Hi Guys.. First post here!
I have a 2008 Nitro and last night the check engine & ETC - electronic throttle control light came on. The manual tells me to get it checked asap or my car my need to be towed?! I called the dealership and they want me to come in ASAP.
Does anyone know what causes this, and is it serious? I have also had problems with the car shifting since I got it. I have an automatic but when accelerating, for example getting on the freeway the RPM will rev up high almost into the red zone, sometimes even in red and it will lag a take a few seconds before it downshifts like it should.
Any help is appreciated

 

Welcome to the forum Nitrogirl. Did you happen to get the actual code that it popped? P0174 by chance?

 

your car is equipped with a drive by wire electronic throttle body. your foot no longer acually opens the throttle like it used to. when the etc light comes on, its best to go to the dealer asap so you dont end up like a toyota customer. you could drive it, just be careful and if the throttle becomes out of control, throw it in neutral and pull over.

 

Welcome to DF
This could be one of the problems,but without codes i wouldn't be able to help.
SUBJECT:
In Cold Climates A MIL Illumination P0123 Or P0222 Or Stored Diagnostic Trouble Code
P0123 Or P0222 And The ETC Light Illuminated
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves replacing the Electronic Throttle Body and Clean Air Duct.
MODELS:
2007 (KJ) Cherokee (International Market)
2007 (KJ) Liberty
2008 - 2009 (KK) Liberty
2008 - 2009 (KK) Cherokee (International Market)
2007 - 2009 (KA) Nitro
NOTE: This information applies to vehicles equipped with a 3.7L engine (Sales
codes EKG) built before February 20, 2009 (MDH 0220XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The customers may experience a MIL illumination or the ECT light illuminated at
temperatures below 32° (0 C). Further investigation by the Technician may find that DTC
P0123 - Throttle Position Sensor 1 Circuit High or P0222 - Throttle Position Sensor 2
Circuit Low are active or stored.
DIAGNOSIS:
Using a Scan Tool (StarSCAN®) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures available in
TechCONNECT, verify all engine systems are functioning as designed. If DTC's are
present other then the ones listed above record them on the repair order and repair as
necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin.
If the above condition is present when temperatures were below 32° (0 C) and no other
DTC's exist, perform the Repair Procedure. If the temperatures were above freezing then
follow the diagnostics procedure available in DealerCONNECT/TechCONNECT to repair
this condition, this bulletin does not apply.
NUMBER: 18-013-09
GROUP: Vehicle Performance
DATE: May 1, 2009
PARTS REQUIRED:
Qty. Part No. Description
1 04861661AB Body, Throttle Electronic
1 53013907AB Duct, Clean Air
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Replace the throttle body with p/n 04861661AB and clean air duct with p/n
53013907AB. Follow the detailed service procedures available in
DealerCONNECT/TechCONNECT, Refer To Group 14 - Fuel Systems> Fuel Injection
- Gas > Throttle Body Removal and Installation Procedures.
NOTE: Perform the ETC relearn procedure after replacing the throttle body.
NOTE: Be sure to erase any diagnostic trouble code that may be set.

 

Thanks guys! I took it into the dealership and they did a diagnostic... they said a ton of old "U codes" came up... didn't say which ones. But they said the computer was out of date and did a flash update, now everything is fine. As far as the RPM thing they said everything was fine.
What do you guys think??

 

If you put a lot of pressure on the accelerator, the transmission will shift at a higher speed. I accelerate slower and my tach seldom goes over 2500 RPM before shifting.