VanRXJ

Need some input. Here's the situation.
Temperature guage has been jumping up to the red lines, then after half a minute or so dropping back to normal (210). Over the past two days this has happened a half dozen times during the last half of my commute. Seems like an electrical/sensor issue but can't be sure.

Took it to a Jeep dealer for a diagnostic. Also, AC has not been working so I figured I'd get that checked out as well. Mechanic says that the cooling fans are not working because the computer is bad. Says that he'd have to order a new one since you have to program in the VIN and that it would cost $1000.

First, replacing the computer seems like overkill at this point. The way the guage instantly swings back and forth from normal to red doesn't seem like a fan problem. And the engine is not overly hot when I turn it off.

Second, seems like you could get a refurbished computer and reprogram the VIN for a lot cheaper.

Any input or suggestons would be appreciated.