Diesel Jeep Forum banner

Check Engine - DEF problems

170K views 267 replies 86 participants last post by  John Jeep  
FYI - Chrysler re-released the CAT replacement TSB yesterday (9/24) as 18-064-15. Same replacement part number for the CAT, but no testing of the DEF injectors or tank as with the procedure in 18-045-14. Also, it is now officially an RRT (15-093). So at least that's some more formal acknowledgement that it is an issue that likely affects all 2014s. Not a full blown recall, but you should be able to get a replacement quicker without haggling with the dealer. Probably worth having them check your VIN for eligibility next time you're in the shop.
 

Attachments

When dealers replace the cat converter, they are supposed to check the whole DEF system as well : http://www.wk2jeeps.com/tsb/tsb_wk2_1804514.pdf

I would print this and take it to the dealer and insist they performed this procedure. May not prevent all subsequent issues, but should help. The DEF system seems to have problems if it is run for a while with a bad Cat, which certainly happened with me (I waited over 80 days for a replacement). Also, I think there is a TSB to flash some of the software that throws the wrong DEF message. I would not pay for DEF repairs if you used fluid meeting the Chrysler spec.
 
So what DEF do you use now?
I got the dealer to fill it up at about 6000 miles since they didn't do it at delivery, so I haven't had to do it yet myself. Some have used Peak without issues. Some pay the extra and buy Mopar from the dealer. Some just fill up using the bulk tank at truck stops. As long as it meets the ISO 22241 spec, you should be good to go.
 
Is your dealership in the Houston area? Sounds like mine. They have replaced sensor, fuel pump, converter and numerous other things this time it lasted a whole 8 weeks before needing to head back to the mothership. This will be the sixth time and over 45 days in the shop. I am over it can you say lemon law !
No I am in the Washington DC area. They finally replaced the Cat last week and 350 miles later, no MIL. Seems to be running fine. I want to get a lot more on it before trust it. If I start my summer road trips and have something happen....
 
I recently put Peak DEF in because it was running low, the next morning I got the "Wrong DEF, See dealer" message. Peak certain meets the requirements but I'm wondering if the temp. has anything to do with the crystallization that people are talking about. The Peak box states that it needs to be stored at 12F-86F and its clearly been colder than that when I put it in and got the message.
I think there was a TSB to flash some software that took care of this issue. Its possible your software needs to be updated so the warning message doesn't come on. I haven't tried filling it myself personally yet, but I am going to next time I have to. Dealer wanted an outrageous sum to do it last time. If I get the message, I will take the empty box and receipt down there.

One word of caution though: if anything, and I mean anything, gets in that tank besides the fluid, it will slowly crystallize and clog the pump, hoses or something else. Some dealers don't seem to want to cover those repairs under warranty and they quickly get into the thousands of dollars as the entire system has to be replaced. I would use a clean funnel that you only use for DEF and be sure to clean the area around it carefully before and after removing the cap and filling the tank. Just my two cents...
 
Lindsay Chrysler Jeep in Manassas. Gee, can't say if any better...
Good to know. Thanks!

Ourisman's service manager e-mailed me back last night. Said there was no excuse for using the wrong oil and that I was correct in that the oil used does not meet the specification for the engine. Still unclear if this means I will have problems later on or if my cat needs to be replaced because of it. Oh well. I feel like they should compensate me in some way for this annoyance. They also finally have the additional parts they need to finish swapping the Cat out. I have some hope they can finally get this resolved when I take it back in...maybe...

Chrysler Customer Care also called me back and seem to be willing to reimburse me for the first DEF fill up since it was not done at the dealer. They initially said it can be done but costs additional money. I said that would be like them giving me a car with only half the oil in it. DEF is required to operate the engine. The gas tank, washer fluid, etc. was full, why not the DEF? I'd really like to get that money back and hopefully in the future use some of the cheaper alternatives and not pay for labor costs for the dealer to do it.

I guess some of this should be expected as an "early adopter". Still, frustrating to drop 45 large on a vehicle, have these issues and then have tell the dealer's own service techs how to maintain it.
 
Yes, appears this dealer is "extra" incompetent. Also had some trouble at a northern va dealer but finally resolved. My cat has been replaced.
Running ok but mileage has dropped down since replacement. Not sure of cause...

I have owned many vehicles and all brand new purchases. Never purchased an extended warranty. However, For very first time, I've purchased an extended warranty - for this vehicle! Purchased last night, on line with 15k miles on jeep!
What dealer did you go to? I've been going to Ourisman in Alexandria. I know there are a few in the area though. I think I finally found a service adviser there who may know what he's doing, but that doesn't mean the service techs do. I e-mailed the service manager yesterday with my concerns and am waiting to hear back. I may make Chrysler Customer Care have it thoroughly inspected by a separate dealer at their expense however just to be sure.
 
Looks like you have found a 'grossly incompetent dealer'. Since you leased it- it shouldn't be problem (with Chrysler's or your attorney's intervention) to get a replacement.
I think your issues are '90% dealer caused' and they should be 'called out on the carpet' by Chrysler! The whole DEF situation should be eventually solved, though - especially when this engine and DEF systems are big sellers in the Ram pickup line and also offered in their small delivery van.
Yeah I assume that logically speaking from a business perspective, they want to get it right and it appears people want to buy the diesels based on sales so far. Perhaps its because I have an early build (I got it Jan 27 2014) that I am having more issues than most and as more people get them, the dealers will get more people to work on them. My dealer also sells Dodges in the same building, so between the two brands, I am sure I am not the only guy going in there with an oil burner. Even the service tech sort of sighed heavily when I said "seems like Jeep is having quite a few problems with these Diesels". He sorta admitted it's been out of control.

But as I say, I just don't know how I feel about this thing in the longer term. What happens after my warranty wears out? What is the longevity/reliability of this whole SCR/DEF system? How costly will it be to maintain? Is the engine designed to work with such a system in the long term? What is the longevity/reliability of the engine with such a system?

I shoulda thought about this diesel a lot more before I bought it. I guess I will just have to wait to see what they say when they call me.
 
Well apparently my dealer's service tech could not get the particulate and O2 sensors to separate from the Cat. As a result, he is ordering a new sensor kit and put the old Cat back on until it arrives. Thankfully I can still drive it until it comes in. This is a never ending saga. Anyone else had this problem?
Update: Since bringing it back to the dealer will be the 4th trip for this issue for me, I e-mailed Chrysler Customer Care on Saturday threatening a lemon law complaint as a result of this issue. I was going to try and let the dealer work through it but when I realized I am also out $130 bucks to fill a DEF tank they should have filled on delivery and they apparently used the wrong oil in my engine during one of the oil changes a few months back, I am getting concerned.

I am losing confidence that this vehicle will ever perform as designed. As some have said, the engine seems to be fine. It's this stupid EPA exhaust nonsense that is the problem. Even if they get it worked out now, the thing is so sensitive that owners will probably be dealing with DEF system issues as long as they own it. I am a little scared that once the warranty ends, the $2-$3k bills people have been talking about will be on me down the road. And the last thing I want is the engine to turn off and leave me stranded somewhere because the exhaust system isn't working absolutely perfectly.

The sad thing is that I want the diesel and the Jeep to work. Its the best looking and most versatile mid-priced SUV on the market today. I have no idea what I would possibly want instead of it in a comparable price range. I just don't know if I can trust it (or the people who work on them) to keep it running anymore. I may just try and get Chrysler to take it back and get me a 3.6L Overland. I'm just not sure what my options are since I leased it. I did so because dropping $45k on a Jeep which has a brand new engine, transmission, exhaust system and half a dozen other things was asking for trouble (I was right!) and wanted to be rid of it in 3 years if things went south. I just figured it would take a little more time than this for that to happen. Has anyone had any success with Chrysler in a similar scenario?
 
Well apparently my dealer's service tech could not get the particulate and O2 sensors to separate from the Cat. As a result, he is ordering a new sensor kit and put the old Cat back on until it arrives. Thankfully I can still drive it until it comes in. This is a never ending saga. Anyone else had this problem?
 
Hey everyone. New here, first post. Thanks for all of the information from everyone. After 70 days of waiting, my new Cat arrived today. Dealer is installing it now. There is a service bulletin (18-045-14) they are supposed to follow when they get it which includes updating it to the new PCM software version (I think we are up to "E" now...), checking the DEF system for pressure, crystallization, contamination, etc. and replacing the Cat itself. That should fix all the possible problems causing the P20EE code). Dealer said he should have it done within the day. Hopefully this will be the end of this ordeal. Thankfully I skipped the up and back like some and they went straight to the replacing the Cat. Just wish it didn't have to take 70 days to get a new one... I will update after I get it back and test it a bit.