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

[atxatxatx]

Here's a copy of post 2190 on the Wrangler forum--same topic.

Concern is: Was the computer refreshed when the dealer did the steering gear change? The writer describes that his WASN'T. And this is how he knew:

" For those who didn't see an improvement or got worse after the new steering box, this might help:

SUMMARY: Dealer didn't update the steering pump software per the TSB, even though they said they did. To verify, get the specific "Options Report" printout from the dealership that shows either 5SY or 70F for the "Steering Pump & Gear Service Plan", don't trust the dealer service invoice that says they updated the software. Two different dealerships told me it was up to date, even my original steering gear replacement invoice said the software was updated, 3rd dealership showed me it WAS NOT updated on the "Options Report". All slop in the steering wheel is 100% gone after the 3rd dealership updated it to 70F. Finally drives like a Jeep now. I got suspicious because of lack of whining noise when the steering wheel is turned. The software update appears to increase the voltage on the steering pump, causing the whining sound (it isn't obnoxious, just an indicator the steering pump is on/active). In your case, you still might hear the whining noise with the old software, as some on other forums said they heard the whining noise before and after the software update. Point is, verify the software was updated via the options report print out, don't take their word for it.

DETAIL: It is very important to verify that they actually updated the steering pump software from 5SY to 70F via the Options Report not the dealer service invoice. In my case, the new cast iron steering box made some improvement, but not significant. Still had 2" of play, constantly correcting to keep it in lane. Very disappointed after seeing the success stories on this site. The dealership that replaced the steering box with the new cast iron version failed to update the EHPS (step 2 in TSB 08-074-20) and the steering pump software (steps 4 & 5) even though the invoice stated they updated the software. They also failed to replace the track bar for build dates before January 22 2019 (steps 12 & 13). After reading a few steering posts about a whining sound that people are hearing from the steering pump and I didn't hear any whining sound from mine, I started to wonder if they updated the software. I went back to the original dealer, they took it into the shop, said it was up to date. I went to another dealer, paid the hourly minimum charge, they too said it was up to date. I went to a 3rd dealership, and they hooked my JLU up to their service computer / DealerConnect and printed out an "Options Report" that the other two dealerships did not offer. It showed that the "Steering Pump and Gear Service Plan" was 5SY. F**KERS. I new the original dealership that replaced the steering box screwed up due to their attitude when I asked to verify. Note: See JD Powers surveys for the past 10+ years showing Jeep, Ram, Fiat dealers dead last in customer satisfaction. This third dealership updated to the correct steering box software, reprinted it, now it says 70F and ALL of the slop in steering is 100% gone. Point is, GET THE SPECIFIC PRINT OUT THAT SHOWS EITHER 5SY or 70F for the steering pump software. I did some research, but it looks like none of the menus in the radio will show this information. My only clue was the lack of a high pitched sound coming from the steering pump when the steering wheel is turned. You will need someone to turn your steering wheel back and forth while the JL is on and in park while you stand in front on the passenger side (right below the steering pump reservoir). I can now hear the whining sound from the steering pump, and ZERO slack in the steering wheel when driving at any speed."

Here's a link. Thanks to californiajeepn.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...-20-for-improved-steering-feel.56363/page-146

Interesting, thanks for sharing. I wonder if this software version can be read via Jscan ?

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[Freetime]

The good news is I took my Sport S in yesterday for the steering gear replacement. I checked today to see if they had finished the replacement and the necessary flashes. The bad news is they don't have the 4 new bolts needed for installing it. No telling when they will get the bolts. How does this continue to happen?

 

[jimbom]

The good news is I took my Sport S in yesterday for the steering gear replacement. I checked today to see if they had finished the replacement and the necessary flashes. The bad news is they don't have the 4 new bolts needed for installing it. No telling when they will get the bolts. How does this continue to happen?

And I assume they took everything apart before realizing they didn't have the right bolts?

 

[Freetime]

Your assumption is correct.

 

[jimbom]

Your assumption is correct.

 

[5JeepsAz]

So many efforts by consumers to rectify a safety issue...

Anyone know if a person or a machine determined which color dot?

 

[Hootbro]

The good news is I took my Sport S in yesterday for the steering gear replacement. I checked today to see if they had finished the replacement and the necessary flashes. The bad news is they don't have the 4 new bolts needed for installing it. No telling when they will get the bolts. How does this continue to happen?

It happens because there is a general malaise in the service industry to valuing a customers time.

No one will care that a job for others is done right other than you doing it yourself.

 

[Whatsamod]

Hello all,
Long time stalker, first time posting!

Trying to understand the process that everyone went through to get the gear changed.
When you made an appointment did they have you leave your vehicle for a week to diagnose?
Did you have to pay for an alignment?
Did they have to do the STAR tech process to bring in an engineer for the TSB?

Wondering if anyone else is having to go through the same stuff to get the work done when the TSB is so straight forward.

Any info would be great
Thanks
D

 

[booneja]

OK, great advice. After taking to another dealer (Palladium Jeep, Kanata) they were awesome. The service manager test drive my Ruby and he owns one, said he will order the parts and get it fixed. Offered me to bring back or a free rental, while I wait. Took the free rental as not driving much in covid anyways, and wanted to get fastest fix.
Parts took forever to get from US due to covid, but after 3+ weeks, they got them and they changed the whole steering box/gear and flashed the ECU.
Now steers exactly as it should, no wandering, no fatigue, just perfect!!

Southbank Dodge, where I bought it has lost a customer forever and Palladium has gained one. All my service and our next purchase for the Mrs too.
So happy this is finally over, wow.

Yeah, some of the Nations Capital dealers are only there to take your money and run, good to know that you found a dealer worth the trip. Talking from experience being an ex Kanata resident.

 

[Gezer]

Hey. I have been waiting until this plays out. I am getting used to dealing with it and it improved a little with bigger tires. Does the extra size and weight have a stabilizing effect? If this has been mentioned sorry about not searching. When I first got it I felt like I was tacking a sail boat. I guess some don't have the problem. Great to get the info on the forum. Have a good night.

 

[Freetime]

Update: I called to check on the missing bolts needed for my replacement steering gear instillation and the service advisor said 'you can come pick up your Gladiator'. He chased down the bolts and got it finished. What an improvement. The steering is tight and responsive, no more constant correcting for the wandering.

Kudos to the advisor and the service department.

 

[DaveL]

Hello all,
Long time stalker, first time posting!

Trying to understand the process that everyone went through to get the gear changed.
When you made an appointment did they have you leave your vehicle for a week to diagnose?
Did you have to pay for an alignment?
Did they have to do the STAR tech process to bring in an engineer for the TSB?

Wondering if anyone else is having to go through the same stuff to get the work done when the TSB is so straight forward.

Any info would be great
Thanks
D

Hi D

* had to complain for a year about the bad steering; complained on the day we picked it up.
* heard *it's a Jeep thing!* every service visit.

Things turned around when I PM'd 2JeepCares They referred me to FCA Jeep Canada Customer Care. I told the contact that the Jeep was unsafe.

I have great respect here for @JeepCares and FCA Jeep Canada Customer Care.

I had to go to another dealer; the FCA Jeep contact checked in regularly. Then it took a while to get parts. And in Canada the process requires a service visit to log the complaint AND THEN the recommendation of the Service Manager to perform the work in the TSB. I know that the TSB doesn't read that way. However, by being friendly and firm and understanding the steering gear was changed.

No it wasn't easy, until I contacted @JeepCares. Hat's off to them.

Dave

 

[PEI-Gladys]

Hello all,
Long time stalker, first time posting!

Trying to understand the process that everyone went through to get the gear changed.
When you made an appointment did they have you leave your vehicle for a week to diagnose?
Did you have to pay for an alignment?
Did they have to do the STAR tech process to bring in an engineer for the TSB?

Wondering if anyone else is having to go through the same stuff to get the work done when the TSB is so straight forward.

Any info would be great
Thanks
D

Hello D!

I'm in Canada and as in the US the experience is not consistent.
I had a great experience and is outlined at this link.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...oved-steering-feel.33705/page-131#post-611441

The TSB did not include the alignment when mine was done. But, afterwards, I did notice the steering wheel was a bit off centre. The TSB was then updated and included an alignment. Back to the dealer, I went and after dealing with the Service Manager and approval of the District Manager the dealer is doing the alignment under the TSB... Good Luck.. Cheers!

 

[TrainMan]

Hello all,
Long time stalker, first time posting!

Trying to understand the process that everyone went through to get the gear changed.
When you made an appointment did they have you leave your vehicle for a week to diagnose?
Did you have to pay for an alignment?
Did they have to do the STAR tech process to bring in an engineer for the TSB?

Wondering if anyone else is having to go through the same stuff to get the work done when the TSB is so straight forward.

Any info would be great
Thanks
D

Unfortunately it can be very different from dealer to dealer. Mine was pretty simple thank goodness. This is a simplified version of how it went.
I called up the dealer, told them my problem and I mentioned the TSB I found online. They scheduled an appointment for diagnosis.

On the appointment day (August 24th) I brought in a copy of the TSB. They drove it a bit. Came back after an hour and told me they would order the parts.

On August 27th the parts came in.

September 1st the repair was performed and took about 4 hours. Steering wheel was centered, and there was a very noticeable difference.

 

[Whatsamod]

Thank you for the replies!
I PM'd @JeepCares as suggested.
Nye auto group in Oneida NY even went as far to state that my "oversized tires" caused my alignment to go out and that the tires were put on wrong. My tires are the Rubicon factory tire...

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