[themajor]

Hi Everyone,

I am thinking of pulling the trigger on buying a new JGC Overland 4x4 Overland EcoDiesel but having some second thoughts as I read some of the issues relating to the 2014 model on the various Jeep forums. Specifically, it seems that are a few problem areas with the new 2014:

- Transmission
- Water Pump
- Uconnect
- Instrument panel
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Climate control

I was hoping to get some feedback on what folks have experienced with respect to any of the foregoing items and hopefully some answers to the questions below.

1. It looks like many of the transmission related complaints are from V6 JGC owners. Is the EcoDiesel transmission a different ZF unit than the ones in the V6? When I test drove the EcoDiesel, the transmission seemed to shift very smoothly. I recall the window sticker said the transmission was made in Germany.

2. Is the water pump on the EcoDiesel the same unit as the one on the V6? Any issues folks have had with the water pump?

3. Are the Uconnect issues (blank screen, missing buttons, incorrect GPS location) fixed? Some folks reported getting new head units but it seemed that the primary issues were software related? Why so many issues when Chrysler has this in so many different vehicles?

4. The instrument panel blacking out/freezing and/or lighting up with all of the warning lights seems to be occurring to more than just a few people? Has Jeep addressed/solved this problem?

5. RKE - It seems this feature is susceptible to wifi and other interference? Is this a real problem and has anyone who has experienced this had the dealer diagnose and fix the issue?

6. Lastly, some folks seem to be complaining that the climate control system operates only at extremes - super hot or super cold. Has anyone experienced this?

I realize that forum postings often only reflect the issues/problems folks are having but when more than a few posters are having the same problems, it definitely raises some questions in my mind.

I very much want to buy a fuel-efficient American made SUV. We currently have two Chevrolet Volts (made in Detroit, just like the JGC) but my wife needs an SUV to carpool and cart around our growing kids and their belongings. The JGC EcDiesel seems like a great fit for us but the last thing I want to do is to spend $50k on a truck that has to make regular, unscheduled visits to the dealer. Even though our first Volt was one of the first thousand made, it has been bullet proof in terms of reliability (other than two recall related service visits). Our second one has also been stellar. We were definitely apprehensive buying the Volt given all of the new technology but neither Volt has let us down.

It is surprising to me that the JGC is having issues with items like that are fairly basic like the instrument panel and RKE.

If we did go ahead and pull the trigger, was thinking that we might order one from the factory in order to make sure we get the latest updates/build and maybe spring for the lifetime max care. The one we test drove was nice, but noticed some panel misalignment, a missing plastic cover around the front "ACC/collision" sensor, a few random bolts lying around the cabin and a missing "EcoDiesel" badge on the tailgate. Just seems like these things should not be happening given how sophisticated all manufacturers have become in terms of QC.

Would definitely appreciate feedback and suggestions and thanks in advance!

 

[MDBones]

I have a 2014 with the gas V6 and about 6200 miles on it so far. In the order you asked...

1. I've never had any problem with the transmission. One of the smoothest shifting I've ever owned. The gas V6 uses a lighter duty ZF transmission. The diesel and the Hemi V8 use the heavy duty one.

2. I've never had any problem with the water pump. I doubt the water pumps are the same. Two completely different engines with different cooling requirements.

3. I've never had any UConnect issues. Screen startup is a little slow on -20F mornings, but who/what wouldn't be? The dealer performed a software update on my first oil change. I think they said it was for the radio.

4. I had the issue with multiple indicator lights and warning messages popping up. There was a recall for a limited number of early builds to tighten a loose ground strap. Had that done and no problems since.

5. Any transmitting type of key fob is susceptible to wifi and other RFI. It's not a problem unique to the Grand Cherokee. I remember on my 2002 that Chrysler had issued a TSB regarding those Mobil Speedpass keychain transmitters used at the gas pump creating an interference with that model year's key fob. I don't know if there's a particular fix for this.

6. I've read a couple of complaints about the HVAC blowing too hot or cold. Never experienced it myself. I had an issue once where the HVAC blower fan wouldn't come on for me on auto or by adjusting it manually. The fix? I shut the vehicle off and restarted it. With the electronic bus architecture in use today that's a pretty common cure for electronic hiccups. On the GC, I've been told that shutting the vehicle off, getting out and locking/unlocking the driver's door is like the master switch for resetting the system... just like rebooting a computer.

I love mine, and it isn't even a diesel.

 

[themajor]

Thanks MDBones, appreciate the feedback and glad that your experience with the JGC has been a positive one. I did inquire with my local dealer as to how long it would take to order one from the factory. Still haven't heard back.

 

[Casper]

Hi Everyone,

I am thinking of pulling the trigger on buying a new JGC Overland 4x4 Overland EcoDiesel but having some second thoughts as I read some of the issues relating to the 2014 model on the various Jeep forums. Specifically, it seems that are a few problem areas with the new 2014:

- Transmission
- Water Pump
- Uconnect
- Instrument panel
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Climate control

I was hoping to get some feedback on what folks have experienced with respect to any of the foregoing items and hopefully some answers to the questions below.

1. It looks like many of the transmission related complaints are from V6 JGC owners. Is the EcoDiesel transmission a different ZF unit than the ones in the V6? When I test drove the EcoDiesel, the transmission seemed to shift very smoothly. I recall the window sticker said the transmission was made in Germany.

2. Is the water pump on the EcoDiesel the same unit as the one on the V6? Any issues folks have had with the water pump?

3. Are the Uconnect issues (blank screen, missing buttons, incorrect GPS location) fixed? Some folks reported getting new head units but it seemed that the primary issues were software related? Why so many issues when Chrysler has this in so many different vehicles?

4. The instrument panel blacking out/freezing and/or lighting up with all of the warning lights seems to be occurring to more than just a few people? Has Jeep addressed/solved this problem?

5. RKE - It seems this feature is susceptible to wifi and other interference? Is this a real problem and has anyone who has experienced this had the dealer diagnose and fix the issue?

6. Lastly, some folks seem to be complaining that the climate control system operates only at extremes - super hot or super cold. Has anyone experienced this?

I realize that forum postings often only reflect the issues/problems folks are having but when more than a few posters are having the same problems, it definitely raises some questions in my mind.

I very much want to buy a fuel-efficient American made SUV. We currently have two Chevrolet Volts (made in Detroit, just like the JGC) but my wife needs an SUV to carpool and cart around our growing kids and their belongings. The JGC EcDiesel seems like a great fit for us but the last thing I want to do is to spend $50k on a truck that has to make regular, unscheduled visits to the dealer. Even though our first Volt was one of the first thousand made, it has been bullet proof in terms of reliability (other than two recall related service visits). Our second one has also been stellar. We were definitely apprehensive buying the Volt given all of the new technology but neither Volt has let us down.

It is surprising to me that the JGC is having issues with items like that are fairly basic like the instrument panel and RKE.

If we did go ahead and pull the trigger, was thinking that we might order one from the factory in order to make sure we get the latest updates/build and maybe spring for the lifetime max care. The one we test drove was nice, but noticed some panel misalignment, a missing plastic cover around the front "ACC/collision" sensor, a few random bolts lying around the cabin and a missing "EcoDiesel" badge on the tailgate. Just seems like these things should not be happening given how sophisticated all manufacturers have become in terms of QC.

Would definitely appreciate feedback and suggestions and thanks in advance!

We have very strong lemon laws here in Mass. So I'm not to worried. But why diesel? Under the conditions you describe a v6 would be more than adequate .... Basically the same vehicle without the "uncertainty" of the diesel. For me it's about the towing..... But I love my Limited..... And I'm not clear what the other options might be. I don't expect perfection but for 40 thou I purchased a vehicle I can tow my trailer across the Rockies with or just take my grandkids out for ice cream. I'm happy with my choice. Would you be? Don't know.

 

[Casper]

When I signed for mine after waiting 7 weeks for delivery the business manager tried to sell me various maintenance programs. The only one I was interested in was the life time.. When he tried to process it it was a no go. The conclution was that it was not available for the diesel. Perhaps this has changed in the last two months. I wouldn't mind knowing if that is the case.

 

[Jeff5280]

I have had my Limited since 1/1/14. 4000 miles now. Haven't had any of the issues you mentioned. I bought it because I have always wanted a diesel and I do a lot of road miles. All in all I like the 3.0L GC. Jeep's done a lot correctly at least for me. On the negative side: The diesel stinks a bit. Not horrible but noticeable. I notice this in the cabin at low speeds, like in a parking lot. The engine is a bit noisy when cold. Mine sits outside here in the rocky mtn's so it does get cold. You have a DEF tank to maintain. No big deal but you have to do it. The price of the first oil change was a bit of a shock. I wanted to do this at the dealer so there would be no questions if a warranty issue came up. $207.00! The engine holds 8 quarts of a special synthetic oil made for diesels. It's price is in the ball park as compared to other synthetic oils for gas engines but holds 2 to 3 quarts more than my other cars. The filter was $55.00 at the dealer. The local parts store and my near by oil change place don't have the filter and special oil yet. Found both on Amazon for a lower price and worked out a deal at the local oil change place for the next change. These are the differences that I have worked with.

The transmission shifts very well. The 8 speeds and the power of the diesel work well here in the mtn's. The tranny is made by ZF. Interesting read over on their web site. The HP8 that Jeep uses is available in at least 3 power packages depending on the torque of the engine. As in the other post the Jeep V6 gas motor gets the "45" version, the diesel and the Hemi get the "70" version and Rolls-Royce gets the "90" version for their V-12.

Hope this helps.

 

[dwilliam62]

Hi Everyone,

I am thinking of pulling the trigger on buying a new JGC Overland 4x4 Overland EcoDiesel but having some second thoughts as I read some of the issues relating to the 2014 model on the various Jeep forums. Specifically, it seems that are a few problem areas with the new 2014:

- Transmission
- Water Pump
- Uconnect
- Instrument panel
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Climate control

I've put about 3400 miles on my EcoDiesel and have not had any of the issues you've asked about. The heavy duty ZF transmission has been fantastic in all weather and conditions so far this winter. If your duties are going to be light, you might find the v6 more economical overall. I really love the Diesel, it pulls like the V8 but uses gas like a V4. But I occasionally tow and drive allot of highway miles so I opted for the Diesel. For me it was Hemi V8 or Diesel.

If you do get the Diesel, then besides the DEF fluid, and more expensive oil changes, don't forget to add anti-gel to your gas if your Winters get really cold. So there is a little more to think about with the Diesel.

 

[Bogeyman2B]

We have the 2014 Diesel JGC Diesel with about 2600 miles on it.
Really like the fuel economy for local driving (26 MPG).
We tow a 28' RV travel trailer weighing about 6000 pounds...averaging well over 15 MPG with lots of torque!
Very pleased with this vehicle. No issues at this time.
The purchase included 4 free oil changes...so that should save about $200 each change???
It also came with 1 year free XM, including live weather and traffic.

 

[themajor]

Well, thanks for your input everyone. Just ordered a 4x4 Limited EcoDiesel today - should arrive in April!

 

[Mpgtow]

We have the 2014 Diesel JGC Diesel with about 2600 miles on it.
Really like the fuel economy for local driving (26 MPG).
We tow a 28' RV travel trailer weighing about 6000 pounds...averaging well over 15 MPG with lots of torque!
Very pleased with this vehicle. No issues at this time.
The purchase included 4 free oil changes...so that should save about $200 each change???
It also came with 1 year free XM, including live weather and traffic.

Bogey,
Are you using a weight distribution hitch?
I have a 3400 lb (empty weight), 22' rv trailer and wondering if I need one. I do have a single curt sway attachment.
Likely tongue weight will not exceed 400lbs.
Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[Bogeyman2B]

Posted a response on another thread that has morphed from brake controller to pics of our new rig.
Yes on weight distribution bars and anti sway bar.
We moved it from our other truck and trailer setup.
Here is a pic of our JGC Overland Diesel 4x4.
(sorry no detail pics of the hitch setup, yet. Dropped the ball height to allow for the driving height of our jeep and forgot about the forum request for details)

 

[AZFoxes]

My JGC Limited Diesel is spanking new so I don't have much to add except the dealer that I bought it from included free maintenance for life. I can get this done at any of their dealer locations, and there are many. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, lubes, other fluids, etc... I was good with it but now I am ecstatic finding out the price of an oil change.

 

[Bogeyman2B]

Hope you got that in writing...awesome!
LOF and 8 gallons of DEF will easily exceed $200.
The oil filter alone lists for $60

 

[Snowbird]

We've driven our Summit Diesel for one month and 2,700 miles. No issues or problems that were inquired about on this thread, or any other. Perfect so far. 26.7 mpg shows and that's not been reset since build. Enjoy your new EcoDiesel!