New JT Gladiator Steering Issue TSB 08-074-20 (for "Improved Steering Feel")

[steve68]

I will call Napleton tomorrow, actually pretty close. These local dealers are tough, it reminds me of why I had to drive 2 hours to purchase mine. I'll just bring the TSB with me.

Walked in to Greenway yesterday talked to the service manager, he said you've been waiting for this, walked to the parts counter ordered the parts, said everything will be here Monday, they are doing the 14 day order spread,

Drop it Monday afternoon and we'll see, glad FCA manned up to fix this problem,

Sponsored

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Thank you.
Can you comment on 35" tires, 1.5" leaving kit and a Tazer being any issues when we take our trucks in for this?

My records are old enough the practice of quickly modifying aren't addresses.
HOWEVER, a dealer 30 minutes from me takes Sports, for example, and puts bigger tires and lift kits on before they are even sold - right on their new Jeep lot. So one could argue "dealers are doing it!"
Further, people with BONE STOCK, I mean not so much as a tire swap or inflation pressure change are seeing issues - proof that it's not the mod "causing" the steering issues.
Funny thing - mine was actually fine right out of the gate. Then I put Fox shocks (Rubicon take-offs) on it and Rubicon front springs, re-centered the steering wheel and the thing has even better feel when cornering - it's fighting trying to keep going straight. TOTALLY unexpected, maybe my IMAGINATION because I know I made a change, but the feel around tight freeway ramps and such is fantastic. (the Rubicon front springs raised mine roughly 1" in front and the Sport S max tow springs I put in the rear dropped the back end .5" (1/2") - which means a slight caster change.

 

[Willys2Gladiator]

My records are old enough the practice of quickly modifying aren't addresses.
HOWEVER, a dealer 30 minutes from me takes Sports, for example, and puts bigger tires and lift kits on before they are even sold - right on their new Jeep lot. So one could argue "dealers are doing it!"
Further, people with BONE STOCK, I mean not so much as a tire swap or inflation pressure change are seeing issues - proof that it's not the mod "causing" the steering issues.
Funny thing - mine was actually fine right out of the gate. Then I put Fox shocks (Rubicon take-offs) on it and Rubicon front springs, re-centered the steering wheel and the thing has even better feel when cornering - it's fighting trying to keep going straight. TOTALLY unexpected, maybe my IMAGINATION because I know I made a change, but the feel around tight freeway ramps and such is fantastic. (the Rubicon front springs raised mine roughly 1" in front and the Sport S max tow springs I put in the rear dropped the back end .5" (1/2") - which means a slight caster change.

Thanks for the reply. Will the Tazer be an issue with a software upgrade performed?

It's needed to recalibrate for the tires.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Thanks for the reply. Will the Tazer be an issue with a software upgrade performed?

It's needed to recalibrate for the tires.

Recalibrate then remove it when you go to the dealer, etc.
The local dealer I mentioned- they sell those things. IF they install the tires, they make the change, if you install the tires, they'll sell you the device.
You simply remove the device. Worst case - upgrade changes things back to default for your vehicle, and you change it back. Make note of what you change, I keep notes like crazy (ADHD, can't even remember my own phone number at times - luckily I don't forget my wife's birthday!)

 

[Willys2Gladiator]

Recalibrate then remove it when you go to the dealer, etc.
The local dealer I mentioned- they sell those things. IF they install the tires, they make the change, if you install the tires, they'll sell you the device.
You simply remove the device. Worst case - upgrade changes things back to default for your vehicle, and you change it back. Make note of what you change, I keep notes like crazy (ADHD, can't even remember my own phone number at times - luckily I don't forget my wife's birthday!)

Good plan. Will remove Tazer. Do you know it it can just be unplugged and removed or do I need to do something first in it's functions.

 

[basicGlad]

Since this has now been made official - it's hard to see how any dealership can ignore a customer. I'm sure some will - but you can get bigger guns involved now.

my dealership service dept is giving me a lot of pushback saying it has to be a recall associated with my Vin when I asked for just the software update, reason given steering is bad.

they were not happy I had a TSB and wanted to know how I got it (I just said everyone with a steering problem has it). I want to know how they haven't heard of it with how much free time they have.

I work on cell towers and the first 10-15 minutes of every shift I'm mandated to read news and updates on policy changes, changes to technical documents and updates to know issues. Cannot start until completely up to speed, everyday

 

[LoJac963]

my dealership service dept is giving me a lot of pushback saying it has to be a recall associated with my Vin when I asked for just the software update, reason given steering is bad.

they were not happy I had a TSB and wanted to know how I got it (I just said everyone with a steering problem has it). I want to know how they haven't heard of it with how much free time they have.

I work on cell towers and the first 10-15 minutes of every shift I'm mandated to read news and updates on policy changes, changes to technical documents and updates to know issues. Cannot start until completely up to speed, everyday

I've had that same response in the past with other vehicles when I've walked in with a printed TSB. The look on their faces are priceless. I am going to try and take the nice route and hopefully my local dealership won't give me a hard time with a lift and 37s......

 

[steve68]

Don't call Napleton Jeep in Kissimmee. A bunch of clowns, impossible to get service department on the phone. How do you get Jeep service in Orlando, any luck? Uff, not used to this coming from Porsche where the service is solid.

I had a cop following me for 3 miles the other night because the fkn gladiator wanders from side to side. Really want to get this fixed.

I posted about Greenway, Travis, service manager, walk in, phone service at dealerships suck! bad suck!!! phone people are worthless,

 

[steve68]

We can help with W12. Send us a PM with your VIN and dealer name.

Kaitlin
Jeep Cares

wow you guys @JeepCares actually showed in this thread, help some of theses people out, you know the ones with combative service people who want to make this difficult for a new vehicle owner!

 

[basicGlad]

I'm completely stock. I was going to buy the synergy brace in October//November before it starts snowing.

 

[DLAW]

When something like this happens where a statement is issued and fix is approved to be made without cost to owner, do you think that automatically means that the new JTs being made on the line will already have the fix?

 

[MrZappo]

When something like this happens where a statement is issued and fix is approved to be made without cost to owner, do you think that automatically means that the new JTs being made on the line will already have the fix?

Mine was built in July. Just confirmed that it is the old part number.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

my dealership service dept is giving me a lot of pushback saying it has to be a recall associated with my Vin when I asked for just the software update, reason given steering is bad.

they were not happy I had a TSB and wanted to know how I got it (I just said everyone with a steering problem has it). I want to know how they haven't heard of it with how much free time they have.

I work on cell towers and the first 10-15 minutes of every shift I'm mandated to read news and updates on policy changes, changes to technical documents and updates to know issues. Cannot start until completely up to speed, everyday

They haven't heard of it because their management doesn't mandate education, keeping up and mandatory reading tech documents as they come out. Someone gets those - and likely shoves the message aside and the rest of the "crew" doesn't bother looking.
If they had an issue with you being armed with information, they have some "problems" - attitude-wise. My service writer guy was actually impressed with my background and knowledge- didn't seem to be threatened by it at all. Your dealership should be pleased to not have to deal with people who barely know what a steering wheel even is.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

When something like this happens where a statement is issued and fix is approved to be made without cost to owner, do you think that automatically means that the new JTs being made on the line will already have the fix?

In the past that's exactly what it meant (in most cases, anyway). There were exceptions when the issue was a very small percentage of vehicles made - example - issue = exhaust leak "tick-tick-tick" sound due to exhaust manifold being loose. Bolts working loose allowing 1 or more cylinders to leak exhaust out between head and manifold.
Fix = bolts rolled with hole in center about 2/3 up through the center of the length of the bolt.
Dealers were instructed that if a customer complained of the tick-tick and it was found to be exhaust manifold bolts not holding torque, to use these new bolts and replace the exhaust manifold to head bolts and torque to spec.
Did the factory start using those bolts right away? Nope - next model year got 'em.

Issue = charging system issues, blown diodes, blown voltage regulators.
Factory researched the issue and found it was due to dealership shop techs using battery powered timing lights, etc. and disconnecting them with the engine running. The resulting spike- even for a fraction of a second, was enough to cause electronics failure.
The fix - capacitors placed on the alternator output and the choke output terminal of the alternator to absorb any spikes resulting from the techs disconnecting powered test equipment.
Yes, the factory immediately started using alternators equipped with capacitors at the output terminals.

 

[basicGlad]

If they had an issue with you being armed with information, they have some "problems" - attitude-wise. Your dealership should be pleased to not have to deal with people who barely know what a steering wheel even is.

What does a service writer even do? Paper work, billing? Everytime I walk in they're just sitting up to computers and there's never a queue//line.

Sponsored