I am thinking about a CRD but I'm already concerned about the EGR valve and the tranny issue. Anything else I should be aware of? Would you do it again? I've been a VW diesel nut since 89 and I'm looking for more comfort. Pushing on the go pedal all day in the car really gives me some sciatic nerve issues and I think sitting more upright will give me some relief. A Jeep fits in great with my outdoorsy lifestyle too---hunt, fish, triathlon, mountain biking, etc. The CRD is the only American car I would consider, mainly because the engine is foreign made. The VW's are coming out of Mexico and I can't get all that excited about a Mexican-made German car. Has anyone had their timing belt replaced yet? How much $ are we talking? That can take some of the fun out of getting all those MPG's. The incentives right now are very tempting---$2000 back or 0% financing, the so-called employee discounts, etc. I keep reading that the CRD is being discontinued in the Liberty---true? I just don't want to end up with an orphan I can't get parts for or have to wait weeks for. I'm told that parts will be available for 7 years---what happens after that? I only buy a car every 8-10 years. My 97 Passat TDI will be 10 in March. Sorry for the essay---typical newbie stuff I guess (my first post). Thanks for any help!

_________________
Little Mack---06 Atlantic Blue CRD Sport born 5/17/06, rescued 7/31/06
Mods: Daystar 2.5" Lift, OME Long Travel Shocks and HD Struts, Firestone Destination AT's (245/75R16), Fumoto Drain Valve
Gone but not forgotten:
97 VW Passat TDI
89 VW Jetta diesel
540,000+ diesel miles since 12/89!

Everything official say that it is discontinued for 2007 for North America although at least one here thinks it will be reintroduced later in the year. There are strong hints that it will be back in some way in 2008 and that will also be in a different Liberty as 2007 is the last we will see of this one.

I have not had the problems with mine although I have had the TCM (tranny reflashes). I love mine. As other have said, if I could afford it I would buy a second one and store it.

Can't answer your other questions.

_________________
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 have had my 4 lowest Lumbar Discs removed from my back over two different surgeries. I'm 6'9" and 290lbs and can drive all day long (10 hours) without back problems. For this alone I would do it again.

The last 2006 CRD was produced May 20th of this year, so supply will start to dry up. Start shopping if you want one. There is speculation as to the return of the Liberty CRD. Even though is was discontinued, it may have only been discontinued early for the 2006 model.

It makes a really good work/play truck for me, so I'm in it for the long haul with whatever bugs develop. Right now, I'm more worried about transmission issues than EGR issues. Get the bumper to bumper 7yr/100k mile factory warranty - should be able to get it for 50% below their MSRP price for the warranty.

You will replace stuff moreso than your car - it's a fact. You can't add a transfer case, front CV axels, front drive shaft and differential in addition to the transmission, rear driveshaft, rear axel and diff, and not have a lot more wear and tear. Maybe around 150k you'll be rebuilding alot of this stuff, maybe sooner.

It very well may be an orphan - but it's so useful I can't live without it anymore.

I have a strange shudder at 53mph - feels like torque converter locking and unlocking several times per second. I have tried to be proactive and get all the latest TSBs performed - but I'm sure I'll have a failure within my 7yr/70k powertrain warranty (2006 models do not have this which is why I suggested an extended warranty).

_________________
'05 CRD Sport born on 06/20/05, bought on 9/23/05, L.O.S.T. on 9/27/05 - modding ever since:

Daystar 2.0" Lift, P255/70R16 Revos, Boulder Bars, Reese Front Hitch w/9k Hooks, Poison Spyder Rock Ring, MOPAR Skids/Bug Shield/Roof Rails/Mats, WARN Hitch Shackle(Rear), 10k Hitch Hook(Front), Custom Tilt/Slope Meter, Ammo Box Mod, Rotella T 5W-40.

Thanks! Would the tranny flash be done as a precaution or will an 06 come from the factory with up to date software? Any EGR workaround, i.e., DIY mod (sorry if that's a really dumb question)? My Pop has an XTerra---similar cool factor but I need more economy. A few hundred bucks for a new timing belt every 70k wouldn't be the end of the world, just curious about cost. That seems to cancel out tuneups on a gasser.

_________________
Little Mack---06 Atlantic Blue CRD Sport born 5/17/06, rescued 7/31/06
Mods: Daystar 2.5" Lift, OME Long Travel Shocks and HD Struts, Firestone Destination AT's (245/75R16), Fumoto Drain Valve
Gone but not forgotten:
97 VW Passat TDI
89 VW Jetta diesel
540,000+ diesel miles since 12/89!

The most recent ECM/TCM flash was just release a few days ago, so it applies to everyone. TSB 18-023-06 :

http://www.alldata.com/tsb/Chrysler/115 ... 18231.html

_________________
'05 CRD Sport born on 06/20/05, bought on 9/23/05, L.O.S.T. on 9/27/05 - modding ever since:

Daystar 2.0" Lift, P255/70R16 Revos, Boulder Bars, Reese Front Hitch w/9k Hooks, Poison Spyder Rock Ring, MOPAR Skids/Bug Shield/Roof Rails/Mats, WARN Hitch Shackle(Rear), 10k Hitch Hook(Front), Custom Tilt/Slope Meter, Ammo Box Mod, Rotella T 5W-40.

Timing Belts are at the 100,000 interval, and the cost for these, we don't know yet.
I can guarantee that they will be more than a TDI, having done them for 5 years
on my Golf with 250,000 that I no longer have. If you have spent a few hours
reading this forum, 20-25% have issues that involve three parts, EGR, FlowControl
Valve, and transmission. Early TDI's also had issues, but over years owners came
up with solutions, when the dealer ship would not. So count on being a regular
here, but torque is addicting and make sure your dealership will stand with you
and overall, I would do it again, what other vehicle fits this niche, none that I know
of with a diesel.

_________________
2005 Silver Limited CRD 53,000 miles
GDE EcoTune / Trans tune
PML Differential Cover/Crankcase Mod
Tal & Hadas Grill Guard/TransGo Shift Kit
V-6 AirBox/Lunar Boost & EGT
Lund Cold Weather Grill Insert
OEM updated Filter Head, Cummins Lift Pump

Funny you mention the old TDI issues---remember Relay 109? I was a victim. The TDI's still have MAF issues and I swear, my sister's Jetty throws a code every two months---usually another dang glow plug.
100k on the TB is hardly an issue---I still don't know why they don't use a chain if the only consideration for going with a belt is the sound/noise factor. It's a diesel---it's supposed to rattle!

_________________
Little Mack---06 Atlantic Blue CRD Sport born 5/17/06, rescued 7/31/06
Mods: Daystar 2.5" Lift, OME Long Travel Shocks and HD Struts, Firestone Destination AT's (245/75R16), Fumoto Drain Valve
Gone but not forgotten:
97 VW Passat TDI
89 VW Jetta diesel
540,000+ diesel miles since 12/89!

Hi all, newbe here, and I'm on the fence as well. Never had a Jeep before but have had practically everything else. The CRD is the attraction for me as well, but not very confidence inspiring that is is discontinued. I need it to be reliable. (100 mile daily commute) Luke

_________________
To CRD, or not to CRD, that is the question?

Alljeep: Not to hi-jack this post... but what do you mean by 50% below MSRP price on the warranty... ?

We just got our 2006 CRD about a month ago and love it - despite having to take it back in for the F21 Recall which should have been done before it left the dealer...

We inquired about the extended warranty, and the dealer rep told us that they are not allowed to discount the warranties 'by law' - more hogwash... ?

_________________
2006 Liberty Limited CRD
2006 Wrangler X 4x4

Is your Jeep dealer also a VW dealer?

_________________
Little Mack---06 Atlantic Blue CRD Sport born 5/17/06, rescued 7/31/06
Mods: Daystar 2.5" Lift, OME Long Travel Shocks and HD Struts, Firestone Destination AT's (245/75R16), Fumoto Drain Valve
Gone but not forgotten:
97 VW Passat TDI
89 VW Jetta diesel
540,000+ diesel miles since 12/89!

LukeWarm

Daily drives of your nature is EXACTLY what the diesel was built for!
My 05 has 34000 mile +/-
No engine problems yet (knock knock knock)

The Jeepers with many of the EGR issues are short tripping the engine.
There was a thread on this .......

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/vie ... ght=#89579

Net result, dive long, drive lots!

more hogwash for sure. I call it their warranty MSRP, some call it the "rack price" of the warranty. At the dealership, they started out at about $2400 for the 7yr/100k warranty. After I kept say no thanks, I probably won't need it, the price kept being re-offered at lower and lower prices. It was down to $1100 and I still did not take it as I have the 7/70 powertrain and diesel warranty. They even went down to $849, but by then I wasn't sure if they were quoting me the same warranty. Sometimes they will just quote you prices and downgrade the warranty on the computer as they make the offer.

_________________
'05 CRD Sport born on 06/20/05, bought on 9/23/05, L.O.S.T. on 9/27/05 - modding ever since:

Daystar 2.0" Lift, P255/70R16 Revos, Boulder Bars, Reese Front Hitch w/9k Hooks, Poison Spyder Rock Ring, MOPAR Skids/Bug Shield/Roof Rails/Mats, WARN Hitch Shackle(Rear), 10k Hitch Hook(Front), Custom Tilt/Slope Meter, Ammo Box Mod, Rotella T 5W-40.

I would agree that the "short-tripping" would be a predominate factor in causing many of the problems with EGR and tranny.

I live rural so short tripping is not an issue. Regarding the tranny, when I am at 50 mph or below, I keep the OD locked out. This avoids the constant shifting going on. I do not engage it until I have accelerated past 55. Then I engage it and it makes a nice positive shift. I have never experienced the tranny shudder. Likewise, when slowing down, once I slow to 45, I lock out the OD again. I realize that the TCM is supposed to take care of all this, but like many things, a little driver effort and guidance sometimes will overcome any programming flaws.

I bought an 06 built in december of 05. I've got about 12.5k with no issues at all. My MPG is running between 22 (heavy foot short trip) and 25-26 (interstate to work) I got a discount on the warranty too. I was offered a 7/70k warranty and I told him I'd run through it in about 3-4 years. (90+mile daily commute) so after turning him down 3 times he gave me a 5 year 100k warranty for like 1500. I couldn't turn it down at that point (wanted a warranty and wanted to drive home) I've been EXTATICALLY happy with my CRD ever since the day I drove it off the lot. The Torque to weight/size ratio is WONDERFUL pulling hills in top gear at a relaxed RPM rate is awesome. But thats just my 2 cents. if I was rich I'd go buy two more CRD's just for one for me later and one for my dad.

_________________
06 Limited CRD 4x4 KJ Black.
lightbar, roof rack

Timing belt should go 100K. Doesn't look too difficult to change as the access is much better than the transverse engines which I've replaced TB's, should be less labor. As far as the tranny issues, I had a lot of problems which appeared to have gone away when the filter TSB was done. You will need to protect your charged air cooling by installing a CCV filter. My CAC hoses have been clean of oil after the combination of the Provent and keeping my air filter dry. At 16K, mileage is coming around to a consistant 25-26 mpg running mostly expressway.

_________________
2005 Liberty Sport CRD, Lt Khaki, sunroof

Thankful to now be an EX-CRD owner.

While the short trips may not help the egr, it has absolutely nothing to do with the tranny issues caused by a piss poor design of the TC. Even with short trips, the egr should last more than 10k.

_________________
2005 Liberty Limited CRD

CRuD Bucket,

Have you done a test drive yet? I did but couldn't get on a highway due to dealer location. I liked it but still haven't made the decision. I was quoted $28650 out the door (sticker was $31020, out the door inludes 7% NJ tax / 4year tags / & fees) for an black 06 limited with 22G (leather heated seats / 6 disc / sunroof / side airbags, but no tow package). I think they could do better ($) but that's not what's holding me back. I may go talk to another dealer today about a sport with 22C & airbags / tow pkg. Luke

_________________
To CRD, or not to CRD, that is the question?

I wonder if some day someone will come out with a conversion kit that will retro fit the rubber timing belt to metal or better yet gears??? i know its just a dream but it would be nice tho.... any way ive had all kind of problems with the tranny but they managed to fix it so id by another one... i love my crd

_________________
O&M Engineering
www.om-eng.com

Can someone direct me to a link on this?

I drove 3 CRD's yesterday and I really liked the feel---solid and responsive and I like the visiblity. I hit the highway and was up to 70mph in no time. I drove 2 Sports and one Limited. I was not impressed with the cloth seats on any of these rigs. I felt like I was sitting on an old Army tent or canvas boat cover. Is that a Jeep thing? I think my Pop's XTerra is the same way. I heard some whistling/wind/road noise on the LTD on the right side and the salesman and my wife heard it too. That one had 300+ miles on it so it made me wonder. Before the XTerra, my Pop tried to do the right (American) thing and bought an S-10 with the off-road package. The road noise drove him nuts---and he's half deaf. He had it back to the dealer 7 times and finally filed a complaint with the BBB. The BBB said the dealer had to fix it but they finally concluded that they could not. Because of his nightmare, I am very cautious and I will stay away from that particular unit.
I also stopped by the VW stealership to check out another TDI. They had one Jetta on the lot and said since they'll be MIA next year, the sticker price was not negotiable---$24,600! I can get a nicely equipped Sport for about $22,500, give or take a couple hundred bucks. I can buy a lot of diesel for the $2k difference. I mentioned changing the differential fluid at 15k to the one dealer and he thought I was nuts. What's up with that? Is that service required? What about the tranny service/filter change? How many miles for that service? I am a little concerned about the wet air filter issue. I have a Pipercross cone filter on my TDI (and an Upsolute chip) but I think the Jeep engine may breathe even better with the stock induction system.
Thanks for all your help here---this is a great forum. I'm pretty sold on the CRD despite the issues---I hope it's just a minority that's had a few problems. I'll be away from the computer for a few days and will check back upon my return. I hope to go drive a few more on Friday and make a decision by Monday---when the rebates and discounts supposedly will be over. Peace out, yo!

_________________
Little Mack---06 Atlantic Blue CRD Sport born 5/17/06, rescued 7/31/06
Mods: Daystar 2.5" Lift, OME Long Travel Shocks and HD Struts, Firestone Destination AT's (245/75R16), Fumoto Drain Valve
Gone but not forgotten:
97 VW Passat TDI
89 VW Jetta diesel
540,000+ diesel miles since 12/89!

The service interval are straight out of the owner's manual, and is actually 12K (not 15K) on the severe service schedule. If you read and believe the manual, it is virtually impossible to fall into the normal service schedule due to the fine print such as the operating temperature and driving speed ranges given. Expect tranny service @ 30K, axles & t-case @ 12K. Most '06 CRD's are built outside the tranny filter TSB dates. Check it periodotically for delayed reverse engagement. The 12K service is time consuming and pricey (@$400) if done at the dealer because the rear diff doesn't have a drain. The cover has to be removed, cleaned and re-glued. I chose to get my tools out and do it myself because I installed an aftermarket drainable rear diff cover in the process. I had 3 hours with @ $260 in fluids and materials (incl the new cover) for that service. The next axle service will be as fast & simple as an oil change with the new cover. I would be concerned about stretching the axle service intervals because of the extra torque of the diesel. On the wet air filter issue, it was an easy fix once it was discovered. This has been a non-issue since the mod was done but still looking some at experimenting with the fix.

_________________
2005 Liberty Sport CRD, Lt Khaki, sunroof

Thankful to now be an EX-CRD owner.