EcoDiesel Help!

[Wolf Island Diver]

I’ve read the thread and pretty much all the pros and cons have been discussed. The only point I would like to make has to do with tuning. There is no question the ecodiesel power plant is detuned from the factory. I am currently running the Green Diesel Engineering tune in my ‘21 JTRD and am very impressed. I continue to run all of my emissions equipment without any issues and I have logged 63+k miles. The is no question that the stock ecodiesel provides a better driving experience than the gas model. Installing a GDE tune has made a better driving experience a great driving experience.

So the Jeep Gladiator is a very good platform to build on the diesel just makes it better.

Do you have engine braking enabled on the GDE tune? I’ve heard that’s an option. I’d pay $$$ just for that alone. That’s my one criticism of this engine (not that the Pentastar is necessarily better) but the ecodiesel off road seems to have zero engine braking. I down shift and all it does is accelerate downhill as the rpms spool up. The 4.0 was the champ of engine braking. Like driving a Kubota tractor.

Sponsored

 

[MMXXII]

2022 JTRD all stock CA
Had driven both. The 3.6 is definitely lighter and faster when turning the wheel than the diesel at slow speed, but much lighter than a full size Duramax. Not sure what extra 500lbs does in the slick stuff up and down hills?

The diesel felt so much better merging with traffic and getting up to highway speeds. The torque helps.

Factory suspension is a joke off-road I always find the bump stops on a trip. Hopefully fixed with the 23.

Have had issue with the DEF pump that failed on a 700mi trip. Drove it straight through without shutting down. No dealers opened for repair on a Sunday. Was able to maintain 70-75 unless going up hill in limp mode. 25-45 on the steeper grades. Jeep replaced all exhaust parts under warranty. Wish I lived closer to Canada for off-road emissions parts.

Now I need the recall done at 10k miles, but still running.

The engine has an interesting cricket chirp noise when cold and at lower speeds. Kinda reminds me of an old air cooled VW.

I love the way it drives in the mountains and forest roads. I also enjoy fuel mileage. No major Rocky 4x4 trips yet, but I always bring the inreach to contact the better half, the boss and Jeep cares.

No derates yet in 115degree temps. Or when towing a small enclosed trailer with the motorcycle and camping gear. Temps do run high though.

 

[Stuntman Mike]

In principle, I am not really a Diesel fan.

And if I could have got a naturally aspirated engine with a comparable torque in the Gladiator, which would have about 6 Litres, that would be most likely my preferred choice.

But after 7000 miles I have to say that the Eco Diesel is fantastic.
The fuel economy is just amazing, it fits perfectly to the ZF8 speed gearbox.
And, in my case, towing 4000 lbs you even are not recognize that you are towing something.

So even with the risk of high repair costs in the future I would select it again.
Which is just hypothetical because it is not available any more ...

 

[porsharman]

Do you have engine braking enabled on the GDE tune? I’ve heard that’s an option. I’d pay $$$ just for that alone. That’s my one criticism of this engine (not that the Pentastar is necessarily better) but the ecodiesel off road seems to have zero engine braking. I down shift and all it does is accelerate downhill as the rpms spool up. The 4.0 was the champ of engine braking. Like driving a Kubota tractor.

You are correct. Engine exhaust braking is available but I opted for regen notification. As far as off road engine braking you must turn off all the factory nannies and use two feet then it becomes a tractor ?

Sponsored