Anyone here know why my 2020 Jeep keeps overheating?

Not sure if my Jeep’s really overheating or if it’s a sensor problem. The temperature gauge just keeps going up and down randomly.

Did you check the coolant level? That’s usually the first thing to look at. Check the overflow tank; it should be about half full. When my 2013 Wrangler was overheating, the overflow was completely empty.

@Lyle
You could also try cleaning out the radiator with a hose.

West said:
@Lyle
You could also try cleaning out the radiator with a hose.

Be careful using any water with minerals on your car’s cooling system. Minerals can build up and cause blockages in the engine. Cleaning is fine, but make sure it’s all dry afterward.

@Lyle
Yeah, I meant the fins on the outside, not inside the system.

Does it cool down when you’re driving? If it cools with moving air, it might be a fan issue. If it overheats all the time, maybe the water pump isn’t circulating coolant.

It could also be the thermostat or a head gasket leak. Definitely avoid running it if it overheats while idle; that’ll do some real damage.

@Reagan
Thanks! I think it mostly acts up when I’m parked.

Lennon said:
@Reagan
Thanks! I think it mostly acts up when I’m parked.

Might be air trapped in the coolant system. You could try bleeding the system.

There are two TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) on this.

One is for loose bolts on the water outlet housing, and the other for loose bolts on the water pump. They aren’t recalls, but you should check both for any leaks.

Is it the 2.0 engine?

Leighton said:
Is it the 2.0 engine?

Yep.

Lennon said:

Leighton said:
Is it the 2.0 engine?

Yep.

I had my radiator replaced under warranty because the end tank cracked. A tech advised me to watch the turbo coolant fittings too; he said they fail often. I’m not a Jeep tech, though, so can’t confirm.

When I bought my 2022 JL Rubicon with 40k miles, I had the shop check it over. The mechanic found the coolant was nearly empty but no leaks. I looked it up and apparently, newer Jeeps can use up coolant faster than expected even without leaks. So definitely check the level!

Could your radiator be cracked? My 2015’s radiator cracked at just 20k miles. This Jeep (JK) has had so many issues. I had a TJL that I owned for 10 years without a single repair, just regular maintenance. I really regret selling it.

I’ve got a 2020 2.0L like yours, and it started overheating mostly when idle. I took it to the dealer just in time because it was about to do serious damage. Turned out to be the thermostat, which controls engine temperature. If I hadn’t gone in, it could have destroyed the engine!

Edit: The fan was also crazy loud when idle or in park, which means the engine was getting way too hot.

Because Stellantis has driven the brand into the ground.

You might also check the coolant tank near the firewall. It’s a known spot for slow leaks.