Chrysler- Fiat,Waiting .waiting waiting for parts

[kritip]

Hi,

First time poster

My 3.6 Wrangler Sport JK 2 door had a power steering fail at 7,800km. It's intermittent, but worse at slow speeds and an awful whine above 2,500rpm.

Took it to John Hughes for it's 6 month service and repair under warranty.

They did the service but stated a new pump was needed and would be 6-8 weeks before it arrived.

The dealer suggested I continue to drive with intermittent power steering and not to worry if the pump bearing failed and threw the belt out as I had Jeep Road Side Assist!!!

He said all I could do was call Jeep Australia, which I tried but they are closed for the weekend.

Certainly not gonna keep driving it, as it's dangerous. Not looking forward to 2 months of waiting, with rego ticking by and depreciation, loan interest etc. for something I can't use.

I did read a few grumbles about jeep part availability but was blissfully ignorant it would happen to me!

I'm also dreading that there may be another issue like the power steering gearbox....I'd hate for them to replace the pump and still need more parts!

[timbotrog]

Go back to them and tell them to order the part VOR, (Vehicle Off Road), as it cannot be driven safely.
It should then be 10-12 working days max for it to arrive.

[kritip]

Cheers for the tip! I think the service is open tomorrow morning so shall give them a call

[bjm]

Hi Kritip,As I started this thread I can sympathize with your predicament.I found in the end VORs mean nothing .!!!still had to wait 4-5 weeks for a front cv driveshaft for WH.In the end for another part I handed the dealer a letter of demand to fix the vehicle in 14 days or legal action would be instigated.Things went into overdrive then.I also found that even though the dealer had said he put a VOR on the items when I rang Jeep customer service there was no record of it.I found being nice did not work,!!Tell the dealer you need the vehicle for work or business.Read the Aus consumer laws and you will see that makers are meant to stock a reasonable range of parts.Most do not.Keep a record of all out of pocket expenses etc if things get worse.If you ring the dealer send them a backup email also as a record.As the vehicle has only done 8000klms tell them to take a pump off another vehicle.If its going to take 8 weeks you are entitled legally to source another pump yourself and FC would have to pay the bill.Even when vehicle is under warranty.I wish you luck !!!PS Both the NRMA and Fairtrading here in NSW are fully aware of FCs woeful parts inventory.However they also said to me Nissan is a close second with all makes now seeming to have to go outside Oz for many parts.

[kritip]

Sounds like it could be a nightmare. I tried the dealer this morning, but the service department is closed. Roll on monday.

Cheers for all the info guys. When/if I finally get it resolved I'll post my results.

[Theozwalrus]

I also have had issues with FC and what can only be described as piss poor inventory levels. Our JKU was awaiting the relay for the thermo fan that controlled the two speed settings required. I was told up to four weeks for the part to be delivered from the USA. I asked for the actual part number and found that the same part is used in no less than 56 different CJD and fiat models around the world as well as some GM vehicles as well. I contacted FC in Melbourne and gave them a serve to no real benefit. I called the dealer and told them I could have one delivered here in less than a week for less than 100 usd. The dealer managed to source one in around two weeks and FC were lucky I was preoccupied with my wife who was seriously ill in hospital at the time otherwise they would have been talking to me daily. The customer service from FC is nothing short of pathetic and unfortunately we will be selling our Jeep and not going back to FC brands again. Just to clarify we are changing a few things in our life and not unhappy with the JKU at all but the after sales service, piss poor parts availability and extremely doubtful skills of the dealer mechanics to diagnose/fix anything but the most basic issues have frustrated us to the point of no return.

[drover]

Hands up all those who get their service carried out by a dealer ?????...............how many have warranty problems....sounds like many.

Hands up those who never go near a dealer ??????............how many have warranty problems.............don't hear of many at all.

Dump the Jeep just make sure you don't buy a brand that is serviced by the same dealer...........................