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Instrument cluster warning lights going haywire?

Tiny
HGWK
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 JEEP COMPASS
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 91,000 MILES
The vehicle won't go past 35 to 40 MPH, I'm guessing it triggers the limp mode. The warning lights intermittently keep flashing off and on in particular 4wd. Oil pressure, check engine and battery/power light (lightning bolt icon) also the tachometer keeps fluctuating along with coolant temperature gauge once it reaches half mark. Engine oil level is at normal level. The vehicle is surging when you drive it as the RPMs keep going up and down. Backup lights won't come on either. I've installed a new battery, checked and cleaned all the ground points in the engine compartment and checked all the fuses and fuse box connectors along with PCM connectors and the ground wire in the engine compartment. When I tried to hook up the scanner and look for codes, it only gives me option for the engine control module and it says no other modules present, the engine module comes back clear without codes. When trying to run the alternator test for the same scanner it won't let me perform it as the RPMs keep cutting out to "0" losing connection I'm guessing. Please let me know what you think. Thank you
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Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023 AT 2:13 PM

17 Replies

Tiny
HGWK
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
Here's a video of the cluster as well.
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Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 AT 6:53 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,536 POSTS
Yep, I have seen the TIPM go out and cause this problem, which is common. It is easy to replace because it-self learns, here are the instructions on how to fix the problem, thanks for the video. Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes.
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Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 AT 8:12 AM
Tiny
HGWK
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
I will go ahead and replace it ASAP. I will keep updating. Thanks a bunch.
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Wednesday, October 4th, 2023 AT 12:15 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,536 POSTS
That should fix it.
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Thursday, October 5th, 2023 AT 8:14 AM
Tiny
HGWK
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
So, I just replaced the TIPM with the one that has the same part number and the problem still persists. It did not make any changes still behaves the same.
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Thursday, October 5th, 2023 AT 1:15 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,536 POSTS
Sorry about that, the only thing left is the cluster itself. Let's run a CAN scan to see if any codes are stored. You can get a CAN scanner (Controller Area Network) which will work on most cars from Amazon.

Here is a video to show you how:

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

Here is how to replace the cluster in case a code comes up for it, you can get a preprogrammed unit by searching Google or Ebay. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Friday, October 6th, 2023 AT 9:39 AM
Tiny
HGWK
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
Thank you for the response, however as I already mentioned I have tried scanning all modules, but it only lets me scan the PCM at least according to the scanner and it says no codes currently present for that module, however at this time I cannot trust it as it is not properly functioning. When I try to run complete diagnostic, it only detects PCM module, and it says no other modules are present. I think it's because the power is cutting in and out intermittently, so the scanner is not able to operate properly. I will try changing the speedometer as soon as I'm able to obtain one. I will keep updating on my progress. Thanks
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Monday, October 9th, 2023 AT 10:29 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,536 POSTS
You are welcome please let us know what happens.
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Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 AT 8:43 AM
Tiny
HGWK
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
So, I finally got the new speedometer that matches the part number and everything. I installed it and it's still doing exactly the same thing. After several attempts to retrieve the codes from all the modules with my OBD2 scanner I was able to retrieve some codes. I have scanned the modules and erased the codes and rescanned again and those are the ones that I'm posting here. When scanning the modules, it will not detect all the modules. Every time I scan it fails intermittently. It will say N/A no module detected and on the next scan it will detect it. Below are the codes I am ending up with after erasing and rescanning codes.
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Thursday, October 19th, 2023 AT 10:57 AM
Tiny
HGWK
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
These are the codes. I checked the connector to the ABS module as it's saying there is no communication, and everything looks fine. I've also found a GPS device that was spliced into the connector that goes to the climate controls which I removed prior to scanning the vehicle. Picture included.
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Thursday, October 19th, 2023 AT 11:03 AM
Tiny
HGWK
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
Also worth mentioning is that wiring all seems fine and there is no damage. Also, no evidence of mice being anywhere in the vehicle either. Should I try replacing the TCM and if so, does it need to be programmed to the vehicle? Thanks
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Thursday, October 19th, 2023 AT 11:29 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,740 POSTS
Hi,

As far as the TCM, it would need to be programmed. I did take notice that this code (P161B) is related to the TCM. It can be caused by a power supply or ground issue. However, when I go to the verified fixes for it, the only thing indicated is replacing the TCM. See pic below. My biggest concern is all the different things listed in the codes. I see a lot of communication codes (loss of communication). We could have a fault in the can-bus. Do me a favor. Take a look at the diagnostics below and let me know if that is something you are comfortable performing.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2023 AT 8:41 PM
Tiny
HGWK
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
Okay, I just tested both and both have continuity with no resistance.
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Monday, October 23rd, 2023 AT 10:16 AM
Tiny
HGWK
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
Any ideas what I can try next?
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Friday, October 27th, 2023 AT 4:22 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,740 POSTS
Hi,

By chance, was the battery disconnected with the key in the on position? If so, see pic 1 below.

If that isn't the case, I attached the diagnostics below specific to the code. If you are getting power to the TCM and ground, the TCM is the likely cause. However, since a different one does the same thing, it is likely a wiring issue.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
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Friday, October 27th, 2023 AT 9:00 PM
Tiny
HGWK
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
So, at the end it turns out it was two wires that were damaged, one was open and one was damaged the CAN - and + that went into the ABS module. I've included a picture of the diagnosis and repair. Thanks for everything!
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Saturday, December 9th, 2023 AT 9:08 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,536 POSTS
Yep, wiring issues can cause hard problems to find. Thanks for letting us know, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.
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Saturday, December 9th, 2023 AT 10:50 AM

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