G'day

[Hookie]

G'day everyone. Thought I'd better introduce myself as I expect I'll be here a bit.
Just bought my 4th jeep, 3rd Grand Cherokee. When I lived in the states I had a 99 Laredo 4.0, an 05 Limited 4.7, and an 11 Cherokee Limted Jet.

Moved home to Oz a while back and just over a week ago bought a 2012 GC Overland with 150k on it, but full service history and in immaculate condition.

Well, got about 400km from the Sydney dealer on the way home, took an offramp for a break, and the SERV 4WD and TSC off lights came on. They stayed on for a few cycles but have since turned off and just left the engine light on. Research suggests it could cost anything from a loose wire to a complete transfer case replacement. Have it booked in at my local jeep dealer this Thursday, dealer paying of course.
Then this Saturday just gone, decided to take it for some errands close to home, ETC light came on and stayed on for several cycles. Still on now and car is in limp mode.

I had great experiences with my other GCs, and I know these ones have a reputation, but I found a lot of happy owners online, and this one seems to have been well looked after, so I decided to take a gamble. In my opinion there are no other vehicles that straddle the gap between real 4WD and comfortable daily driver like a GC.

Now I'm terrified that I've bought a money pit. I'm really hoping the mechanic doesn't just clear the codes and hand it back to me this week, and that the dealer doesn't try to push me off until the statutory 3 months is up.

Even if they do get everything taken care of, it's going to take a long time for this car to earn my trust. Shame, because it's amazing to drive when it works.

I'll update when I get some feedback from the jeep mechanic.

Cheers.

[Hookie]

Originally Posted by Farwest

My left nut says its the TCM.... $400ish from ALL GRAND CHEROKEE in Springvale Vic....unplug n plug in...simplez

I hope you're right! My googling says either TCM, actuator motor, or the TC itself. TCM would definitely be the best possible outcome.

[Hookie]

Originally Posted by Farwest

I tried EVERYTHING that cost as little as possible first....it came to battery or module...replaced the battery first (now have a spare...if you get my meaning)....then the module (TCM)....BINGO !!!.....from forums worldwide...dealerships were replacing solenoids, transfercases,actuator clutches..etc etc etc...at HUGE costs to owners....STAY AWAY from Dealerships...the guy in Springvale is a WIZARD....and stocks parts....WILL NOT RIP YOU OFF.....thats my kinda business to deal with....was directed to him by owners on this Site...HIGHEST praise....diagnosis over the phone !....only a handful can do that !....ENJOY !!!!

Thanks for the tip! When I lived in the states I had an Audi A8 for a while and discovered that an hour's drive away was one of the biggest Audi parts suppliers in the country, that place was a goldmine!