Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Jeep Commander Water Stains
I just recently purchsed my Jeep and noticed any water that is spilled or dropped on the seats leaves an outlined stain of the spill. I spoke the the dearlership's service department who said Jeep came out with a material in 2007 that allowed liquids to be absorbed through the seats. However when that happens, something is pulled through from the material below the upholstery surface causing the stain. He indicated that he's heard of 100's of these types of cases with Jeep upholstery. He said he could take the upholstery off and steam clean them or I could try a light mixture of soapy water mixture (dawn was the suggestion) and scrub the stain myself. I contacted Jeep customer service who apologized but pretty much blew me off from there. If anyone else has had these issues please let me know if there are any tips or suggestions. I'd love to get these stains out or better yet, have Jeep replace them. It seems ridculous that water alone in a passenger vehicle was cause this issue.
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
For all those reading this, I'm sure it's regardless of Jeep model, here's whats happening:
The base foam was manufactured with a chemical residue that works its way thru to the top layer of the fabric over time. You will not even notice this residue until you get the fabric wet. When this happens, and it dries, it leaves a "water stain". Chrysler Jeep has a TSB on this, (the exact number escapes me) that recommends if the vehicle is in for service and complains about the water stains, the dealer is to clean it using a mixture of dish soap and water.
I know this because I went thru it, and was rudely originally told to clean it myself with this solution, until I obtained a copy of the TSB and kindly pointed out it was the dealers responsibility, since I complained. needless to say, they took care of it.
Good Luck.
After your stains were removed, did you use Scotch Guard on the fabric or another stain deterrant?
The TSB you want can be found here (as well as others at the main link):
http://www.xkjeeps.com/tsb/tsb_xk_2301506.pdf
When I first told my dealer about this TSB, he told ME to clean it. That's when I pointed out that it was a MFG defect, and that under the heading DIAGNOSIS, it states that if a customer experiences this, "perform the following procedure", which is direction to the dealer to do this, not the customer. Needless to say, they cleaned ALL the seats, not just the ones with the stains.
I have not used any aftermarket deterrent, such as scotch guard, but I probably should.
Good Luck.
Besides Scotch Guard, I was notified by the dealership that they do offer treatment of the interior. It's called Simoniz, and it works like Scotch Guard, but its' professional grade and is guaranteed for a lifetime. Obviously it's for an extra cost, but that also could be an option for you. Simonizing is also available for the exterior of the car as well.
But what does that mean? A "professional" at the dealer applies it? The yard guy in other words? A pro would probably use Zaino or similar. I think mop & glow stuff is just wax and Scotchgard. It's a huge profit center for the dealers and you better check the guarantee for "gotchas."
Rip-off room revisited