I like my CRD........no, I love it. I like my dealer too even though they may not work on Dodge diesel PU's or Peterbuilts.

So for those of you who have had bad experiences I am sorry.

I went to my dealer this morning for the BCM flash and told them that I would like the tranny filter TSB done too. Gave them a couple of minor experiences that seemed indicative of the problem. I also told them to check out a light oil coating on the transfer case that seemed like a leak.

They did the BCM, they did the oil fiter TSB's, they checked out the transfer case and noted the light coat of oil but could detect no leak. They cleaned up the oil coat and made note to check it and see if it recurred at the next visit. I asked the Rubicon owning Service Writer about the intercooler oil issue and he now has noticed it since my last visit on another CRD, and he knows why it is happening. I asked him if he would put 5/40 oil in during the next scheduled service to help solve the problem and after reading the service notes he agreed to if I would provde the oil as he did not stock it (Note: My CRD came with a 24K service contract incentive). A reasonable compromise I think.

As with all things my situation may change in the future, but right now I continue to be a happy consumer, just can't find the window switch!

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Dave

'06 CRD Limited, Lt. Khaki, MOPAR Slush Mats/Skids, DrawTite Front Hitch, Mag Lite, Yakima Bars, Thule Bike Rack, Fumoto, ORM, 245/70 Revo 2

Wish list: Lift, Boulder Bars, Something Bigger in the Front and Back, More Lights

I'm in with you you no shutters no stutters. No clanks or bangs. Transmission shifts like silk, mileage 22mpg around town 30 on highway @70 mph. Have had an EGR replaced and still have some concerns about cc blow by. The more I visit here the more mental I become before getting back in it. Once the first cycle is complete my mind is clear and its good to go open highway. Just love this little "Crisp Running Devil"

So, why is it happening according to this guy? Let me guess, it is normal or harmless?

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Matt B.

05 Limited CRD. Bought it new. 112k on the clock now.

GDE Eco-tune, rear differential drain plug (drilled and tapped the pumpkin), transmission pan drain plug, Fumoto oil valve, fuel filler neck restriction removed, front hitch, Hayden fan clutch, Sears P1 battery since 08, Mobil 1 5w40, 5 volt glow plugs, DIY timing belt at 109k

First of all this is a long time Jeep only dealer and this is a late 30 early 40 something guy who likes his Rubicon with the ARB front bumper and thinks it would be perfect with a CRD. The only diesels they see are the CRD's they sell and service. These guys can't make DC policy but if they are on your side they can help you over some of the hurdles.

He believes it is the design of the EPA required unvented crankcase, too light of oil, da du da du da. He is making no excuses for it and has no answer for it either but he will not bug me about heavier weight oil or an Old Navy trap when it is added now. That was my goal and it has been achieved.

Spent some time at a birthday party this weekend and an old logger/farmer was admiring the CRD. We had to climb all over under the hood checking it out. He has had the same problem with all of his late model Dodge pickups too. The issue didn't suprise him a bit.

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Dave

'06 CRD Limited, Lt. Khaki, MOPAR Slush Mats/Skids, DrawTite Front Hitch, Mag Lite, Yakima Bars, Thule Bike Rack, Fumoto, ORM, 245/70 Revo 2

Wish list: Lift, Boulder Bars, Something Bigger in the Front and Back, More Lights

I was just curious what he'd said because your original post was just a tease. It is good that your dealer has decided not to be a road block. Certainly an about face from the original statement that DC would void the warranty if you added a crank vent filter. I would be worried if your service writer drove a Toyota 4 wheel drive.

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Matt B.

05 Limited CRD. Bought it new. 112k on the clock now.

GDE Eco-tune, rear differential drain plug (drilled and tapped the pumpkin), transmission pan drain plug, Fumoto oil valve, fuel filler neck restriction removed, front hitch, Hayden fan clutch, Sears P1 battery since 08, Mobil 1 5w40, 5 volt glow plugs, DIY timing belt at 109k

Oil in the intercooler is a normal happening for all CCV (closed crankcase ventlation) systems if no filtering and oil return device is included. Unfortantly some dumb stupid engineer's think the Pressure Regulator is sufficient enough to do the trick and getting engineers & bean counters to understand that without the proper filtering system the oil will cause problems as it get into then migrates out of the intercooler system. The bean counters figure the problem will arise after warranty period.

The oil would really not be a problem if it were not for the soot created by the EGR system, once the two mix you have a real big problem on down the road at 50k plus miles. This stuf will mix and settele in behind the valves and intake ports in the head. Remove the oil and the problem with the soot becomes almost non existant, and the dust build up in the head never really causes a problem as there is no oil to cause it to stick to the walls of engine head or back side of intake valves.

With the advent of ULSD this problem will be pushed way down the road mileage wise, however it will still be a problem for long term owners. The reason being is there will always be soot in the exhuast from the burning of the fuel, just not to the same degree as in the current fuel.

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91 MB 300D 2.5L Turbo. Her's

05 MB E320 CDI. Mine

I think the oil would be a problem for the Catalytic converter even if we had no EGR. Granted, a more fixable problem.

We may need to move this, I don't think this is consistent with the positive post topic.

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Matt B.

05 Limited CRD. Bought it new. 112k on the clock now.

GDE Eco-tune, rear differential drain plug (drilled and tapped the pumpkin), transmission pan drain plug, Fumoto oil valve, fuel filler neck restriction removed, front hitch, Hayden fan clutch, Sears P1 battery since 08, Mobil 1 5w40, 5 volt glow plugs, DIY timing belt at 109k

As one who has had problems, both with the vehicle and the dealer, I am delighted you've had a much better experience, and expect your good experience to continue at least a half-million miles or so.

Given that oil in the blow-by gasses is the reason the EPA mandated PCV/CCV systems in the first place, only an idiot would expect there to be no such problem without a good gas/liquid separator in the line, but it seems idiots were involved somewhere here. My guess is those idiots may indeed have been bean counters, saving a few bucks on each unit weighed against problems after warranty when they turn into money makers, now don't they?

In any case, it is great to hear of someone who has a positive experience, as mostly places like this are haunted by the folks who need a bit of help for some specific problem.

That is definately how warranty economics is done, at least at the manufacturer where I used to work. Simple marginal cost of the imporvement vs cost of warranty claims. Reliability doesn't enter the equation. In @ a week I get to meet with a couple of those idiots face to face. This is definately on my shortlist. With some luck I can turn mine into a positive.

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2005 Liberty Sport CRD, Lt Khaki, sunroof

Thankful to now be an EX-CRD owner.