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Topic: Jeep flat tow recal (Read 492 times) previous topic - next topic

Jeep flat tow recal

I have not yet started to tow my 2006 Jeep Commander. So the following has NOT effected me yet.
 I did some research and found problems from a recall Jeep put out a couple years ago to "fix" a problem that prevents the Jeep from being put into neutral in order to flat tow it. The recall is N-23.
Apparently Jeep was working on a round about way to deal with a cracked circuit board. "FIX" N-23 was a software end around to deal with this.
Unfortunately, It seemed to cause more problems than it was trying to fix. Below is a FMCA post on the problem.

Problem With Jeep Grand Cherokee Transfer Case - Towing - FMCA Motorhome Forums

I recently received a new notice from Jeep for another  transfer case "fix". P-73
After reading the FMCA posts I'm reluctant to take my Jeep in until I have heard of a cure that works other than a new control board.
I also read from the P-73 recall that its for QuadraTrac II transfer cases. My Jeep equipped with the Hemi engine uses a QuadraDrive II Transfer case. that functions like a locked differential on the front and back.

Any input from other Jeep owners that are effected by this?
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Jeep flat tow recal

Reply #1 –
I didn't have that recall done when it came out on my jeep.  I wonder if they fixed it yet?
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
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2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Jeep flat tow recal

Reply #2 –
Jeep Grand Cherokee model years 2011 and later use different transfer case / rear axle design & components.  But our 2012 GC did exhibit "Serv 4WD" dash message.  It took several trips and parts to find the rear axle electric motor actuator that works the limited slip differential need to be replaced, which fixed the problem.  We never had a problem going to neutral or back from neutral with the small push button.  All repairs covered by Jeep.

Re: Jeep flat tow recal

Reply #3 –
Vehicles affected are 2006-2010.  My limited understanding of what I read makes me think the N-23 update prevented the vehicle from unexpectedly shifting into neutral while parked.  Not sure if the P-73 is required because of N-23.

Quote from: Lon and Cheryl –
I recently received a new notice from Jeep for another  transfer case "fix". P-73...
... My Jeep equipped with the Hemi engine uses a QuadraDrive II Transfer case...
As you have the QDII makes me curious why they sent you the notice as it only mentions QTII.

http://www.chrysler.com/universal/webselfservice/pdf/P73.pdf

Have you checked their Website to see if the recall is listed for your vehicle?

Safety Recall Information | MOPAR

I spoke with a dealer yesterday who knew of P-73 but nothing about rendering the vehicle useless as a towed vehicle.  No big surprise there.

According to the P-73 notice "The  Final  Drive  Control  Module  (FDCM)  software on  your vehicle may cause  the "Service 4WD" light to come on and an inability to switch 4WD mode when trying to shift out of the current selected mode."  Seems like that means you could not shift into neutral and as such not safely tow the vehicle.

Some on JeepCommander.com have done the P-73 and it has fixed their issue, but for the most part they are driving and not towing. 



2019 Pleasure Way Lexor
 

Re: Jeep flat tow recal

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Rick & Robyn –
Vehicles affected are 2006-2010.  My limited understanding of what I read makes me think the N-23 update prevented the vehicle from unexpectedly shifting into neutral while parked.  Not sure if the P-73 is required because of N-23.
As you have the QDII makes me curious why they sent you the notice as it only mentions QTII.

http://www.chrysler.com/universal/webselfservice/pdf/P73.pdf

Have you checked their Website to see if the recall is listed for your vehicle?

Safety Recall Information | MOPAR

I spoke with a dealer yesterday who knew of P-73 but nothing about rendering the vehicle useless as a towed vehicle.  No big surprise there.

According to the P-73 notice "The  Final  Drive  Control  Module  (FDCM)  software on  your vehicle may cause  the "Service 4WD" light to come on and an inability to switch 4WD mode when trying to shift out of the current selected mode."  Seems like that means you could not shift into neutral and as such not safely tow the vehicle.

Some on JeepCommander.com have done the P-73 and it has fixed their issue, but for the most part they are driving and not towing.

I checked my VIN. It shows this as a "CAMPAGN" NOT a RECALL. It appears that this is NOT the same problem as the neutral problem.
How I long for the days of mechanical levers, and hubs that you turn!
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.