New Customer Satisfaction Recall - F37

CRD4ME · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:27 pm

For a long time now, I have experienced the tansmission shudder many others have lived with. I went through just about every reprogramming TSB available, and only last week had the TCM replaced after the 18-023-06 software wouldn't work on the existing module.

After receiving the truck back and finding I still had the shudder, I wrote a long letter to Jeep's customer service form on the web, and also filed a NHTSA (I think that's it) complaint, and I'm also #55 on the petition.

Well, apparently one of these things has worked!!! I'm happy to announce GM has created the F37 Customer Satisfaction Recall:

Note: I searched this site for "F37" and didn't see any mention of it, although I did see a related TSB in one of the stickies. I don't care, I'm just happy something is finally being done.....

Here is the text:

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION F37
REPLACE TORQUE CONVERTER AND REPROGRAM THE ECM AND TCM
Dear: (Name)
Customer satisfaction is very important to DaimlerChrysler. Accordingly, we are recommending the following service on some 2005 and 2006 model year Jeep® Liberty vehicles equipped with a 2.8l diesel engine and an automatic transmission.
The problem is...
The transmission torque converter on your vehicle (VIN: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) may fail. This can cause a rattling sound in the neutral or park positions and/or illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Lamp. Continued operation can result in transmission damage.
What your dealer will do...
DaimlerChrysler will repair your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor). To do this, your dealer will replace the torque converter and reprogram the engine and transmission control modules. The repair involves a small reduction in engine torque to enhance torque converter and transmission durability. The work will take about 5½ hours to complete. If testing indicates the transmission has been damaged, another hour will be required. However, additional time may be necessary depending on how dealer appointments are scheduled and processed.
What you must do...
Simply contact your dealer right away to schedule a service appointment. Ask the dealer to hold the part for your vehicle or to order it before your appointment. Remember to bring this letter with you to your dealer.
If you need help...
If you have questions or concerns which your dealer is unable to resolve, please contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Please help us update our records, by filling out the attached prepaid postcard, if any of the conditions listed on the card apply to you or your vehicle.
If you have already experienced this problem and have paid to have it repaired, you may send your original receipts and/or other adequate proof of payment to the following address for reimbursement: DaimlerChrysler P.O. Box 4639 Oak Ridge, TN 37831, Attention: Reimbursement.
We're sorry for any inconvenience, but we believe that this service will help to ensure your continuing satisfaction with your vehicle. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Customer Services Field Operations
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Notification Code F37

dgeist · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:38 pm

Any details on specifically which vehicles are eligible (VIN range, manufacture dates, etc)?

Jeger · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:39 pm

CRD4ME · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:41 pm

Sorry, I have no idea. It just appeared today, but if you are asking how I found out I was eligible - I logged into Jeep.com, went to the owner's page, selected "recalls", then punched in the last digits of my VIN, and that's where I found it. Came out this morning.

Jeger · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:50 pm

Yep, sure thing, I just checked too. But I am really pissed off about the reduced torque thing. THAT IS THE BEST PART OF THE DIESEL!!! And I am wondering if it is a redesigned torque converter or not.

Zonie · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:51 pm

I just took mine in for pink fluid gathering around the bell housing. It seems the torque converter was leaking? and somehow the transmission pump appeared to be leaking. I'm hoping I caught this before any damage was done to the transmission. I had no shuddering or any indicators. The transmission was smooth and flawless. (I hope it still is when I get it back...) I also asked that they do the 15k transmission service while they're at it (a week without it while they're waiting for parts is enough for a while). I'm hoping that once they open it to change the filters, etc. if there's a problem it'll be obvious.

RTStabler51 · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 1:04 pm

Jeger wrote:

Yep, sure thing, I just checked too. But I am really pissed off about the reduced torque thing. THAT IS THE BEST PART OF THE DIESEL!!! And I am wondering if it is a redesigned torque converter or not.

I know in the PSD and the Lightnings during shifting torque is reduced (can't remember how) to 'ease' the transmission. First time I heard it in my Lightning I was towing and it sounded like a fart.

dog_party · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 1:08 pm

I really doubt it's a redesigned TC. I think they'll reprogram for lower torque and replace the failing TC with the same part (assuming that it won't fail again because there isn't as much torque). It's the same way they "fixed" the Ram SRT10 when it was twisting parts with it's insance power numbers. They just reprogramed the ECU and replaced the broken parts with the same parts.

BioJeep · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 1:46 pm

Sounds like a work-around to salvage customers. I want a fix (& the torque I expected), but I bet this will ease the pressure on DC & end that possibility.

EDIT: Nevermind...

KenJennings · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 1:53 pm

"... The repair involves a small reduction in engine torque to enhance torque converter and transmission durability..."

Ah. Limp Home mode will become the standard operating mode to save the precious torque converter from injury. ;-)

Any idea what they're using for replacements?

CRD4ME · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:19 pm

I've set my appointment at the dealership for next Thursday, so hopefully the appropriate part numbers will be listed. I will try to update this thread with whatever I find.

Jeger · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:30 pm

CRD4ME wrote:

I've set my appointment at the dealership for next Thursday, so hopefully the appropriate part numbers will be listed. I will try to update this thread with whatever I find.

Thanks for the heads up. Please make sure you get the part numbers, maybe even talk to the tech and compare parts etc.

alljeep · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:32 pm

This is VERY irritating to say the least. I've already had the 18-023-06 flash, in addition to the one before that - so I suspected my torque output had already been degraded.

Now this. Are they going to reflash me AGAIN for the same thing? I'm all for a new torque converter since mine was probably damaged before I fought like HE** to get the prior two flashes, but stop "flashy thingy-ing (as said in MIB)" my Jeep.

My other issue - I BOUGHT THIS FOR THE ADVERTISED TORQUE RATING TO TOW A TRAILER, WHICH I FINALLY BOUGHT LAST WEEK - WTF !! :evil:

So much for testing out my EHM to see if I really need it or not. It's only been 600 miles and now I have to remove my zip-tie work of art.

jeep06 · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:34 pm

What are your build dates that show you have the recall on here? I just checked mine and it says no recalls,,,, it should say none at this time....lol. Good luck on the fix, be anxious to see how they run afterwords,,,, yes that sure suxs on reducing the torque output,,, that new '07 Wrangler unlimited is looking better every day!!!! :lol:

Ranger1 · **Joined:** Mon Oct 17, 2005 7:40 pm **Posts:** 1137

A couple of us have had the torque reduction flash (earlier this year) and you can feel the difference. It also stays in much higher rpm ranges when accelerating. for much longer than it used to. The best description I've seen on how it behaves is from DZL_LOU on the thread where he discusses how his new transmission feels in comparison. Especially the section where he describes the difference in accelerating accross an intersection.

It appears to come down to either putting in heavier duty TC's, or changing the programming to reduce torque and put a new standard tc in the CRD. Looks like they chose the 2nd option.

PS - wonder why no mention of tranny pump replacement? The TSB from this summer replaced the TC, tranny pump, tranny cooler and filters. Maybe the parts list will show if these are replaced as well.

cerich · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:37 pm

Guys, first of all this makes my last post look paranoid and I'm glad!

This is a 5.5 hour job and they are also looking at repairing any trannys that have been damaged! This is DC heading a recall off at the pass!

I'm am amazed, the reports we have done were noticed by DC at the very least!

Zonie · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:50 pm

RANGER 1,
Do you have the link to the TSB you mentioned? Might be interesting to take it to the
dealership who now has my tranny in pieces on some work bench....

cerich · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:50 pm

I am on the phome with the Diesel mechanic at the Jeep dealer that fixed what the orginal dealer couldn't. His comments "holy doo doo, this means I can stop lying to Star to get the parts needed to fix them!" followed by "it says cust satisfaction for you, my system says recall"

This is so new he can't order the parts at this point, he expects to be able to early next week. The Atlanta parts depot however has just under 700 Torque Converters for our CRD in stock and held for this recall.
Looks like DC is doing the right thing by the CRD, in fact I expected there to be lawsuits before anything was done. Looks like I underestimated them, I hope the don't underestimate that DC will from now on be the first place I look when I consider a new vehicle.

cerich · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:53 pm

Zonie wrote:

RANGER 1,
Do you have the link to the TSB you mentioned? Might be interesting to take it to the
dealership who now has my tranny in pieces on some work bench....

not a TSB but Customer Satisfaction Notice F37

JeepGalPeg · **Posted:** Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:59 pm

Yep, mine's on the list! I just checked Jeep.com and sure enough, there it is. This only adds to my "love/hate relationship" with this baby!

New Customer Satisfaction Recall - F37

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