dr 05 wrangler rubicon. I’m super excited to fix her up and make her a project car where I can learn the ropes. I don’t have any experience as a mechanic but can’t wait to learn!

She has a few issues I want to get started with.
-o2 sensor check engine light issue.
Previous owner said that he took to shop, they would replace o2s, reset pcm, and it would run for a little without check engine light but then come back on. Initially only two of the o2 sensors codes were reading but now all four.

I’m really not sure what brand of sensors they replaced with so this was my action plan. Replace all 4 o2 sensors with NTK oxygen sensors. If that doesn’t work, buy a used PCM. If that doesn’t work, replace the pre-catalytic converter.

-Squealing noise when I first push gas
Is this a timing belt? Was looking at extreme terrain and found a kit for $130. While I’m in there I heard it’s best to just replace water pump. Considering I’m a first time mechanic/23yo with no experience with cars. Would it be best for me to ask a friend/mechanic to help as I heard this was a pretty labor intensive job? Or will I be able to complete with proper video/jeep

-AC doesn’t work
Not a problem for right now but noting. Should I replace air compressor only or would it be smart to rebuild?

I don’t have too many details on the history of Jeep as previous owner only owned for a short while and wanted to sell because they didn’t want to deal with o2 issue. Please comment other repairs/maintenance items I should complete and any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Please excuse my toolbag picture as that was a candid and only pic I had lol.

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  1. More experienced folks may chime in on the this one but If you find that you are thinking it’s a PCM issue after the O2 sensors look into wranglerfix, forum member, that will test that PCM for you and has the best program for replacement/ upgrade tune now.
  2. Serpetine belt is likely squealing and/or the idler pulley bearing is going out. Each accessories driven by the belt has a bearing. I had an alternator that squealed bad. Check for cracks see if the belt is looking aged, if it is just plan on the new belt and idler pulley.
  3. Ac could be low on Freon, maybe the clutch is not engaging. Could be related to the squeal…probably going to need a little more detail on what exactly is not working.
 
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To add to JustDandee's comment about the A/C, it's entirely possible that it's low on refrigerant because the system has sprung a leak somewhere. I'd probably hunt down that squeal (which is probably the serpentine belt; I'd swap that first, and if it still squeaks, start investigating idler pulleys and drive pulleys) and then test the A/C system for leaks.
 
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Duck Doctor said:
Are you sure that rig is actually a Rubicon? No factory rocker guards indicates you bought a TJ that only has a Rubicon sticker.
Click to expand...

Good catch, OP was this sold to you as a Rubicon because it definitely doesn't look like one. Hopefully you didn't get to pay the Rubicon premium for a non Rubicon Jeep?
 
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Nice TJ and welcome to the forum. I hate to break it to you, but your TJ doesn’t appear to be a Rubicon. It has been upbadged. Still a good looking TJ though. You can find the original build sheet for your Jeep here:
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/where-can-i-find-my-factory-tj-build-sheet.74944/

On a positive note, you’ll be relieved to know that the engine, if it is the 4.0L 6 cylinder, does not have a timing belt, it has a timing chain (no concern for wear until you get to really high mileage). If your engine is the alternative 2.4L 4 cylinder, it does have a timing belt and your Jeep is definitely not a Rubicon, as Rubicons were only built with the 4.0L. Regardless, the squeal is likely from the accessory drive belt that operates things like the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, AC compressor, etc. off of the engine’s rotation. You’ll have to narrow down which pulley is the culprit or if it’s the belt itself. Timing belts don’t squeal because they have teeth that engage gears rather than a smooth surface that relies on friction like the accessory belt.

O2 sensors should be NTK brand. There’s a thread in the resource section of the forum that covers O2 sensors in depth:
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/the-official-jeep-wrangler-tj-oxygen-o2-sensor-thread.4068/

Again, you’ll have to give more detail than “AC doesn’t work”. Does the blower not blow? Does it blow, just not cold? Does it blow, but only in the defrost vents?
 
Teutonic Fury said:
It would have Moab wheels and the wider black fender extensions also, correct?
Click to expand...

The telltale signs are the absence of Rubicon rocker panel guards, as well as no mounting holes left behind to tell us they were removed, as well as the narrower flares and small flare extension pieces that do not belong on Rubicons. Another sign is the Ravine wheels, which are not enough evidence on their own as wheels are easily and commonly swapped, but with the rest of the items above, is the nail in the coffin.
 
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I think Dylan is most likely correct. The ac sprung a leak and the compressir won't engage because of low pressure.

Fixing the O2 sensors issue is easier and cheaper than if there is an ac leak in the evaporator. Since there are two issues at one time, I could see why the vehicle was up for sale.

I sure hope not, but getting the ac system checked by a pro would tell you a lot.
 
Wow, thank you all for the comments. I’ll take a look at the belt. I replaced the sensors and that didn’t do the trick. Just got off the phone with Mark from wranglerfix and ordered a PCM. Fingers crossed!

Got some new tires! Going to be repainting the fenders and replacing front bumper next. No worries about the rubicon status as I got a good deal!

image.jpg


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Travo03 said:
Wow, thank you all for the comments. I’ll take a look at the belt. I replaced the sensors and that didn’t do the trick. Just got off the phone with Mark from wranglerfix and ordered a PCM. Fingers crossed!

Got some new tires! Going to be repainting the fenders and replacing front bumper next. No worries about the rubicon status as I got a good deal!

View attachment 573730

View attachment 573731
Click to expand...

You might want to just replace the fenders instead of repainting. It'll look a lot better and easier to do. They're fairly inexpensive.
 
Travo03 said:
Hey Nitro, only reason I was thinking of painting was because I wanted to do the door handles, mirrors, and rear bumper at some point as well. Do you know which paint matches the best to factory color?

Based on your comment, I may order these.
https://www.extremeterrain.com/rugged-ridge-6-piece-kit-tj-55254918k6.html
https://www.extremeterrain.com/crown-automotive-license-plate-bracket-9706-tj.html
Click to expand...

You can get that one, or one from Amazon like this one with all 6 pieces:
Omix-Ada | 11603.11 | Fender Flare Kit, 6 Piece, Factory Style | OE Reference: 55254918K6 | Fits 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013REXPW?tag=wranglerorg-20
They're other brands available too, and you can get them in different widths to suit your preference. If you have 31" or bigger tires, imo, the wider ones look better.
I'm not sure about paint color and brand. Others can chime in.
 
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Travo03 said:
Hey Nitro, only reason I was thinking of painting was because I wanted to do the door handles, mirrors, and rear bumper at some point as well. Do you know which paint matches the best to factory color?

Based on your comment, I may order these.
https://www.extremeterrain.com/rugged-ridge-6-piece-kit-tj-55254918k6.html
https://www.extremeterrain.com/crown-automotive-license-plate-bracket-9706-tj.html
Click to expand...

Door handles are also inexpensive and easy to do and again, imo, it'll look better than painting. Look for them on Amazon. Lots of them there.
 
On the dash light. I’ve heard of two other fixes to check. One guy’s gas tank hose was cracked where it went into the tank. JB weld fixed it. One guy fixed his accidently by removing battery cables. When he reattached them, it was off.
 
Travo03 said:
Hello all!
I’m really not sure what brand of sensors they replaced with so this was my action plan. Replace all 4 o2 sensors with NTK oxygen sensors. If that doesn’t work, buy a used PCM. If that doesn’t work, replace the pre-catalytic converter.
Click to expand...

Depending on which O2 codes you're getting, it could be that the sensors are working and telling you there's something wrong with the exhaust readings.

If you're on a budget, that bumper could be straightened.
Also, it's common to cut it shorter making it look more like a stubby/crawler bumper.
 

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