Well I have been getting a DOTC code for a couple of weeks. Thanks to resources found right here on XK-Forum I was able to read the code and find out it meant the engine knock sensor had lost communication with the computer.

I figured this wasn't worth taking the Commander out of service yet since I had things planned. Next thing I know the "Service four wheel drive system" is lit up in the display as well as the check engine light.

This made a trip to the dealer more important. I just got the dreaded results call. Some animal, bigger than a mouse, but smaller than a racoon (probably squirrel), had gotten very unhappy with my engine. I haven't been able to see the damage yet, but per the dealer there are claw marks as well as paw prints and teeth marks. The wiring harness to the knock sensor is shredded. They also said there is potentially more damage they can't see under the intake manifold. They are speculating the animal may have gotten stuck in there and shredded things trying to get out. It is apparently not your normal wiring insulation chew job. Thank goodness for comprehensive insurance as the repair estimate was minimum $500, maybe up to $1000 (or more) depending on additional damage found. Most of this they said was due to the labor of pulling the intake.

The 4X4 system service was a faulty electric motor in the transfer case (I am not sure what exactly this is, I will have to pin the service guy down when I go pick it up.) That is being covered by the extended warranty I bought with the Jeep.

This is my first real service needed so I hope to have good things to report when I get it back. I only have 22K miles so here is hoping the rest goes smooth.

Anyone else had squirrel issues? I have had mouse issues with other vehicles and remedied that with bait glue gunned to the engine compartment, but I have no idea how to keep squirrels out.