US investigating 781K Jeeps over underhood fire reports (Wrangler & Gladiator) -- power steering pump electrical connector issue

[MrBones]

You cannot go by NEC ampacity for automotive installations. See attached chart for SAE application. While I don’t agree with it (I’m a EE with 50+ years power plant and refinery design under my belt) that’s what auto makers are using. #8 is good for 150 A up to 300 cm (10 feet) for 12V applications.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f3/85/77/f385778e57f47c1d99fa9096969cb188.png

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[legacy_etu]

Is not that the whole purpose of using an electric pump, to only power the pump when steering force is called for?

I thought it was for mileage improvements. I think the elimination of the drag on the engine from the pulley and a belt powering a pump all the time vs. an electronic pump .

 

[rharr]

I thought it was for mileage improvements. I think the elimination of the drag on the engine from the pulley and a belt powering a pump all the time vs. an electronic pump .

Yes that is the theory for quest of greater MPG.

 

[biodiesel]

Interestingly, I don't hear of this being an issue on the Ram trucks that use the same engine(s) and electronic pump. What is unique about the Jeep?

 

[RHINO79]

Can someone post a picture of the wires in question?

 

[Hootbro]

9 incidents out of 781,459 vehicles...

That is 9 people that bothered to fill out a NHTSA report. Does not mean it is only 9 instances.

 

[WILDHOBO]

You cannot go by NEC ampacity for automotive installations. See attached chart for SAE application. While I don’t agree with it (I’m a EE with 50+ years power plant and refinery design under my belt) that’s what auto makers are using. #8 is good for 150 A up to 300 cm (10 feet) for 12V applications.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f3/85/77/f385778e57f47c1d99fa9096969cb188.png

Outstanding. Thanks very much.

 

[RHINO79]

Can it happen when things are cold? Or should a guy disconnect the battery and wait for more info?

 

[MrBones]

Outstanding. Thanks very much.

Glad to be of help.

 

[rharr]

Can it happen when things are cold? Or should a guy disconnect the battery and wait for more info?

you will be waiting for along time. I would just take a peak at the pump and wires to see if anything looks fishy or if you don't feel comfortable doing it and need a piece of mind go find a private shop and ask them to look at the area for a hourly rate.

 

[LouisvEarlleJT]

you will be waiting for along time. I would just take a peak at the pump and wires to see if anything looks fishy or if you don't feel comfortable doing it and need a piece of mind go find a private shop and ask them to look at the area for a hourly rate.

Assuming I’m looking at the right wires, they’re not too hard to see. If you kind of crane your neck over the passenger headlight and look near the bottom of the pump there is a large connector with a big red and big black wire going into it.

 

[Rocksalt]

Interestingly, I don't hear of this being an issue on the Ram trucks that use the same engine(s) and electronic pump. What is unique about the Jeep?

and why does it not apply to 2020 Gladiators?

 

[Hootbro]

and why does it not apply to 2020 Gladiators?

Or for that matter, Wranglers back to 2018?

There has to have been some manufacturing change of either the install method, parts used and/or material spec.

 

[wachuko]

Can someone post a picture of the wires in question?

Check the first post. There is a video that shows it.

 

[FloridaAussie]

No word of a recall?

https://www.mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/recalls/search.html

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