2012 GC 3L CRD Wireless Ignition Module

[Adrian2012]

Hi Jeepsters,
I am suspecting my WIN module to be the cause of my no start issue. It appears to be in immobilisation mode. Looking back over my service history I had starting issues within the first few months since new and the dealership blamed the fob and replaced and reprogrammed them. Forward a few years and I had an intermittent start then stop within seconds condition which was reported to Jeep service but didn't happen during dealership inspection and left no DTC trace. This went on for ages and would repeat the start/stop several times in a row and had to be cycled fully off and try again, then suddenly not happen again for weeks or more. I see from earlier threads that this has happened to others. Then one day it did happen for the Jeep serviceman. They replaced the batteries in the fob's and flashed the module. Didn't happen again for years then the door locks using the remote didn't work although the unlock would. The door button still worked so we used that to lock the car. Lock/unlock works fine from within the car using the armrest buttons. Then one day the doors locked with the fob still inside and the door was pried enough to get a wire in and pull the door handle. Then 6 months later the alternator fries. Replaced alternator but U0100 lost communication with PCM/ECU A. That fault code could be anything, plus I have what is probably a CAN BUS shorted together issue as there is 60 ohms OK but no separate hi/lo voltage reading. Replaced PCM and TIPM too but no change.
Long winded history, however my question is can the WINM be replaced by a second hand one and does it need the matching fob keys? Does it have to be reprogrammed to match my VIN and is this a dealership only possibility? What level of diagnostic scanner is needed to do this? New ones are out of stock and at least 8 weeks unless you get a Chinese one off Ebay and can a new WINM be pre-programmed by Jeep to match my VIN and I install it [I have already had it out and back in]? I am trying to DIY and not tow my car to sit at Jeep and pay their workshop rates for something I can do myself at home.
Any other solutions suggested?
Thanks and have a great Christmas everybody.

[JnK]

Hi Adrian
We experienced the intermittent start/shutdown on our 2012 CRD while still under warranty. I posted about it on here way back when.
The vehicle would start, then immediately shut down, with the red oil light illuminated. Push button cycle through and it always restarted with no issue. No codes ever and would never reproduce on command. Completely random, and sometimes go weeks between.
After many months of this, I eventually got the service manager involved and he organised to change the WIN - his reasoning was the WIN was losing communication during its startup check system cycle, hence the system shutdown.
At the time I was told the WIN was matched to the steering lock, as well as both key fobs, so all those items were replaced no charge.
Intermittent shutdown never occurred again.
Times may have changed and there is a lot more experience with these things out there.
Several posters on here have recommneded switched on mechanics - I'd suggest checking with some of those specialists.
Good luck

[LeCheese]

Likewise, I had intermittent starting issues with my 2011 (Pentastar petrol) back in 2011/12 - it would crank for a good 30 seconds without firing, sometimes took 3 or 4 attempts to finally come good. Fobs were replaced, resets were done, and finally after about 3 months of dealing with a shitty dealer and basically an undriveable vehicle, they decided to replace the WIN (along with the fobs for a second time and steering lock) which sorted the issue. I'm not sure if there's an easy fix that's become evident with time, but I can't imagine it would be a painless DIY job.

If you've got evidence (emails, service history) of your initial issues when new, you could possibly try and get it done via a warranty or goodwill claim. If not, I'd be looking at an indpendent Jeep specialist instead of the dealer.

[Adrian2012]

Thanks LeCheese and JnK, I think I saw that post. Are your GC's keyless start/stop button type? Mine is a button type, however the button has been popped out and the 'key' is being used; the steering unlocks and the accessories all work just no start and the red security light is on. Most of the operation is working OK but not the immobilisation on/off sequence. I think I will check my service documents and approach Jeep but do not expect success. Thanks for your comments. Adrian

[drover]

After Jeep have their say I would be ringing a place like All Grand Cherokee, Melbourne or Jeepmotive in Sydney ,one of those types of places that know what they are talking about ....

[Grippy]

It could also be the key and low voltage. Mine has had similar intermittent issues when the key battery was going flat, then again when I replaced it with a shitty brand battery. Chucked in an Energizer and she's been good to go since. Every now and then, it would start then immediately sop as described above, or would go to start then say, key not in vehicle or something random.

[Adrian2012]

Originally Posted by drover

After Jeep have their say I would be ringing a place like All Grand Cherokee, Melbourne or Jeepmotive in Sydney ,one of those types of places that know what they are talking about ....

Hi Drover,

I spoke with All Grand Cherokee Melbourne who agrees it sounds like a WIN module, however he said it was a dealership only fix due to the need to access and program the module and that in his experience is beyond most techs. Contrary to that I have also been advised a good locksmith or suitable equipped tech can do it. Hence, my questions at first.
Thanks