Seized Engine?????

[lissa0914]

I have a 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee and I drove it to work today and it was fine well, when I came out to go home, it was dead, (no power) so I tried to jump it and none the less it started but kept dieing. Then I check the oil and it's got some in there but it's about 3 qts low....do you think that if I put oil in it and get a new battery it will be okay. Is there an oil sensor that wont let it run when it's low?? Please tell me I did not mess it up!!!!!

[Bob D.]

It looks like you have some separate but related problems.

1. A dead battery that caused-
2. A computer that needs to be reset
3. And a coincidental but perhaps fortunate discovery of a engine in dire need of some oil.

So-
A. Add the proper amount of oil
B. Find out why your battery went dead--it could be the battery or the charging system
C. Drive it for a while to reset the computer and your Jeep should live to see another day.


"Is there an oil sensor that wont let it run when it's low?? "

Yes, its called a dip stick and a driver ; ) Check it often and don't run the engine if its low.
Good Luck

[SteveB05]

Fill it with good oil first order of business. Sounds like you may be a good candidate for full service gas stations (just kidding) but seriously, check it at least once a month - better to do it every other tank of gas if it leaks or, heaven forbid, burns oil.

If you don't have an oil pressure gauge, get one. Check the pressure and listen for any knocks or rattles....especially at start up and under decel. If you have good pressure and no noises, you should be fine.

As Bob said, when your battery goes south, your adaptive engine maps are lost. The system has to learn where it needs to have the IAC (Idle air control) motor to keep an idle - as well as shift points if it is an automatic and other engine controls. It may run funny for a little bit, but it will re-learn everything after a few drive cycles.