LOST JEEPS :: View topic - Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremlins"?

I might be speaking out of turn as I have a low mileage (under 50K) 05 but there a modest number of obvious issues, some CRD specific/some KJ specific/some modern vehicle specific, that one can get ahead of so to speak so in reverse order:

Modern vehicles
1. heavily computer dependent hence very sensitive to battery "health" - keep vehicle supplied with a good battery with adequate CCA.
2. also depend on solid electrical connections - if you off road in wet areas the diaelectric grease on electric fittings is your friend
3. drive line joints - pay attention to "U" joints and torn CV joint boots and such - same as on any vehicle

KJ
1. sorry window regulator plastic part - Steiger Performance fixes
2. suspension bushings front and rear - if you drive hard/off road probably need better.
3. shocks and springs - same as above
4. transmission - 545RFE is a long time standard DCJ tranny so problems on KJ should be no different than on other vehicles EXCEPT torque convertor and possibly front pump.

CRD
1. really same for any vehicle - pay attention to OEM specs on ALL fluids - don't mix things like HOAT antifreeze with "universal" antifreeze.
2. pay attention to fluid change intervals - particularly on oil, IMHO ca. 6K miles is far enough to go for an oil and filter change;
3. upgrade to 2n gen fuel filter head
4. upgrade to Samco or equivalent turbo/intercooler hoses
5. keep eye on air box to turbo hose (ck at oil changes) for bottom tear in front of turbo
6. take steps to reduce soot in oil - ideally something like GDE ecotune
7. pay attention to tranny torque convertor - if not pressed hard it should last but if replaced go with a stronger unit like the Euro or SunCoast and when in there deal with front pump and/or put in Transgo kit
8. keep eye on alternator clutch

And while you are at it remember it's not a hot rod and it's not a Renegade/Wrangler so don't treat it like one.

Only problem with computers and electrical is the fact that the problem could be anywhere.

bentstrider83 wrote:

Only problem with computers and electrical is the fact that the problem could be anywhere.

THE PROBLEM WITH SCOTLAND, IS THAT IT'S FULL OF SCOTS!

:-)r

I always believed that people who do not like cars drive Toyotas and Hondas because they are not cars they are appliances.
I will delete that later today.

uuummmhh

Well I drove mine off the dealers lot with 2 miles on it - and I'm now over 120K

can't say it's been troublefree - but neither were my Toyota's

and it's a long way from having 'bugs' and 'gremlins'

if you maintain them - and fix the EGR - most of the rest works.

the caveat that you always need to remember is that the folks who are posting on a forum - are the ones who have problems and go looking for solutions.
Even a few hundred active LOST members are a fraction of the CRD's sold, there are people who haven't had any issues.

I don't know where you live, but head out west to New Mexico, Arizona, or
California. Still lots of rust free, running cars with V8 engines and
curburators out there.

the caveat that you always need to remember is that the folks who are posting on a forum - are the ones who have problems and go looking for solutions.
Even a few hundred active LOST members are a fraction of the CRD's sold, there are people who haven't had any issues.

Quote:

X3 on the above - I have 3 of these vehicles. My first one was the "test bed" and I have modded and driven the crap out of it. When I got one for my wife and then one for my son I put in lift pumps, EHM, and ORM. They have each put over 40k miles on their vehicles with no more problems than any other car that I've owned (batteries, brakes, fluid changes, etc.). I have replaced 6 out of the 12 window regulators but that's a job that I can now do in under 30 minutes so I doesn't even phase me any more. I am in the process of putting in a new torque converter and shift kit in mine but I have a hard time keeping my foot off the go pedal and I take it off road whenever I can find the time so I kinda had that coming. GDE tunes will be coming in the next few months. Unfortunately all three a quickly approaching 100k so I'm in for some expense with timing belts, water pumps, etc.

So in summary; I think ATXKJ nailed it. I come on here to find solutions to problems typically or just to see what others are up to. Don't think that because some are having problems that it will eventually happen to you. It may or it may not. Take good care of it and it should take good care of you.

the caveat that you always need to remember is that the folks who are posting on a forum - are the ones who have problems and go looking for solutions.

Author:	bentstrider83 [ Tue May 28, 2013 8:28 am ]
Post subject:	Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremlins"?
Seeing as how I'm pretty much locked into paying off this vehicle and not wanting to pay more money for a trade-in, I've decided to stay with it for as long as possible. That being said, I've already mentioned the troubles with my transmission and the past griefs I've had with other vehicles. After reading up on the countless issues that seem to pop up here, I was just wondering if there's anyone here that has finally reached a point to where the maladies on the CRD Liberty have been vanquished. That is, we could get by with the routine preventatives and scheduled maintenance that owners of other, so-called "reliable" vehicles deal with? I'll honestly say this vehicle's been a test on my sanity and social standing, but all-in-all, just another lesson learned. For what it's worth, I was never much of "car person" and intended to be "car-free" as a permanent thing. I figured if I had to have a vehicle, something in the vein of "different" had to suffice. Bit off more than I could chew I suspect.

Author:	tech57 [ Tue May 28, 2013 9:07 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
Mine had 107,xxx miles on it when purchased December 2012. The ignition switch broke first week so I had it towed to service facility for repair. During that service visit I had every fluid changed to establish a solid maintenance base line. Rear brakes were repaced at the same time due to sticking calipers. (I couldn't believe how inexpensive rear brake calipers were. I'm serious!) The following week I ordered and installed a GDE Eco Tune. Cooling system thermostat was malfunctioning the day I bought the CRD with temperature gauge reading 1/4 scale when fully warm so I made that repair in February 2013. My CRD is approaching 117k miles, about 10,000 miles in 5 months, and was purchased as a work vehicle. The body integrity is absolutely solid without any rattles or squeaks. Everything works. Installed new shocks and tires to make it feel like a new vehicle. Replaced the factory radio with a Kenwood HD unit for Bluetooth hands free phone and audio connectivity. I even replaced the key with fob to complete the "feels like new"' experience. With the GDE tune fuel economy is 23 mpg around town and as high as 32 mpg on highway flowing with traffic 70+++ mph. Many on the forum have more experience with the Liberty CRD; however I believe mine is a good one and plan to keep it for years.

Author:	papaindigo [ Tue May 28, 2013 10:29 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
I might be speaking out of turn as I have a low mileage (under 50K) 05 but there a modest number of obvious issues, some CRD specific/some KJ specific/some modern vehicle specific, that one can get ahead of so to speak so in reverse order: Modern vehicles 1. heavily computer dependent hence very sensitive to battery "health" - keep vehicle supplied with a good battery with adequate CCA. 2. also depend on solid electrical connections - if you off road in wet areas the diaelectric grease on electric fittings is your friend 3. drive line joints - pay attention to "U" joints and torn CV joint boots and such - same as on any vehicle KJ 1. sorry window regulator plastic part - Steiger Performance fixes 2. suspension bushings front and rear - if you drive hard/off road probably need better. 3. shocks and springs - same as above 4. transmission - 545RFE is a long time standard DCJ tranny so problems on KJ should be no different than on other vehicles EXCEPT torque convertor and possibly front pump. CRD 1. really same for any vehicle - pay attention to OEM specs on ALL fluids - don't mix things like HOAT antifreeze with "universal" antifreeze. 2. pay attention to fluid change intervals - particularly on oil, IMHO ca. 6K miles is far enough to go for an oil and filter change; 3. upgrade to 2n gen fuel filter head 4. upgrade to Samco or equivalent turbo/intercooler hoses 5. keep eye on air box to turbo hose (ck at oil changes) for bottom tear in front of turbo 6. take steps to reduce soot in oil - ideally something like GDE ecotune 7. pay attention to tranny torque convertor - if not pressed hard it should last but if replaced go with a stronger unit like the Euro or SunCoast and when in there deal with front pump and/or put in Transgo kit 8. keep eye on alternator clutch And while you are at it remember it's not a hot rod and it's not a Renegade/Wrangler so don't treat it like one.

Author:	bentstrider83 [ Tue May 28, 2013 5:08 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
papaindigo wrote: I might be speaking out of turn as I have a low mileage (under 50K) 05 but there a modest number of obvious issues, some CRD specific/some KJ specific/some modern vehicle specific, that one can get ahead of so to speak so in reverse order: Modern vehicles 1. heavily computer dependent hence very sensitive to battery "health" - keep vehicle supplied with a good battery with adequate CCA. 2. also depend on solid electrical connections - if you off road in wet areas the diaelectric grease on electric fittings is your friend 3. drive line joints - pay attention to "U" joints and torn CV joint boots and such - same as on any vehicle KJ 1. sorry window regulator plastic part - Steiger Performance fixes 2. suspension bushings front and rear - if you drive hard/off road probably need better. 3. shocks and springs - same as above 4. transmission - 545RFE is a long time standard DCJ tranny so problems on KJ should be no different than on other vehicles EXCEPT torque convertor and possibly front pump. CRD 1. really same for any vehicle - pay attention to OEM specs on ALL fluids - don't mix things like HOAT antifreeze with "universal" antifreeze. 2. pay attention to fluid change intervals - particularly on oil, IMHO ca. 6K miles is far enough to go for an oil and filter change; 3. upgrade to 2n gen fuel filter head 4. upgrade to Samco or equivalent turbo/intercooler hoses 5. keep eye on air box to turbo hose (ck at oil changes) for bottom tear in front of turbo 6. take steps to reduce soot in oil - ideally something like GDE ecotune 7. pay attention to tranny torque convertor - if not pressed hard it should last but if replaced go with a stronger unit like the Euro or SunCoast and when in there deal with front pump and/or put in Transgo kit 8. keep eye on alternator clutch And while you are at it remember it's not a hot rod and it's not a Renegade/Wrangler so don't treat it like one. The steps for the transmission are definitely helpful. It almost sounds like with this list, the entire vehicle has to be revamped from the wires on up. Only problem with computers and electrical is the fact that the problem could be anywhere.

Author:	Hexus [ Tue May 28, 2013 6:12 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
bentstrider83 wrote: Only problem with computers and electrical is the fact that the problem could be anywhere. THE PROBLEM WITH SCOTLAND, IS THAT IT'S FULL OF SCOTS!

LOST JEEPS http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/

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Author:	flash7210 [ Tue May 28, 2013 6:27 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
Some of the bugs I have fixed: 1. Disabled EGR valve using the SEGR kit. 2. Installed a lift pump to fix air in fuel problem. 3. Installed transgo shift kit. 4. Installed Moog heavy duty ball joints. 5. Two months ago at 117K miles, my fuel heater finally burned up creating a leak. I removed the fuel heater plug and filled it with RTV. No more leaks. Next on my list of bugs to fix is the transmission pump and torque converter. Right now they ain't broke so I am in no hurry. Everything else is just normal maintenance or just wait until it breaks.

Author:	Austerity [ Tue May 28, 2013 9:46 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
Hexus wrote: bentstrider83 wrote: Only problem with computers and electrical is the fact that the problem could be anywhere. THE PROBLEM WITH SCOTLAND, IS THAT IT'S FULL OF SCOTS! Uhmmmmmm

Author:	TJ2 [ Wed May 29, 2013 5:59 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
I've bought mine about 3 years ago. As a long time auto forum rover, I came directly to this board. I did the noob mods immediately. I got a GDE tune within couple weeks of purchase. Currently, my review mirror motor isn't functioning. I had a blown 15 amp mini fuse to the ASD (auto shutdown relay) the first year. Otherwise, with a tune and the suggested mods, I've had zero problems. I'm at 105k miles. I don't tow. But I do go out on the terrain as in 50 to 100 miles to the nearest paved road. Had two trips to Death Valley this spring. I go to the four corners area alone often. I've never worried about being stranded. . . and I never have been. It's interesting about these vehicles. Some seem to hold together, and some are a POS with constant minor and occasional dire problems. good luck

Author:	Greasey Bob [ Wed May 29, 2013 7:37 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
I always believed that people who do not like cars drive Toyotas and Hondas because they are not cars they are appliances.

Author:	bentstrider83 [ Wed May 29, 2013 5:12 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
Greasey Bob wrote: I always believed that people who do not like cars drive Toyotas and Hondas because they are not cars they are appliances. I will delete that later today. After my aforementioned woes with the Lib, I've been told that I should've gotten one of those if I didn't want a monster truck.

Author:	ATXKJ [ Wed May 29, 2013 8:47 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
uuummmhh Well I drove mine off the dealers lot with 2 miles on it - and I'm now over 120K can't say it's been troublefree - but neither were my Toyota's and it's a long way from having 'bugs' and 'gremlins' if you maintain them - and fix the EGR - most of the rest works. the caveat that you always need to remember is that the folks who are posting on a forum - are the ones who have problems and go looking for solutions. Even a few hundred active LOST members are a fraction of the CRD's sold, there are people who haven't had any issues.

Author:	ChesterCRD [ Wed May 29, 2013 10:11 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
ATXKJ wrote: uuummmhh Well I drove mine off the dealers lot with 2 miles on it - and I'm now over 120K can't say it's been troublefree - but neither were my Toyota's and it's a long way from having 'bugs' and 'gremlins' if you maintain them - and fix the EGR - most of the rest works. the caveat that you always need to remember is that the folks who are posting on a forum - are the ones who have problems and go looking for solutions. Even a few hundred active LOST members are a fraction of the CRD's sold, there are people who haven't had any issues. X2. Still my daily driver and working well.

Author:	bentstrider83 [ Thu May 30, 2013 8:57 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
ATXKJ wrote: uuummmhh Well I drove mine off the dealers lot with 2 miles on it - and I'm now over 120K can't say it's been troublefree - but neither were my Toyota's and it's a long way from having 'bugs' and 'gremlins' if you maintain them - and fix the EGR - most of the rest works. the caveat that you always need to remember is that the folks who are posting on a forum - are the ones who have problems and go looking for solutions. Even a few hundred active LOST members are a fraction of the CRD's sold, there are people who haven't had any issues. Wish it was just strictly mechanical things that had to be maintained. With the endless amount of computer tech integrated into most modern vehicles, "maintaining" becomes a rather difficult task with many questions. It's not like checking fluids, filters, and solid parts for wear and tear. Now one has to have an array of electrical and computer related testing equipment just to pinpoint which sensor isn't interacting with what. Whomever decided integrating computers with mechanical was such a good idea ought to take a flying leap if they haven't already.

Author:	flash7210 [ Thu May 30, 2013 10:11 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
I don't know where you live, but head out west to New Mexico, Arizona, or California. Still lots of rust free, running cars with V8 engines and curburators out there.

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Author:	bentstrider83 [ Sun Jun 02, 2013 4:40 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
flash7210 wrote: I don't know where you live, but head out west to New Mexico, Arizona, or California. Still lots of rust free, running cars with V8 engines and curburators out there. Cost about as much as I got the Lib for too. That and apartment living doesn't afford me the luxury of multiple vehicles.

Author:	mrkake [ Sun Jun 02, 2013 6:16 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
Quote: the caveat that you always need to remember is that the folks who are posting on a forum - are the ones who have problems and go looking for solutions. Even a few hundred active LOST members are a fraction of the CRD's sold, there are people who haven't had any issues. X3 on the above - I have 3 of these vehicles. My first one was the "test bed" and I have modded and driven the crap out of it. When I got one for my wife and then one for my son I put in lift pumps, EHM, and ORM. They have each put over 40k miles on their vehicles with no more problems than any other car that I've owned (batteries, brakes, fluid changes, etc.). I have replaced 6 out of the 12 window regulators but that's a job that I can now do in under 30 minutes so I doesn't even phase me any more. I am in the process of putting in a new torque converter and shift kit in mine but I have a hard time keeping my foot off the go pedal and I take it off road whenever I can find the time so I kinda had that coming. GDE tunes will be coming in the next few months. Unfortunately all three a quickly approaching 100k so I'm in for some expense with timing belts, water pumps, etc. So in summary; I think ATXKJ nailed it. I come on here to find solutions to problems typically or just to see what others are up to. Don't think that because some are having problems that it will eventually happen to you. It may or it may not. Take good care of it and it should take good care of you.

Author:	bentstrider83 [ Mon Jun 03, 2013 7:05 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
mrkake wrote: Quote: the caveat that you always need to remember is that the folks who are posting on a forum - are the ones who have problems and go looking for solutions. Even a few hundred active LOST members are a fraction of the CRD's sold, there are people who haven't had any issues. X3 on the above - I have 3 of these vehicles. My first one was the "test bed" and I have modded and driven the crap out of it. When I got one for my wife and then one for my son I put in lift pumps, EHM, and ORM. They have each put over 40k miles on their vehicles with no more problems than any other car that I've owned (batteries, brakes, fluid changes, etc.). I have replaced 6 out of the 12 window regulators but that's a job that I can now do in under 30 minutes so I doesn't even phase me any more. I am in the process of putting in a new torque converter and shift kit in mine but I have a hard time keeping my foot off the go pedal and I take it off road whenever I can find the time so I kinda had that coming. GDE tunes will be coming in the next few months. Unfortunately all three a quickly approaching 100k so I'm in for some expense with timing belts, water pumps, etc. So in summary; I think ATXKJ nailed it. I come on here to find solutions to problems typically or just to see what others are up to. Don't think that because some are having problems that it will eventually happen to you. It may or it may not. Take good care of it and it should take good care of you. I'm still feeling frustrated due to no one really having time to help me out and the vehicle not being here at the moment. The AAMCO in CA made a big deal about the MAF sensor being unplugged and getting all condescending about it. They tell me later it had nothing to do with the transmission and now it's some unspecified electrical bug. Since I'm basically untrustworthy of anything in CA, I may just up and get the Liberty put on a car hauler back over here. Tried to go about renting a pickup and tow-trailer, but apart from astronomical mileage fee UHaul, no dice(and I have a friggin CDL!! ). Still making payments on it and I'm not giving up on it. Love/hate for this vehicle, about as close to a relationship/GF/Marriage as I'll ever get To stem the tide until it's fixed though, I'll probably be checking out a cheap motorcycle as an intermediate distance vehicle.

Author:	thermorex [ Mon Jun 03, 2013 8:40 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
ATXKJ wrote: the caveat that you always need to remember is that the folks who are posting on a forum - are the ones who have problems and go looking for solutions. Very true. Usually you hear more bads than goods. As a side note, I remember a friend got a crd with 195k+, all stock, and he had to remove the intake elbow, it was so much soot in there that the car wouldn't start... so I bet very many crds reach high miles (probably mostly highway) even as stock.

Author:	black dog [ Tue Jun 04, 2013 7:27 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
I don't post much but I'm at 130k (purchased @ 30k) and relatively minor issues.crd specific issues where 1 thermostat, 1 cam sensor and 1 timing belt job. My mods are edge chip, orm, lift pump and homemade provent.

Author:	bentstrider83 [ Wed Jun 05, 2013 3:28 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Is there anyone that's vanquished the "bugs" and "gremli
I'm not completely giving up on it yet. But at the same time, I don't see really taking it on any major trips until between 2-8 months from now. Probably going to have the thing taken over here to Clovis NM on a car-hauler, and then to a CRD-spec'd mechanic when funds are healthy. I'm slowly accepting the fact that any vehicle I own's going to be a paperweight at one point or another.