Jeep Garage  - Jeep Forum banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

ATTENTION: 2011 owners! PLEASE READ! Questions for the engineers?????

14K views 70 replies 55 participants last post by  MeanDean 
#1 · (Edited)
I had a nice conversation with Phil Jansen-lead engineer on the 2011 Grand Cherokee and he has agreed to answer a set of 10-15 questions from our 2011 owners. We will collect the questions and I will forward them to him and his engineering team. Please no advanced info questions...ie, 8 speed tranny, 2012 SRT etc. Please tech questions ONLY. We will collect these and then decide as a community which 10-15 to send to the engineering group! We have until next monday to send the question before Mr. Jansen is away with business.

Please post your TECH only questions below! ALSO.....please check the previous Engineers chat for the same question before you submit- http://www.jeepgarage.org/showthread.php?t=12687


and remember.....At JeepGarage...We Are Jeep!
 
#2 ·
Q: What exact engine/transmission functions outside of the stated transfer case torque splits are adjusted or otherwise affected, and to what degree, when using the different modes such as Snow, Sport, Tow/Haul etc?
 
#4 ·
Excellent, thanks Scottina for the next round of the engineers chat as it is hugely valuable.

I would think the first two priorities from the WK2 board are:

1) Is Jeep fully aware of the shudder experienced by many WK2 owners? What is the potential prognosis and cure? Is this related to prior models shudder challenges?

2) The recent TSB issued for a potential fuel tank replacement explicitly precludes tank replacement if there is otherwise water in the battery or other under seat compartments. Has the source of this water intrusion been identified? What is the expected cure?

I'm sure others will chime in with suggested language adding to the above items.
 
#5 ·
Some suggestions:

What is their opinion of the 3.6L long term durability, based on longevity/durability testing? Are we seeing bulletproof 4.0-like ability?

What are the most common issues that have come back to the engineers for improvement on future builds, that may not necessarily be released as TSB's?

Why did they locate the battery where they did?

Why did they mount the spare tire inside the vehicle as opposed to under?

What about the design are the engineers most proud of, from an innovative perspective?

Were the engineers excited that they were finally allowed to build a Jeep with decent lines and quality, as opposed to the boxes (Liberty and failed Commander) and car-based platforms (Compass and Patriot)? (Trying to determine here if they see the WK2 as much of a huge leap ahead of the rest of the line as customers do, and as Jeep is portraying it as).

What decision was the most controversial between engineers when designing the GC? (I doubt they'll answer that though). :D
 
#6 ·
1) Can Laredo's with standard braking upgrade to HD braking such as the Limited and Overlands with HD braking? Replace calipers, rotors, brackets etc? Is this possible to consider when the parts become available?
2) Where is the engine oil cooler?
 
#7 ·
a] With respect to some popular aftermarket mods e.g. BWoody air intake, sway rods, MagnaFlow pipes, etc.: How does Engineering view the viability and long-term serviceability of these modifications? We know the improvements in power, handling, etc. are "real", but if the warranty/liability issues can be put aside, would these mods be something a real live WK2 engineer would do on their own cars?

b] Which specific Design for Six-Sigma (DFSS) projects were most instrumental in shaping the powerplant/drivetrain configuration? Which DFSS projects had the greatest overall influence on the final WK2 configuration?

c] If one could turn back time, what would be the one area of the design process Engineering would have like to have had more time with? What would Engineering have liked to have more influence over in the design and configuration process?
 
#8 ·
It is unclear what value a customer realizes with the V8 spark plug maintenance schedule.
What engineering benefit (other than low cost to produce) was behind specifying a copper spark plug with a 32,000 mile (or 24 Month) maintenance service interval?
 
#9 ·
Q: Why has there been such a problem with the 430N (RHB) and can we expect better service/more frequent updates to resolve problems in the future? The 430N is an excellent concept and the use of genuine Garmin navigation is a plus but the lack of performance with the Sirius Travel Link is an issue long overdue for resolution as are the various problems with Bluetooth.
 
#18 ·
Q: Why has there been such a problem with the 430N (RHB) and can we expect better service/more frequent updates to resolve problems in the future? The 430N is an excellent concept and the use of genuine Garmin navigation is a plus but the lack of performance with the Sirius Travel Link is an issue long overdue for resolution as are the various problems with Bluetooth.
I would add to that question, why even the RHR has issues in general. If by change they make a decisiont o move to a new unit in 2012, isn't that an admittance that the 2011 was shipped with inappropirate/mal-funcition units and owners should get a deal on a new head unit?
 
#11 ·
Q: Is Chrysler working with Apple to resolve compatibility problems with the iPhone 4 (such as not being able to retrieve text messages, and not displaying album artwork) for WK2 owners that have the 730N (RHR)? I cringe every time a new version of Apple iPhone 4 software is available... It is frustrating to get that error message when you connect your iPhone to the center console USB.
 
#14 ·
How about gas and oil....specifically:

(1) For the V8, I know that 87 is acceptable but 89 is preferred especially for better performance. My dealer specifically said to NOT use higher than 89 (say 91) since it burns hotter and could potentially cause engine damage (he probably meant over the long term).

(2) For the V8, when to do the first oil change (out of an abundance of caution) then what interval and if synthetics are worth it and if so what interval for synthetics (along with type).

In other words I want to put those discussions to rest with respect to this new V8.

Oh, and maybe more clarity on the V8 break-in recommendations since the manual is not written clearly.

Lastly, where the heck is the coin holder! LOL
 
#31 · (Edited)
How about gas and oil....specifically:

(1) For the V8, I know that 87 is acceptable but 89 is preferred especially for better performance. My dealer specifically said to NOT use higher than 89 (say 91) since it burns hotter and could potentially cause engine damage (he probably meant over the long term).

(2) For the V8, when to do the first oil change (out of an abundance of caution) then what interval and if synthetics are worth it and if so what interval for synthetics (along with type).
I would ask these two questions above.
(1b) And from downunder we dont have the same octane fuels. here is what we have.
91, 95, 98 RON AU=
87, 91, 94 AKI US
Wich is the best to use since we dont have 89?

(2b) And on the oil I can't find in Australia synthetic 5w-20 oil
can I use fuchs 0w-20 in our warm climate.
 
#16 ·
Why did they chose to let hill decent control only function in low range? This is in disagreement with the owners manual and in disagreement with and engineers opinion that works for the company that makes the system.
 
#22 ·
Why can't I run synthetic 0w20 oil in my 5.7 Hemi?
 
#30 ·
Ditto on both points, plus will the glue be upgraded for the rear window where it is affixed to the hinges?

Too, Consumer Reports says today that they're only testing the Durango V8 now because, "The Durango V6 will get a new eight-speed automatic transmission sooner than later." Does this mean that the 8-speed may be coming sooner than we had expected for the GC, as well, and if so only for the V6?
http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/03/first-drive-video-2011-dodge-durango.html
 
#48 ·
No there is not, but there should be!
The WK2 is IMHO not as capable as the older WK in the sand. I have had both and do quite a bit of sand driving.
They really should find a way to completely disable the ESP/ESC. Especially the feature where it limits power when wheel spin is detected.

Do something about this!!! :mad:
 
#28 ·
What the maximum side slope angle?
 
#32 ·
Is there any way to disable the loud beep when opening the power lift gate without cutting any wires or any hardware? It is terrible at 5:00am. I know that is has the pressure sensor so there is no need for the extra feature if you want to disable it. Yes it is a safety feature, but so if the seat belt beep and you can turn that off if you wish. If there is a code can he give it to us, again like the seat belt code.
 
#33 ·
The option to have the Quadra Lift automatically drop into Park Mode as soon as you put into Park?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top