2013 GC Overland - Shuddering and head replacement
 

Hi everyone - I’m brand new here and am having an issue with my Grand Cherokee Overland 2013 (diesel) that I’m hoping you might be able to help me with.

It has been a brilliant car and I absolutely love it, however it recently started shuddering first at high speeds and then more recently at lower speeds and even on idle.

We took the car to the dealership mechanic (where it had always been serviced and always on time) and they told me there was ‘something wrong with the heads, they would have to check with head office at Jeep Australia to find out more and let me know’. Two weeks later I get a call saying that due to excessive carbon build up the heads of the vehicle need to be replaced.

They advised that Jeep Australia are willing to cover 50% of the materials, which would leave us with a bill of approximately $8,000!!! To have the problem fixed.

The car has done 145,000 kms, however has always been well looked after. I don’t feel like I am being unreasonable in wondering why in earth a car this age should have a problem like this? And that would need to have the entire heads replaced?

Has anyone else had experience with this issue? Is there are cheaper alternative to have the problem fixed? Or do you think should we be pressuring Jeep to cover the full cost of the parts?

Any advice you have would be amazing!

Thanks
Tash

The problem you are experiencing sounds similar to this:
http://www.wk2jeeps.com/tsb/tsb_wk2_0900615a.pdf

I'd be asking Jeep to check their records to see if this TSB has been done on your vehicle.

This may also be worth trying:
https://www.liqui-moly.com.au/produc...intake-decarb/

Cheers

Ask the dealership mechanic how he determined that it was the cylinder head valve carbon build up problem.!!Did they put a camera into the chambers ,inlet ports etc.?If no they are basically admitting they are aware its the TSB as listed. by TR Laredo.Plenty of info if googled on this problem.There appears to be no kilometer cut off point at which FCA will not replace heads..The TSB states cylinder heads should be replaced FOC .If FCA are offering to pay 50% of material cost,they are basically admitting liability.Go direct to FCA and lodge a complaint.Do not let the dealer start work untill a resolution is in writing.!!The main thing is to log all calls ,people spoken to,,time ,date etc.and get as much information as possible.Might pay to ring Richard at JeepsRus in Coffs Harbour. He is a very experienced ex Jeep dealer mechanic may have more info on this TSB. There are treatments that purport to remove these deposits as mentioned Liquid Moly ,CEM etc.Use as a last resort .There are also companies who specialise in carbon removal in intakes etc