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If your 8spd trans is rough, put your hand up

137K views 757 replies 150 participants last post by  BHBHANY 
#1 ·
I keep seeing these rough 8 speed transmission threads, but both at the dealership and when I called Chrysler Corporate they tell me that they have NO idea this is a problem. So I'd like to get a list going and see if it's substantial. If you have a rough or unsmooth 8 speed transmission, reply here-just reply with what model you have.


as for me:
2014 GJC Limited 3.6l
 
#215 ·
Bill,

I don't disagree at all, I am sure I have pointed out there is a software update that will happen. I do need to take people at the benefit of the doubt though that some people have more severe issues.

I will take it back to the Buick Enclave story because I drove lots of those as well. Lack of downshifting, delays in shifting... some people even called them dangerous, I can totally remember all of this. I even know what that final software update was and you had to agree to a disclosure that it was going to cause poor fuel mileage and cannot be rolled back.

My issue is that from a diagnostic standpoint I could jump in any Enclave and duplicate the concerns based on the information provided. My old Mercedes would shift hard occasionally and that was just the way it was.... I ran the latest update in it as well ( 4 years old when I got rid of it). I just can't get the 8 speeds in the Cherokees to do anything that people here with the problems describe. I didn't try the new descriptions recently but I will because I am genuinely interested.

My concern is that if I can grab 6 Jeeps and try all of them in various modes, why would I never once experience any of these problems. The ones I drive are all fairly low miles but never have I felt a hard shift (slowing down it shifts into gear a little early I guess but that is exactly the same as my Mercedes and the X5 I drove). A great number of people in the Jeeps were complaining of the shifting problems with less than 1000 miles though, so why can't I find it.

I duplicate problems for a living pretty well and I have sent data directly to manufacturers before (including auto manufacturers) This is why I keep asking people with the problem vehicles to go to a dealer and have them compare with a new one. If I can't duplicate any of this how is an engineer and how can it be just software??

So without upsetting people here, if it is only software, some people must be seriously exaggerating the problems they are having. If it is just software you can't have a bunch of trannys jerking all over the place and some are perfect... that doesn't add up. I prefer to take the side of the people with the problems they have described because if I believe it is only software at fault here then Members are lying about there experiences....

See my conflict?
 
#216 · (Edited)
I tried to reproduce it again this morning and couldn't get it to happen today - same conditions as yesterday in the back of parking lot at work. Today I noticed it held 2nd gear almost all the time even at very slow speeds - not downshifting into 1st until the Jeep was pretty much stopped (1-3mph). Didn't seem to hold onto 1st much at all on acceleration either. Yesterday when it clunked a few times I'm pretty sure it was bouncing between 1st and 2nd more, holding onto 1st a bit longer (5mph range).

It may be intermittent with some JGCs having it more than others. Agree driving style might even factor into it - software "learning" part? I'm pretty light on gas, stay in Eco mode all the time except if I need little extra punch going up a hill or getting on highway.

I also tested going into and out of sport mode this morning to see if that factored in but no luck. Might be my imagination but a few times after I came out of sport mode and back into D I thought the gearing felt a little peppier slowing down...like in manual trans with engine speed higher than gear. Thought maybe it was still "remembering" something from sport mode that could have factored into low speed clunk but couldn't get it to happen this morning.

Side note - I used to hang around on the Pontiac Solstice forum for long time (I have an '06 Solstice). They had a low speed cluck in their manual trans that was a huge issue on their forum for years. Some people losing their mind over it while others were like no big deal. Not sure we ever found the root cause but suspected was just little slack in drive line that was triggered more by certain shifting styles.
 
#232 ·
#218 ·
You know, with everything brand new, there is a learning period. The trans. controler is learning and so us owners to. I guess we just need to be patient and learn the vehicle. This trans, is new technology. I have never had an 8-speed trans before. I don't know what is normal and what is not. I do like the GC.
 
#219 · (Edited)
Hi all. I was supposed to take my GC to the dealer on Sat. to have the trans checked because it was doing the herky-jerky. The service dept. called me late Fri. to cancel my appt. They say they are backed up and would have to resched. me for this coming Sat. So in the meantime, the herky-jerky seems to have stopped. When it first started (2 days after I bought it) it was so bad, it would lurch you forward in your seat. I'm now up to about 1350 miles, and it seems to have resolved itself. I did not do the re-set, it just seems to have smoothed out. It still isn't quite as smooth as my last 2 Jeeps, but it's waaaay better than it was. Also, I just want to add, it never did the herky-jerky in drive, only in the sport mode. And after those first 2 days, I only drive in the sport mode (cuz I'm a bit of a lead foot). :lol: Should I keep the service appt?
 
#221 ·
My 3.6L GC started out rough and has been shifting quite smoothly since learning in. One thing i want to point out to those with issues is that companies don't always authorize employees/divisions to disclose the status of issues until they are already resolved. Just because Chrysler hasn't admitted to their problem that doesn't mean that they aren't working on the fix. This could be untrue, of course, but based on my time in similiar industry i would suggest that there are probably a few people working feverishly to improve your experience and who are contractually obligated to deny everything they are doing!
 
#222 ·
For the sake of those with issues I hope this isn't "MISSION IMPOSSIBLE".
 
#236 ·
Hi all. I'm at the dealer. They are giving my True Blue the once over. The srvc guy who took my info seemed kinda suprised when I described what the trans was doing. I can't believe I'm the first to make this complaint. Anywho I'll report back later what the outcome is.
 
#239 ·
Update:

I've bitched incessantly about my rough trans., complaining that it's getting worse and that jeep isn't giving me any help. Well, I just got a hold of my permanent case manager and to give credit when credit is due, she is great. First ray of sunshine I've had with Jeep's customer service. I'll let you know if their ideas of what might be wrong actually pan out...I'm hoping this will be a sprint, not a marathon.
 
#240 ·
Got my Limited 4X2 yesterday. Production date 2/2014 so I assume the latest software should be on it (I asked and they told me it's all up-to-date but I can't tell of course).

It has only 100 miles so far (I put 50 yesterday and today). Downshifting issues... Tried both Eco mode on and off.. Harsh jerk downshifting from 6th to 5th when going faster and then softer jerks coming to a stop.

I will bring this up with my dealership but I am pretty sure they'll tell me "The tranny is still in a learning mode... it's normal, etc.".
I feel very uncomfortable when it does it (it's very noticeable for everyone in the car). Not sure what will come out of this but reading numerous posts about this problem here doesn't give me a lot of hope that it will magically just get better.
 
#242 · (Edited)
Got my Limited 4X2 yesterday. Production date 2/2014 so I assume the latest software should be on it (I asked and they told me it's all up-to-date but I can't tell of course).

It has only 100 miles so far (I put 50 yesterday and today). Downshifting issues... Tried both Eco mode on and off.. Harsh jerk downshifting from 6th to 5th when going faster and then softer jerks coming to a stop.

I will bring this up with my dealership but I am pretty sure they'll tell me "The tranny is still in a learning mode... it's normal, etc.".
I feel very uncomfortable when it does it (it's very noticeable for everyone in the car). Not sure what will come out of this but reading numerous posts about this problem here doesn't give me a lot of hope that it will magically just get better.
Did you notice that the post before yours in this thread was from last July? I'm not saying everybody is completely satisfied at this point, but the complaints have sure slowed down.

You didn't mention what engine you have. They have different transmissions and therefore different updates. You can check for TSBs here;

http://www.wk2jeeps.com/wk2_tsb.htm


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#243 ·
I had the rough trans on my 3.6L Limited too. I am not going to lied to you, I left as it is until I have the squeaking issue each time I turn the steering wheel. I brought the Jeep into the dealership and they was able to flash to the latest firmware and it fixed the rough trans so far especially at low speed. However they still have not fixed my second issue.
 
#247 ·
Hi JeepDude,

I continue to have significant jerking problems. However, the dealerships in the Denver metro area are a complete joke. Despite it being easily able to feel, the dealerships won't even admit to being able to duplicate. I have also extensive Uconnect problems (most current updates as well). I am with the Enhanced Customer Care but it is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. They don't really care and it goes no where. I am sending in that slip that came with my vehicle but not sure that will go anywhere either since it does not go to the arbitration department. I have mentioned lawsuit but they have not seemed to care. If you don't mind me asking, what is the number for that department as I need to get rid of this vehicle. There are too many problems that none of the dealers are willing to fix (even with 2 meetings with GM). I would be interested in class action except I think the contract that I signed says I will not participate in class action lawsuit and have to go through arbitration (the one you mentioned).

Thanks,

Matt
 
#248 ·
Update:
The service department opened up the transmission to check if there's any metal pieces in the oil. The service manager said as soon as he saw the oil he contacted Chrysler and told them he didn't like what he saw (oil was burned, the vehicle had less than 150 miles on it). Chrysler sent a brand new transmission. I told my sales guy I want a new vehicle, not the one that's being fixed and he said OK. He placed an order for a new one today.

It's very unfortunate that this happened but it doesn't scare me away from Grand Cherokee. I have 2 friends with Grand Cherokees - one is 2014 Overland with around 17,000 miles and no problems so far whatsoever (except a couple of uConnect software updates - his was early 2014 production model). The other friend bought his in 2012 and same - no problems.
Jeeps aren't known for their reliability but I like the 2014 model so much I will place my bets and hope I score one that's "right". The only bummer is that there was that $200 increase in the meantime and I probably should call Chrysler and ask for something in return for my inconvenience.

This situation shows how important is your dealer. Mine was absolutely great from the first contact. I got a very good price, the process was VERY smooth (no upselling, no pushing...to the point I thought I felt "this is too good to be true"). A faulty transmission definitely isn't their fault but they approved a rental car for me right away, communicated every step and didn't push me to take the fixed vehicle.
 
#249 ·
Update:
The service department opened up the transmission to check if there's any metal pieces in the oil. The service manager said as soon as he saw the oil he contacted Chrysler and told them he didn't like what he saw (oil was burned, the vehicle had less than 150 miles on it). Chrysler sent a brand new transmission. I told my sales guy I want a new vehicle, not the one that's being fixed and he said OK. He placed an order for a new one today.

It's very unfortunate that this happened but it doesn't scare me away from Grand Cherokee. I have 2 friends with Grand Cherokees - one is 2014 Overland with around 17,000 miles and no problems so far whatsoever (except a couple of uConnect software updates - his was early 2014 production model). The other friend bought his in 2012 and same - no problems.
Jeeps aren't known for their reliability but I like the 2014 model so much I will place my bets and hope I score one that's "right". The only bummer is that there was that $200 increase in the meantime and I probably should call Chrysler and ask for something in return for my inconvenience.

This situation shows how important is your dealer. Mine was absolutely great from the first contact. I got a very good price, the process was VERY smooth (no upselling, no pushing...to the point I thought I felt "this is too good to be true"). A faulty transmission definitely isn't their fault but they approved a rental car for me right away, communicated every step and didn't push me to take the fixed vehicle.
I think you are incredibly lucky that they just ordered you a new one like that in most cases you would have been stuck with that failed one being fixed. I am with you I would have refused to take a car with a failed trans that only had 150 on it.
 
#250 ·
This really doesn't have anything to do with Jeep but....Does with Chrysler.
I read a new First Drive on the 2015 Chrysler 200 in Automobile Magazine.
I quote: " All 200's come with the 9 speed Automatic. It downshifts roughly around town.(Chrysler says a new calibration will address this issue before production)."
You really think they can?
 
#251 ·
Mine just started to jerk into gear when it shifts from 1st to 2nd gear. Very noticeable actually feels like it pushes you forward. Seems to only do it when I first start up and everything is cold. Due for an oil change soon going to have them check this out.
 
#253 ·
Hello everyone,

Just wanted to post my experience and the supposed "solution" that chrysler recommended.

We got a 2014 WK2 3.7L last year in October. We were having transmission issues since day one related to harsh upshifting and downshifting. I got all the latest flashes applied to the car but it DID NOt make a 1% difference.

So Chrysler decided to step in and replace the control valve body. They put us in a loaner for about 8-9 days. Replaced the valve body last week and told us to drive the car for the next 1000 miles with the ECO mode off to let the car calibrate the adaptives. We've been driving the car without the eco off.

At first for the first 50 miles, the jeep seemed to be shifting pretty well (not perfect though) with a little hard shifting when coming to a stop from gear 2 to gear 1. But after the second day with the new valve body, the car is back to its regular harsh shifting. It is really bad when coming to a stop from 2 to 1 and also when downshifting from geat 5 to gear 4. We have put 500 miles on it since the new control valve body was put it. The upshfting is doing better but the downshifting is still poor. So I do not what to do at this moment? They told me that the new valve body would fix my issues.

Should I give the transmission more time to the let the new control valve body break in? I am really upset and disappointed with this issue. Also worried for the transmission in the long run as well especially after the powerterrain warranty runs out.
 
#254 ·
It sounds like your transmission may still have a problem, though hard to know the role that the adaptives can play. I went and had my dealer do the revision C flash update today. I am anxious to see how it shifts cold in the morning, either tomorrow or Saturday. I can say that the update significantly improved overall drivability. I think that they hit the right balance now for shift points as a function of amount of throttle, and I also believe they are correct for optimum fuel economy. I am very pleased with this update so far; shifts are seamless and smooth; barely feel them. I hope your issue gets sorted out. At least there is a 100K warranty.
 
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