When we bought our CRD it came with a a U-haul trailer wiring adapter installed in it... Since we haul trailers a lot, we were happy... Until Labor Day weekend...
We had a 2600 mile delivery run, 2/3 with a trailer, to make, and we rented a u-haul 5'x8' trailer, as we often do. When we got there and got hooked up, the trailer lights were working improperly. The manager figured out it was a bad wiring adapter and told us that it had originally been installed improperly. She then replaced it and told us the tail light out on the Jeep was probably just a bulb, which we were fine with.
We made our final delivery near Emerald Isle, NC, dropped the trailer, and opened the light housing to replace the bulb. What we found were some scorched wires, a melted area on the back of the actual light housing, and, lo and behold, replacing the bulb didn't fix the issue. Since then, the dome lights have started to glow, even when off, marker lights have failed or are flickering all over the truck, the driver's side rear power window stuck on and broke the drive shaft for the window, we get intermittent random codes from the check engine light, etc..
So we called U-haul, and got the run around until this Monday, when they finally gave us their insurance company info. The adjusted met with us this morning and wants us to pick a dealership to have it inspected at and a quote given for repair. He seemed a little put out that I insisted that I wanted to find a diesel-certified dealership to look into the problem, and NOT use the CJD stealer right down the street. (The same one that reflashed our TCU incorrectly 4 times until they figured out the Jeep was a CRD...)
So I am looking for information... How can I find out for sure if a dealership is Diesel certified? Am I right to insist on this? Also, I work with import tuner-type cars all the time, and I know that a wiring harness replacement is a "Big Deal." The adjuster told me it was likely just one small harness for the lights, at which point I just started the "Ok, Sir," bit and decided to find out what I need to find out before getting it to a dealer. Especially with all the random issues, I know for a fact that JUST fixing the lighting issues isn't going to fix this. There are melted wires in the harness, and the "High Frequency Light Adapter" failed to the point that it had crispys on it. It makes me wonder if it could have put some sort of feedback loop through the harness that caused widespread damage.
So what I am trying to figure out is what I need to insist a dealer look into... My thoughts are that this thing has at least 3 computers, plus computer controlled air bags, and random things are failing in a cascade, so at this point, ANYTHING electrical is suspect.
I just got off the phone with their adjuster and they will not even accept liability until a dealership does diagnostics. Nor will the authorize a rental.
Thoughts? Prayers? Tips?
Thanks,
Jerod

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2006 CRD - RIP

2005 CRD, 2" Lift, Positraction upgrade, Lots of tinkering and cussing.