2014 Grand Cherokee Diesel driveline issue

[chooke]

So, after 8 years and 90k km of ownership my GC has now developed its first major issue. It is hard to describe, sort of a thump when taking off or reversing from standstill or under say 10 km/h, like there is slack in the drivetrain which is then taken up with a jolt. There is no mechanical noise as such but you really feel the jolt(s). It also sometimes does this in succession (rather than a once off) when taking off from standstill.

It started about a month ago and progressively got worse, now doing it almost all the time unless I feather the acceleration or, strangely, doing a turn. I was hoping to keep going for a while as the next service is not due until July but at this rate I may need to take it in for assessment sooner.

Anyone have any ideas of what the issue is? It sounds expensive.

[Baxter]

Try changing the transfer case oil, mine starts doing this every 40-50k, change the oil and all good again

[chooke]

Thanks, I'll give that a go.

[chooke]

So the independent workshop had a look today and said Jeep threw a fault code P201D00 and said he will get back to me with the cost/availability of the part tomorrow.

Now this worries me, that fault code relates to intake manifold swirl valve - the same fault code which the Jeep dealer that serviced my car over a year ago said I had and wanted me to buy a new intake manifold. I actually took the Jeep to the independent a few months ago for a service and a second opinion on the fault code (which did not show up at that service, so thought it was just the Jeep dealer trying it on)

The thing is, even if the swirl valve actuator is sticky (not an uncommon issue with the diesels) it doesn't explain the driveline issues. I discussed this with the independent and he tried to say well that is the only fault code there is (implying that it is the issue).

So I politely asked if he drove the car to experience the driveline issues and he said his head mechanic drove it and could not replicate the problem - while it is not beyond the realms of possibility that it has now disappeared, it has been doing that every day for over a month!

I'll see what the independent comes back with tomorrow...

[Troutman]

It's a bit like turning up with a flat tyre but your mechanic wants to replace the cracked windscreen instead. You know your car best mate, insist they address the fault you know exists or find someone who will.

[spoondog]

I drive a Hilux at work and it often throws fault codes and, when it does the transmission really seems to thump into gear and clunks through the gear changes like it has a major driveline issue. But as soon as you clear the code it goes back to driving normal. (Well Hilux normal) The only reason I can think of for this is so you don't keep driving with the code up and head straight to the dealer. Perhaps the Jeep does the same thing? Does it drive OK once the code is cleared? Assuming it stays cleared.

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[spoondog]

Just re-read your post re. the mechanic not being able to replicate the problem, it sounds like once he cleared the code it was all good. It could be programmed that way like the Hilux.

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