I just bought my '05 CRD 3 weeks ago and I have a few questions...

1. I see that the F37 recall has not been done (listed as open). I have not had any problems with the tranny and no TC shudder. With 29,000 miles and still under warranty, should I have it done or should I wait till I have a problem? I know only that the 018-18-05 TSB has been performed.

2. What are the ORM, Elephant Hose, and Provent mods all you guys talk about?

3. What are you guys towing with your CRD's? I would like to be able to tow my '70 Mustang on an tandem axle car hauler. I don't know the exact specs of the trailer yet though. What kinds of trailers to you think I should look for?

Dave, FL

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U.S. Army Retired

I can't advise on the F37 since my '05 already had it done prior to my purchase. Some say they can tell a huge difference, so say they can't.

The ORM mod is basically unplugging the MAF (mass air flow) sensor in order to fool the EGR and keep it from opening thereby sucking nasty exhaust fumes into your intake. It will throw a check engine light. Someone has come up with a device to keep that from happening, some of us who don't understand how to wire up such a device just clear the code using a ScanGauge.

The EHM (Elephant Hose mod) is simply disconnecting the hose from the CCV (crankcase vent) and routing it to the ground using another piece of hose. I decided against this since I didn't want my vehicle dripping oily residue on my driveway. I went with the Provent instead which is an air/oil separator unit that collects the nasty residue that would normally be pumped into your turbo and through your intake. When I drain my Provent, you wouldn't believe the gunk that's in it. It's nasty, thick, black oily crap that I'm glad isn't getting sucked back into my engine.

As for towing, the CRD is a champ. I tow my 6'x10' utility trailer converted to a two bike motorcycle trailer with it. Loaded with two 500lb bikes, plus the weight of the trailer, I'd say it's about 1700lbs. Of course, a Mustang is going to weigh a LOT more. I'll have to defer to someone who's towed larger loads to answer your question.

Be sure to read the CRD FAQ. It has lots of info, and pictures, that will help you out.

Most of all, be aware that a lot of the "Chicken Little" the sky is falling posts you read on here are a MINORITY of people. Yes, some of these vehicles have issues, but some (most) don't and have been reliable. You just don't see many internet forums chocked full of "Gee, my CRD runs great" posts. If you do have an issue, there is enough knowledge on here to help you get it fixed.

Welcome aboard!

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Chad Hargis
Nashville, TN
2008 Grand Cherokee CRD
2005 Liberty CRD *SOLD*

My experience with gasolene engines tells me that disconnecting the MAF is a BAD idea, but then a gas engine NEEDS more precise A/F monitoring. It seems to me that the MAF and the computer controlled throttle body are to control emissions. Often, disabling sensors or fooling the computer leads to other fuel management issues. This is what I have seen from working in performance shops.

This Provent sounds a lot like the vented "catch cans" I have seen on drag cars and other race cars. Here again, on gas engines messing with the CCV often brings up trouble codes unless you properly re-route the CCV hoses and cap off other ports. I've seen these catch cans available from summit racing for ~$40.

I researched this vehicle to death before I bought it (and purchased an extended warranty just in case). Most of the complaints I found were either addressed by the manfr or were by people who expected it to work just like their previous gasolene powered vehicle.

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U.S. Army Retired

The MAF is only for EGR operation on this engine. The MAP on the other hand is used for fuel calculations. Diesel is different. Gasser rules often don't hold true on diesels.

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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

The Provent is more of a condensation trap - the oil is in suspension in the air - so anything in it's way will cause it to condense out - there's a drain at the bottom (intended to return to the crankcase ) most people just drain periodically. - you can't use an open vent - because this is in the intake line after the air cleaner feeding into the turbo. it has to be closed, but you could probably rig up something smaller that does the same thing.

My 05 - ran great for a year and a half and then Chrysler did the F37 - I can tell the difference and I hate it. I've got my Suncoast TC and it'll be installed next week.


And welcome to LOST.

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2005 CRD
stuff
Skeptic quod gratis asseritur, gratis negatur

Very true....on a GAS engine.

Gas engines need a precise air/fuel mixture, so they need to measure the flow of air coming in. Diesels run a constant air flow (wide open all the time...the more the better). They don't have a throttle body like a gas engine. They don't need one. Instead, the "gas" pedal (or should I said, "diesel" pedal), simply adds fuel as it's pressed. Air always remains constant. The MAP sensor measures Manifold Absolute Pressure, so the computer knows how much air pressure there is and calculates how much fuel it can add.

The MAF is strictly there to determine when to open the EGR, which is an evil, evil, evil device that will choke up your engine.

If you haven't cleaned the MAP sensor yet, read the FAQ and do so quickly. It only takes a few minutes, and I'm betting it's caked with gunk.

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Chad Hargis
Nashville, TN
2008 Grand Cherokee CRD
2005 Liberty CRD *SOLD*

I have an '06 and have not experienced transmission issues. The F-37 came out before the ball joint recall and when I had that done my service shop was not encouraging me to do the F-37 unless I needed it. I would suggest that since you have an '05 with a longer warranty to hold off unless you have transmission issues.

If you don't do the EHM or the Provent you will get oil sucked out of the crankcase and into the intercooler shortening its life.

Many CRD owners have had to replace one or more EGR's at a cost of around $400 if memory servres. The ORM disables the EGR in a mode that keeps it from failing in a position that forces the vehicle into limp mode and requires EGR replacement. If I understand the EGR's function correctly on the CRD it helps reduce some pollution for a shot time on start up but with continuous operation it seems to provide a negative impact on mileage of around 5% so concievably using the MAF and EGR may actually contribute more pollution to the environment due to the increased fuel useage.

Welcome to the club!

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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 taking my crd in on Tuseday for LBJ, F31 and heater motor recalls so I had to remove my provent. What came out was black guey sludge and water No way I want that in the intake system or engine The hose going back into the intake was nice and clean

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Atlantic Blue 06 CRD Limited (his)
Joined by a 2000 XJ Classic (hers)

hey flash, welcome to the club.

what they said, also, I have towed a load of two cubic yards of sandy moist transplant soil, (6000 pounds maybe?) in a single axle trailer. gave the engine no complaints, but the short wheel base and no trailer brakes makes for some interesting stopping behavior. I think some people here have towed tandem axle RV type trailers well, and there is a guy in Germany that tows his race car to the ?hockingheim? ring. He runs a ford focus kind of car, probably lighter, but close to what you are thinking.
I would suggest trailer brakes of some kind, tandem axle will help the stability at speed, one of those torsion bar gizmos will help level out the ride too.

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'05 CRD limited, SEGR, EHM, Magnaflow 18" muffler, OEM skid plates, bug guard, trailer kit, yakima cross bars and basket, CAT filter,
....more to come.....

[quote]

Well, I'm towing a 16 foot fiberglass camping trailer that scales at ~2200 lbs fully loaded with all our stuff. The CRD was purchased specifically for this purpose, replacing an Alaskan camper on a Dodge v10 pickup. The CRD tows the Scamp just fine, in the mountains, with plenty of power. Typically gets 22-23 mpg.

It was necessary to find a 12 inch long ball mount, so the trailer's hitch can just sneak up to the spare tire. The tip of the hitch is actually just under the spare. This is a 2" drop mount, but in the position which raises the ball, to keep the trailer level. I did not want to have an extension, and this length works fine. The single axle trailer has a simple friction sway control (EZ Lift). It tracks straight, no sway with winds or passing trucks, and corners fine on the mountain roads. I'm using the Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller. This unit is very easy to dial in for different weight situations. I think well-balanced trailer brakes are a very good thing to have with the short wheelbase of the Jeep, even at the light weight of this trailer.


'06 Ltd, factory tow package

I decided to tinker a little over the weekend...

1. I disconnected the MAF, CEL came on. (big suprise)

2. I cleaned the MAP. It was coated with carbon. (another big suprise)

3. I inspected and cleaned the turbo and hoses. They were full of
oily gook. (whoa, another BIG suprise)

BTW, your sarcasm detector should be blowin' up now.

So now I am seriously considering a Provent. I just need to figure out
where to buy one and find a place to mount it.

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U.S. Army Retired

Make sure you get the warranty transfered to your name

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Atlantic Blue 06 CRD Limited (his)
Joined by a 2000 XJ Classic (hers)

Here's a good place to get one:
http://www.reliableindustries.com/catalog/MNH/provent.php

and here a good write up on the FAQ page:
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=15249
about 2/3 of the way down the page.

Dan

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2005 Silver CRD Limited
245/75R16 GoodYear Duratracs
Fumoto drain | ProVent CCV Filter
Stanadyne FM100 filter | Cummins fuel pump
GDE Eco | SEGR | BoulderBars | FrankenLift | Frankenskids