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2nd Breakdown in just over 2 weeks!!!

43K views 84 replies 30 participants last post by  Coen 
#1 · (Edited)
For those of you that remember, I had a busted steering rack 2 weeks ago after taking my new Grand into the desert.
So, yesterday we went for another trip for camping in the desert. After about 4 miles the SERV 4WD warning came on and also "Service Air Suspension System". It was obvious as it was only driving the rear wheels and I promptly got stuck within a few meters.
My friend snatched me out with his Suzuki Grand Vitara and we decided that that was the perfect spot to camp, seeing as we could not move anyway.
Called AAA and they told me they don't do off-road recovery. Then I phoned Jeep Service and they sent a technician in a 1997 Cherokee the next day as it was close to getting dark and we were anyway planning on spending the night.
Next morning the guy arrived and had a look at my Jeep. He confirmed there was a serious problem with the 4x4 system.
After calling for 4x4 recovery, they sent another guy in a Unimog who towed the Jeep 4 miles back to civilisation.
I drove it the rest of the way to the service centre and I am now awaiting their feedback...
Will see and keep you updated.
PS: Should have bought a bloody Toyota!
 

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#5 ·
I know people have said that this Grand had been tested more than any other before it and that first year issues were not going to be a problem. However, I'm old school and a firm believer in avoiding the first year of any new model. I even told the Jeep team at the Destination Grand Event. "I'm sold, but I am waiting for the 2012 MY."

Having your 4WD go out in Sand (or Mud) is unacceptable.

Dune, I hope they sort it out for you and soon.
 
#6 · (Edited)
oh dear.. i just hope that was your last "one time bad luck" with the gc. If they break when there is a little sand below the tires, then.... umps.

I just talked to a Sahara Trip Organisator, until now, no air suspension (does no matter what brand) survived the libya trips.
 
#9 ·
1) He is not in USA - we don't know if there is a lemon law in his country

2) Even if he was in USA - I think he wouldn't have a case under Lemon law yet. Read user's guide but in a nutshell there are specific guidelines for each state. Car has to be brought repeatedly for the same problem, dealer has to be unable to fix the problem within alotted time, car has to be out of service for significant time etc.

His first problem was fixed reasonably fast from what I can tell. Let's see what happens this time. I am not defending Chrysler here, just think that people need to be reasonable - problems happen.
 
#11 · (Edited)
dune, that is absurd.
looks like this may be the most incapable capable 4x4 on the planet.
so far we cant:

1. fjord water
2. drive on sand
3. rock out of mud
4. ?

wonder what's next

lets keep in mind, though, that the overwhelming majority of drivers who rock a WK2 are NOT doing the stuff we are, and thus probably not having these issues. however, i was under the impression that i bought a jeep. looks like it may really be a MB/Fiat mutt.

and if i had an ML, i'd keep in on the pavement with some shiny 22s, but thats why i didnt buy one (although it was on my list).
 
#15 ·
i was under the impression that i bought a jeep. looks like it may really be a MB/Fiat mutt.
Don't blame MB or FIAT for that. Jeep has its very own competence in that kind of stuff. Just take a look at the other models.

From Sahara experts i got the info: do not buy a jeep.

Because i dont plan to go into the desert, i still consider to buy one ;-)
 
#17 ·
it's a first year model, it's been in production for around 6 months... problems are bound to happen, especially with all the brand new tech on the GC. While not excusing Chrysler at all, that sucks , especially with it being a brand new car. I hope they get it fixed and figure out what's going on with it. This is a rare case, obviously as most other people are enjoying their WK2's. best of luck. At least Jeep sent someone out to help you versus just saying...oh well.. see ya when you bring it in! I think that was great customer service. just my 2 cents.
 
#18 ·
Oh god, so every isolated problem is now a "first year issue"?

70,000 of these on the road, one report of a particular problem somehow equates to a design defect to you guys?

Can we agree that a particular defect needs to be reported by at least, oh, how about THREE people before you tar the whole vehicle as being plagued with problems?

A little logic and common sense would go a long way.
 
#22 ·
Well, TWO people have now had 4wd go out. One in mud, and one in sand. Don't know how many of the other thousands that are doing fine have been taken off pavement....
 
#31 ·
Just brainstorming here...

I'm beginning to wonder if there are sensors in the transfer case that call a halt to the 4x4 fun if the computer thinks things might result in damage. In an older lever-actuated transfer case, the computer can't disconnect things, so you'd muddle on through, but potentially contribute to a later failure. With this thing, it might think "hey, you keep that up, you're breaking it," and disengage the front drive.

Honestly, of the issues reported, the "water fording" seemed to be more of a bad connecting rod in the engine. The "stuck in mud" isn't too worrisome (since nothing else made it through there), but might potentially raise an issue because the 4x4 system disengaged.

Dunecrawler might well have the biggest claim to something being potentially wrong, but unless and until we find out exactly what's going on, I'm not sure it's time to panic.

I do think saying things like "least capable EVER" is premature; if I'm not mistaken, that's been said about every single new vehicle Jeep has rolled out. When the CJ gave way to its replacement, there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth. And so on and so forth. It's going to take more time and more vehicles with issues before that becomes evident.
 
#33 ·
I do think saying things like "least capable EVER" is premature; if I'm not mistaken, that's been said about every single new vehicle Jeep has rolled out. When the CJ gave way to its replacement, there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth. And so on and so forth. It's going to take more time and more vehicles with issues before that becomes evident.
thats fair. i take that back.
youre right about stuff like the freak out after they killed the CJ as well.

electronics are great for making things easier for a typical driver, but the more computers and electronic gizmos you throw in a car, the more chances there are for one of those thingys to fail.

i dunno. :confused:
 
#40 ·
IMO...it puts undue stress on the drivetrain and its componets. Its constantly fighting for traction. I wouldnt take Super Swamper mud tires to the track and race the 1/4 mile.......and I wouldnt take street tires to play in the mud or sand. I am just going by your pics and the fact you seem very adventurous. Its my opinion you need some proper tires....nothing else.
 
#42 ·
if it is working again after being towed out....then it is not broken. It sounds like the system is being overwhelmed for some reason. Your guess is as good as mine on that one.
 
#43 ·
Agreed. That was exactly the feeling I got. Almost like the Jeep was trying to say "hang on a moment, give me a break!"
I am very curious as to what the Service guys will say. Should hear in a few hours.
 
#44 ·
I think you need to start using Low Range and see how it goes?

It's piss weak to have to do that (promise you wouldn't need to in a Nissan or Toyota!), but I think something might be overheating (likely the centre diff clutch pack) and having a freak out. Low range locks it, so no slippage therefore no heat.
 
#45 ·
Good point with the low range, but I want to make sure it does not fail again in normal HR mode. No compromises.
BTW Marlin, I did test it in first and second gear and it is slightly better than in drive. You don’t loose traction at a critical moment as you would in Drive when it changes up/down.
Also took the tire pressure down to 22 psi and then 16 psi. Both are better than the normal 36, but 16 works best and no problems.
The 4WD SYS failed before I could test Low range. It just would not engage. Next time.
 
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