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Drivetrain "clunk" noise - 2014 wk2 srt

81K views 189 replies 46 participants last post by  WeloveSRT 
#1 ·
Just took delivery this past week on a new 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT....love it, love it, love it! The odometer read 11 miles at delivery; now has 250. Started hearing a "clunk" when I let off the accelerator and when it down shifts. It's not very loud..you have to know what to listen for. There is no effect on performance, no fluids leaking. Beyond that...it's 100% issue free. So, before I go rushing back to the dealer, should I let the remaining 250 miles of break-in occur and then see if still is an issue? I'm trying to gauge a "sense of urgency" from those more experienced. Thanks much for the advice.
 
#3 ·
The official word from the owners manual on break-in period:

- Drive moderately during the first 500 miles (800 km). After the initial 60 miles
(100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable.
- While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in. However, wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and should be avoided.

I'd avoid the Launch button for the first 500 for sure.
 
#4 ·
So, I decided to take the truck to the dealer and advised them of the issue when down shifting. The shop foreman took a ride with me and agreed that there was something not right. They kept the truck to find the issue and fix it. The foreman did mention he has seen a bunch of V8's having this issue but this is the first time he has seen it in the SRT. Only 400 miles in and I feel like this may not be a good thing. I asked the sales manager if I can trade it in for a different SRT. Uh. NO! This has completely ruined the excitement I built up in buying the SRT.
 
#5 ·
Well...that's unpleasant. I've got an appointment to have mine serviced next as well. Did they happen to mention "how" they fixed it...was it a software update? I had Grand Cherokee Summit prior and it had similar updates for transmission issues. On a positive note, after the software update I never had any issues. So...there's that...
 
#10 ·
Just got word from the dealer and Chrysler wants to replace the valve body unit instead of replacing the transmission. The vehicle was already updated with the current software. Do I have any options? The truck only has 400 miles on it. Also the part is back ordered so there is no time table on when the part will arrive.
 
#12 ·
Let me know what the verdict is on this. Mine never used to make the clunk noise but now does mainly from 6 to 5 shift. My dealer had to replace rear drive shaft and transfer case a month ago due to some clicking issues in the drivetrain. Never did the clunking at downshift until they replaced these parts. Now I can hear the clunk at downshift and sometimes from backing up and then putting it in drive. Will clunk a little before I take off. I don't think it's the transmission though but something more related to the drivetrain. Of course I've got my RIPP supercharger installed so will have to see how long this goes before taking it in.


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#13 ·
Update:

The valve control came in early this week. The dealer replaced it and drove the truck for 100 miles to break it in. Pretty odd to me that a dealer would put that many miles on the truck. The dealer calls be on Friday and said I can come pick up the truck or they can keep it over the long weekend and continue to drive the truck so the adaptive transmission can the driving habit. I opted to go pick it up and drive it myself. When I got to the dealer the foreman said that the downshift problem is still there and it is even more harsh than previous. Also mentioned the "clunk" noise is normal. He sent a update to Chrysler and they recomended that additional miles are needed and it should correct it self. I put another 200 miles on it and still no luck. The "clunk is getting louder and more frequent on shifts and the down shifting is very harsh and uncomfortable. Foreman said the next step would be to replace the transmission. I put on 900 miles and none of it was enjoyable. Back and forth to the dealer as well as the dealer road testing accounts for all the mileage. Frustration continues.....
 
#14 ·
Same here (export model), I have the clunk and down shift problem from 6-5-4. Just got it back yesterday after dealer said it has been sorted with software upgrade:rolleyes:

No such luck, still the same, not at all nice to drive. Will have to take it back again and this time they can keep it for good if they can't fix it. I want my money back:p
 
#17 · (Edited)
I'm not sure if I understand your post correctly. In your previous post you stated that the next step that the service department was going to do was to put in a new transmission, but now they changed their mind? So if that's the case, did they state what they would do next instead to remediate your transmission problem?

I also highly recommend you calling the SRT customer service line (if you haven't done this already) and explain to them that you are unhappy with your *brand new* JGC SRT, and that you seek assistance in getting a definitive fix for this ongoing defect that is now coming up to a month's time.
 
#18 ·
Update part 2 - motor mounts installed; no effect, still have a clunk noise on downshifts. Techs put listening device in different locations on frame and determined - need to replace the driveshaft. Should have update on attempt #3 early next week.


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#19 ·
I just posted my experience on this on another topic , basically when I picked up my car in 3 June 2014 I have had rough shifting in the transmission when going down in gears like you all have posted and also the bang or clang in the gears as well and the bang was so bad at times it felt like I was hit, and it did this sometimes while coming to a complete stop light at traffic lights . So I went to the dealer had the new transmission update still the same ? So as of 2 weeks ago I did the disconnection of the battery that I read on this site, but I left my battery disconnected for about 10hrs and most people have been doing just 30mins disconnection.

As of 2 weeks ago when I done this my transmission is awesome, so far no clunks or bangs or bad shifting between 5 to 1 gears while going slow ?? I hope it last I really do because this is how the bloody car should have come . My car is the March 2014 SRT build . And I hope this works for someone else as I have read it works for some and not others


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#26 ·


When the dealer told me my SRT needed an adaptive relearn, I asked if this included a disconnect of the battery for a specific amount of time and they said that should not have any affect..

Maxy9, is your SRT still "cured"?

I just have no confidence in my dealership or chrysler in general to troubleshoot and correct this issue. Seems to me that the 2014 was having a similar issue and they came out with a software update to correct it. Other than trying this battery disconnect idea, I might just have to wait until they realize the issue and come out with a software update.
 
#21 ·
I'm going to try that. Wish me luck. Took it into the dealer for the downshift clunk from 6th to 5th. They diagnosed it as a tear that was in one of the rear differential mounts. They ordered a new mount, got a call to come get it after install. Guess what, it's still clunking from 6th to 5th shifts. It's not happening as consistently as it was but it's still there. My clunking problem originated after they had to replace the transfer case and rear drive shaft. From what I hear, anytime you touch or have to replace something in this drivetrain it creates problems elsewhere if not perfectly installed. I'm wondering if I'm just going to have to live with it or keep having them trial and error on it. What would you all do?


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#23 ·
I picked up my 2014 model on August and started to experience the down shift clunk about 500 to 700 miles in but it was minor so it didn't concern me too much. I am sorry to hear that you guys experiencing this and thanks for the update!
 
#24 ·
I picked up my 2015 late September and am experiencing the same issues. I took it into the dealer and had a tech drive it to confirm. They told me I need to leave it with them for an "adaptive relearn of the transmission"? They said it takes a day..

Have any of you had this done and it work?

Hate that this is my first post.. I had such high hopes for this vehicle and chrysler, but I'm so disappointed. It's had all these issues from the beginning including an air conditioner that gets to decide if it comes on or not, a sunroof seal that was not sealing and a chip in the front glass from shipment..
 
#25 ·
I picked up my 2015 late September and am experiencing the same issues. I took it into the dealer and had a tech drive it to confirm. They told me I need to leave it with them for an "adaptive relearn of the transmission"? They said it takes a day..



Have any of you had this done and it work?



Hate that this is my first post.. I had such high hopes for this vehicle and chrysler, but I'm so disappointed. It's had all these issues from the beginning including an air conditioner that gets to decide if it comes on or not, a sunroof seal that was not sealing and a chip in the front glass from shipment..

I left my car in the dealer for last two weeks for the transmission to relearn the drive habit to adapting the last quarter works as what the dealer told me ,got back yesterday,unfortunately, nothing change the car didn't learn anything but 150 km added. ridiculous...disappointed, might need to take it to dealer to do another check next week,then ask jeep AUS to get another way to sort it out.


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#28 · (Edited)
Hello fellow SRT owner's. Well, I've been complaining and tried everything with the exception of the TSB released on Nov. 8th of 2014. -- I've been putting up with the 6-5 "HARD" downshift for 13 months now. SADLY.....

I've not tried this new TSB (which states is for the 2-1 shift at a lower speed (15mph) , where mine is never been happening at that speed and is not the 2-1.

I'm still going to give this a try --- I feel everyone's pain as I've dealt with this for a LOOOOONG time. As you could imagine how many times I've stopped (6-5 downshifted) since I took delivery of mine in October of 2013. Again, they tried everything you guys have mentioned. I've yet to swap out the transmission however; as the "multiple" dealerships I've visited in "multiple" states just seem not to be able to figure it out.

I'm about to drive to the Chrysler plant and really have a nice talk with one of the Engineer's. I'm really considering setting up a meeting since their are so many of us that have this same problem, this needs addressed. I mean there are dozen's of us times 70k ($) a SRT, You are talking ALOT of money. It's worth trying.... I'm uncertain if it's a software programming issue or something they don't even understand how to fix themselves.

JUST FOR THE HELL OF IT , I'm going to try this TSB ( http://www.wk2jeeps.com/tsb/tsb_wk2_2103614.pdf ) -- on my next oil change , which is about 2-3k miles away. If anyone does this before me and it fixes the HORRIFIC 6-5 downshift, please let everyone know! That is what this forum is for , to help everybody and to spread the word to Chrysler Group, LLC. about issues with vehicles. I know every car company has problems but the good one's address it. I've owned many, many vehicles and this isn't even my primary.

I really enjoy the JGC SRT, but eventually it starts getting on your nerves and what's even worse is when you have someone else drive it! I've had a few friends that own very high end cars drive it while I'm riding passenger and they just laugh about how AWFUL this transmission downshifts. Just "lugs" you forward when downshifting, unless you've driven it A TON, like I have where you kinda start to manipulate it and can get away by "slamming" the brembo's down and just freakn' skip the 6-5, but its good to obey your local traffic laws!
I've got lucky and yet to have issues with upshifts ( THANK GOD OR I WOULD HAVE ALREADY TRADED IT IN , HANDS DOWN , NO QUESTION'S ASKED ) HASTA LA VISTA.... I'VE BEEN HOPING NOW FOR OVER A YEAR, THAT SOME CHRYSLER TECH WOULD FIGURE THIS OUT. SO THE "BREAK" IN IS BULLS**T AS I'VE PUT OVER 8K MILES IN ALL KINDS OF CONDITIONS, TRIED ECO MODE, SPORT MODE, TRACK MODE, AUTO MODE, NAME IT - I'VE DONE IT. You would think this Transmission would be doing a better job but the software programmer's are incompetent or it's totally something no one can currently figure out. Hell these 8HP70 (original GERMAN designed tranny's for BMW's and other's) are put in some high end BMW's 7 series , X5's , Range Rover Sports ('12), and the Maserati Quatroporte!!! -- :eek: --- Maybe I should track some of them down and ask about their 6-5 downshift? lmao

GOD THIS IS ANNOYING AND STILL CRAZY THAT EVEN THE NEWER MODELS STILL ARE "BROKE"...
 
#29 ·
I had the 6 to 5 downshift clunk. Interestingly my issue didn't start until they had to replace the transfer case with a new one and rear drive shaft. I went from smooth shifting transmission to clunk/jarring from 6 to 5th gear. Complained and dealer tried replacing other components but to no resolve of the issue. Personally I think it's a bad transfer case or something's not right in it. Dealer has been patient with me through as I also have the RIPP supercharger kit. So they have been still trying to diagnose the problem and replace things under warranty while I'm aware every dealer might not be so inclined to do so.

Long story short, I had the latest transmission flash a few weeks ago. Hoping not to jinx myself but as of right now, the 6 to 5 downshift issue is not as prevalent as it once was. It's not clunking but at sometimes you can fill a slight hesitation but is downshifting much smoother.


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