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Check Engine - DEF problems

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170K views 267 replies 86 participants last post by  John Jeep  
I am going to sit down with service manager today and get the actual codes and explanation of what they want to do. I have already decided that I am not going to let them touch my engine. I will get codes and explanations and post here. BTW - the car is running fine. MPG is anywhere from 22/24 city to 29-30. Smooth shifting and acceleration. MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) is on constantly. I did on a recent long distance trip get a 200 mile shutdown message briefly displayed on the console. It abated and I had no problem.
My converter was replaced about 3 or 4 weeks ago. My current mileage is just over 10 K and recently completed a road trip from OKC to Taos. Ran great at 70 to 75 mph, getting 28 to 29 mpg. Also, worked like a charm off road on rocks & mud. This is why I bought it; hope it keeps up.
 
The new TSB corrects algorithms in the ECM related to emissions but...it doesn't "fix" a bad Catalytic Converter. I suspect the prior algorithm actual damages the Cat. Mine had to be replaced.

In gas engines, a poorly tuned fuel system due to a failed sensor can kill a Catalytic Converter. Its the #1 cause of cat failure. I suspect our diesels are somewhat the same. Too much EGR, overly rich conditions during regen, incorrect DEF dosage...could cause failure and I suspect they have made adjustments in the latest TSB.

I would advise getting the TSB as soon as possible.
I've had my converter replaced earlier this month. The JGC runs fine with no alerts, but perhaps I should have this done as well?
 
Go back and get the ECU flash. It wasn't available until this week. I need to get mine done also...we all do. Every diesel GC gets it under warranty.
I just picked up my GC diesel from the dealer after oil + filter change, visor recall, DEF refill & 2 TSBs. I specifically showed the service tech the reference to the TSB dated 10/17. After returning home and reviewing the repair statement, I was surprised to find they performed 2 TSBs; one for the DEF Kit Tie (actually, they had to order the Kit) and the other for HVAC software. I wonder if 18-018-14 does not apply to my vin #, or if I should have reported some ongoing problem concerning the Check Engine display? This had been a frequent problem, but not since the converter was replaced.
 
I am a current '12 Dodge Durango R/T owner. I lemon lawed the first one due to transmission failure at 400 miles.

I am seriously looking at the GC diesel for mpg and towing capacity. The two new GC diesels I've test drove had yellow check engine lights on. Reading this thread tells me I should start to look elsewhere. The only other SUV's that can tow over 5000lbs is the tahoe/Yukon or expedition, but those are too big imo.

Asking all of you with your own GC diesel problems, do you still recommend it?
It is possible, even quite likely, that what you read here is not a fair sampling of opinion concerning the GC diesel. On most of these various vehicle websites you tend to get complaints and concerns. In my experience, the only exception seems to be the Corvette forums.

Back to your question, I have had about 4 or 5 occurrences of "check engine" displays. After several software updates & a new converter, at least for now(?), the problem seems to be remedied. At this time, I am very pleased and relieved. It took awhile to get to this point. I believe that the diesel is a good engine. However, I also believe that Jeep released the GC EcoDiesel prematurely and without adequate field testing. I purchased the first one available in my area. If I had it to do over, knowing what I now know, I'd have waited for the '15's, hoping that Jeep would have the "fix" in place. In summary, finally after many frustrating stops and starts, I am very pleased with the GC Ecodiesel.
 
Well, I made it to the dealer with 5 miles left on message. After 2 days in shop I spoke with Service Manager and he told me that the Cat Converter is bad (they don't have a way of checking it!) and had to order it. Its on BackOrder with no release date!! What do I do now?? Is there anyway to see how long that B/O will take?? Cant they bypass CPU and let me drive it till it arrives?? What options do you think I have?? Any help with this would greatly be appreciated. Thanks,….
As previously posted, my experience was quite similar to yours. It started with a check engine alert and a TBS update, later another alert before going into "limp home" mode resulting in the dealership service clearing the def system, then a couple of more check engine alerts, more TBS upgrades and finally a new converter. For the last 2,000+ miles, no problems. I did contact Jeep national customer assistance about midway through this process. I'm not sure, but they may have obtained my converter more quickly via an "emergency" priority. I do not know if my new converter is one of the updated one's; I guess time will tell. Right now, I really like this car. Good luck with yours.
 
You must report a symptom that a TSB addresses to have it applied unless it is classified as an RRT. Then it is required. Some dealers will provide the reason for you and apply all TSBs just to keep you updated and generate billable shop time. I consider those techs as the good guys.

The latest ECM TSB is emissions related and an "RRT" which means ALL diesels get it. They should have applied it since it was in the shop. Maybe they misread the bulletin.
Just checked with the dealership, apparently my VIN # is not included in this TSB.
 
Looks like there are multiple forum threads on this topic now. I was posting here: http://www.dieseljeeps.com/threads/ecodiesel-check-engine-light.1097/page-2#post-4910

The CEL on my 2014 JGC Overland came on at about 19k. Got new cat and DEF module installed after a 3 week wait, and have had no problems in almost 4k miles. Supposedly it is a redesigned cat, so I'm hopeful that I don't see any more problems. I am concerned about the 8 year emissions warranty because I'd like to keep this vehicle for the long term, and I'm told the warranty does not reset when a new cat is installed. I leased it because I was unsure about the emissions system reliability, so if problems continue I will hand it back to them and pay whatever I owe in mileage. And even if I have no more problems, I might be too spooked to keep it anyway. Which is a shame, because it is an amazing engine with great towing power and MPG. Who knows...maybe they have it figured out with this new cat. Time will tell.
I have not posted in awhile largely because every thing works on my '14 JGC, now. I purchased one of the first diesels in Oklahoma. Clearly, the dealer and Jeep were not well prepared for the release of this newest JGC with the diesel engine. I first began having trouble with the CEL around 4 K miles. After numerous software updates, my JGC was also probably among the earliest to receive a replacement converter. The car has since worked flawlessly with about 16 K now on it, that includes highway miles, off-road and puttering around. I must admit that during the period of uncertainty, before the converter solution, I had significant doubts about my purchase, the dealership, service department and corporate Jeep, etc. Looking back, in actuality, each individual I spoke to was really doing all they knew to do. Though, at the time, I was not so charitable. Oh, I did get the extended warranty.
 
As most of you know, DEF fluid is highly sensitive. It has to be stored at a certain temperature and it has an expiration date. Not knowing these facts, I called my local Jeep dealer Service department and they said I could buy DE from any auto parts store. I took their word for it since the manual doesn't say anything about using only MOPAWR brand fluid.

I filled the tank about halftone and it ran about 500 miles without issue. I bought more PEAK brand DEF filling the tank about 3/4 full. After about a week, I got an error saying "Bad DEF Fluid, see dealer immediately." Apparently if the fluid is bad, the car won't restart after a couple hundred miles.

Turns out the message was misleading and there was nothing wrong. The car just had to be driven for about 50 miles to cycle through and clear the message. Given the sensitivity of the fluid and the potential thousands in dollars in damages bad fluid can cause, I'll be going to the dealer to have them top it off. It's just not worth saving $100 or whatever and take the chance of causing a larger proble,m.

I hope that helps.
Like you, I prefer to let the dealer take care of all the maintenance. I do so with all my vehicles, even my tractor, at least until the warranty has expired. With the JGC I purchased the extended warranty & oil change package as a precaution. Once that expires, I'll take care of almost everything myself. I have wondered if the def issues also fall under the drivetrain coverage?
 
Change your mind again. The diesel is awesome. There was a problem with the Catalytic Converter. All new models get the new one and all existing models get upgraded as soon as a problem appears. I think most of the issues have been related to bad dealer service. I've had 2 great dealers and have 18 months and 32,000 miles on my GC diesel and think it's the best vehicle I've ever owned.... By far.
I agree wholeheartedly, but I do acknowledge the frustrations, including my own, of the first wave of owners who had to fumble through the Jeep maze of confusion before the fix was found.
 
I bought my GC in Feb 2014 from an out of town dealer. The day I picked it up, it was signaling a Re-Gen message, so before signing the docs, we drove it probably 45 miles on the highway before the light went off and I signed the docs. I was told at the time it was because the GC had been on the lot and had been turned on every day to idle and that it needed to be driven. Reasonable explanation... I should not have been so naive.

I then drove 120 miles home and two days later it was in the shop needing to be cleaned. This was done for free.

In the last 2 years, I have had several Re-Gen messages, but 30-60 minutes of highway driving tends to get the message cleared. But, I have not had a 100% clogged message again... until this week.

I have had a check engine light on that I took in to the shop and got a "we did an update on your power module" and you are good to go. If the light comes on again, we may need to replace the catalyst. Well, 10 miles later, the check engine light is on, on a Friday. By Sunday, with less than 20 more miles on the Jeep, I have the Electronic Throttle Control activated, and that 100% clogged light on with zero warning.

It's now in the shop needing a new catalyst at 33,350 miles.

1) When does this become a forced recall item?
2) When does this become a part/system that has been actually fixed, not just replaced.

And for those who have been asking, my dealer just told me that the warranty on the catalyst should be part of the exhaust system that goes to 80,000 miles. I don't want to think that way, but it does appear that we are all in this together.
Your experience is painfully shared by many of us. See my post, http://www.dieseljeeps.com/threads/how-many-have-had-to-replace-their-original-converters-twice. Since my last converter, which was the updated converter, I believe, hope, I am done with this issue. And, still like the car, very much!