Transmission Recall - Dealer Said "Don't Do It..."

BKH · **Posted:** Thu Feb 08, 2007 3:58 pm

It's time for my "Service A," so I thought I'd just get the ball joints, transmission recall, etc. done too. The service adviser told me that, if I'm not having a problem with the transmission, which I'm not, he said not to do it. He acknowledged that it has just created more problems for most people.

I was under the impression that this was mandatory and there was no way around it. I remember reading some posts from people saying that their dealers took the position that you're voiding your warranty if you don't do it and there's a later transmission failure.

BVCRD · **Posted:** Thu Feb 08, 2007 4:15 pm

BKH wrote:

It's time for my "Service A," so I thought I'd just get the ball joints, transmission recall, etc. done too. The service adviser told me that, if I'm not having a problem with the transmission, which I'm not, he said not to do it. He acknowledged that it has just created more problems for most people.

I was under the impression that this was mandatory and there was no way around it. I remember reading some posts from people saying that their dealers took the position that you're voiding your warranty if you don't do it and there's a later transmission failure.

Anyway - in another spot, I posted how I'd had really great luck with this dealer's service department. The honesty I just received on the phone confirms that I'm pretty lucky to have this service department.

Did he say why not to do it? I have read on this and my other furum that shuddering has stopped and/or slowed down. I don't see how he can say that. And does DCX know he is saying that?

BKH · **Posted:** Thu Feb 08, 2007 4:20 pm

That's my question - why is he saying it's not mandatory? When I read the bulletin, it says, "WHAT YOU MUST DO..." Maybe it's the lawyer in me, but I didn't read this notice as being optional. Based on what everyone else has said on this board, I thought this was strange to say the least. I appreciated the guy's honesty in saying that he thinks it's not necessary if I'm not having any problems.

But I'd really appreciate feedback on this.

Thanks!!!

BKH · **Posted:** Thu Feb 08, 2007 4:52 pm

Update:

I called DCX and the rep said that there's been no change in their position - it's a mandatory action.

I called another dealer, Lithia Jeep, also in Denver. I spoke with a service advisor who said he's heard that some dealers just don't want to deal with this F37 bulletin. He said they'd done seven of them so far, and only had problems on the first one - the replacement torque converter was defective. They were able to fix that with a new TC - and they have one set of parts in stock for the F37.

So what do I do? I have a fairly flawless transmission now. I've always been a big believer in the "don't fix it if it ain't broken" saying.

Goglio704 · **Posted:** Thu Feb 08, 2007 4:54 pm

Consider yourself blessed. Keep all your receipts.

BKH · **Posted:** Thu Feb 08, 2007 4:55 pm

Meaning, Don't Do It?

Goglio704 · **Posted:** Thu Feb 08, 2007 5:00 pm

I don't have trans problems and don't intend to get the F37 done. Especially not the TC only version. If my dealer were on board with that, I'd be happy. So, I would say don't get the F37.

Jeger · **Posted:** Thu Feb 08, 2007 5:11 pm

I say get it in writing from your dealer. That way they cant deny it if you need to prove they said not to do it.

litton · **Posted:** Thu Feb 08, 2007 5:36 pm

I'm going to get mine done.....on my schedule. Perhaps 10-15K more miles or until a problem pops up. I don't recall seeing a time line on the recall.

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Thu Feb 08, 2007 7:55 pm

If you read the "Customer Satisfaction Notification F37" it only states "Accordingly, we are recommending the following sevices on some 2005 and 2006 model year Jeep Liberty Vehicles equipped with a 2.8L diesel engine and an automatic transmission."

It also states that the TC may fail ... you may have a rattling sound in neutral or park and illuminate the MIL...

Then down the page is states to contact your dealer first to set up a scheduled appointment so the dealer can get and hold the required parts.

No where does it state it is mandatory...you would run into problems if you were having the symptoms and MIL and ignored the problem.

vtdog · **Joined:** Fri Sep 30, 2005 11:27 am **Posts:** 640

I had no symptoms other than the "clunk" when shifting from park to drive/reverse. The s/m was insistant on doing the f37. The whole deal took just over 5 hrs including the re-programming. I have had no ill effects, in fact I have noticed no change in either acceleration, torque, lock up speed, or mpg.

I believe the vast majority have had no problems with the f-37 so its up to you.

T^2 · **Posted:** Thu Feb 08, 2007 9:19 pm

BKH wrote:

That's my question - why is he saying it's not mandatory? When I read the bulletin, it says, "WHAT YOU MUST DO..." Maybe it's the lawyer in me, but I didn't read this notice as being optional. Based on what everyone else has said on this board, I thought this was strange to say the least. I appreciated the guy's honesty in saying that he thinks it's not necessary if I'm not having any problems.

But I'd really appreciate feedback on this.

Thanks!!!

Hmmm.... I recall reading another post where this guy was told the same thing. But he pressed DCX on the matter and DCX caved after further review - telling him that the warranty still applied and that he was not required to have this CSN done.

I'm not an expert here and I'm only speculating. But it seems suspect to me why DCX is calling this turkey a Customer Satisfaction Notice and not a recall. Is it a CYA measure on their part? They do state that performing this CSN will result in a reduction in torque. Could DCX latter say that owners chose to have this procedure done (they didn't have to - after all it's not a recall), and by so doing the owner agreed to the torque reduction?

It also appears to me that DCX is doing a fix that doesn't return the vehicle back to original specifications. That in itself appears to be a violation of the warranty agreement. How can they then threaten to void your warranty if you refuse to have this so called fix done? It seems to me that you have a right to expect that all warranty work return the vehicle back to you in compliance with original specifications. I find it hard to believe that DCX can demand to do work that will not return the vehicle back to original specs.

RFCRD · **Posted:** Thu Feb 08, 2007 9:23 pm

BKH wrote:

Meaning, Don't Do It?

Like many have written, I had mine done and it has worked fine. Would still insist on the new pump when having it done. One thing I would recommend, don't go to the dealer that advised you to skip the recall. Chances are they had some problems doing one or don't like the shop pay for the work and don't want to get involved. This is a bad sign for a complex job requiring attention to detail.

BKH · **Posted:** Wed Feb 14, 2007 6:10 pm

I took it to Lithia Jeep in Denver and had the F37, the ball joints, etc. done at the same time. I've driven the CRD at least a couple of hours since I got it back. Other than it occasionally revving a bitting higher before upshifting, I cannot tell any difference. I haven't noticed any change in torque (our altitude might be hiding that a little) either.

So, a weird situation seemed to end up with good news. Thanks again for everyone's feedback. Really appreciated it.

stevesmith7 · **Posted:** Wed Feb 14, 2007 7:39 pm

So you were able to get the ball joints done today? I took mine in in Dec. They did the F37 but told me ball joints were on national back order and would call me when they came in. Haven't heard a thing yet.

BVCRD · **Posted:** Wed Feb 14, 2007 7:44 pm

BKH wrote:

It's time for my "Service A," so I thought I'd just get the ball joints, transmission recall, etc. done too. The service adviser told me that, if I'm not having a problem with the transmission, which I'm not, he said not to do it. He acknowledged that it has just created more problems for most people.

I was under the impression that this was mandatory and there was no way around it. I remember reading some posts from people saying that their dealers took the position that you're voiding your warranty if you don't do it and there's a later transmission failure.

I question your "A" in Denver stop and go traffic. Is that considered heavy use?

tulsa · **Posted:** Thu Feb 15, 2007 12:44 pm

BKH,
I was going to wait until DC had a better solution for the F37 repair until I had the work done. Unfortunately my tranny died last Friday. Even considering that I would put off the repairs till DC has a better handle on the TC/transmission fix.
Lewis

grywlfbg · **Posted:** Thu Feb 22, 2007 2:38 pm

Yep, I've been waiting on F23 parts for over a month now. Was wanting to get F37 and F23 done at the same time. Don't have any major xmission issues, wife sometimes get s a clunk when shifting into reverse if she doesn't let it idle for a good 60 seconds before shifting.

Pablo · **Joined:** Thu Feb 02, 2006 10:06 pm **Posts:** 1201

grywlfbg wrote:

Yep, I've been waiting on F23 parts for over a month now. Was wanting to get F37 and F23 done at the same time. Don't have any major xmission issues, wife sometimes get s a clunk when shifting into reverse if she doesn't let it idle for a good 60 seconds before shifting.

I got that clunk the other day, and have not driven it since. I put it in reverse after waiting the customary 10 seconds or so and when I took my foot of the brake-- it did not move at all. So I put it in park for a couple more seconds- and then back into reverse. It paused a second, then I heard a clunk and then it started to back up with a little lurch.

Before that started happening I was 4x4ing in 4 low and started to hear a clanking sound every once in a while when I applied a bit of pedal. It was intermittent but sounded like the world was coming to an end... like a cross between grinding the gears a little and bottoming out on the frame. I could actually feel the noise vibrating through the vehicle. The noise would only last a second or two and then go away. I was wondering if the diff was broke or the half shaft was broke from hitting something. I got out and looked a few times and found no damage that was visible. The noise went away after putting it in 4-hi and I figured it was the transfer case crapping out (at 20,000 miles and only the 2nd time in 4-low).

Since it did that clunk in reverse, which I also felt in the same way, but which was not as loud and did not sound the same-- I am wondering if the Torque Converter could be the culprit for both problems instead of the transfer case. I really don't know as I am not a mechanic, but I know I don't want to drive it until I get an aftermarket torque converter for it, a new tranny pump, new intercooler, filters and a flush. I was trying to avoid F37, but this is getting on my nerves. I wonder if I could get the dealer to replace the pump, and intercooler under warranty-- along with my new torque converter instead of the crappy mopar one and bypass the tcm flash? We will see... Maybe if I buy lots of donuts...

Transmission Recall - Dealer Said "Don't Do It..."

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