Updated Transmission Software - 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited Long-Term Road Test

Edmunds.com

Updated Transmission Software - 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited Long-Term Road Test

After hearing complaints from owners about its transmission shift quality, Jeep has offered up a software upgrade. We're not sure yet if we're going to take advantage of it.

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kirkhilles1

Another benefit of the Tesla. Over the Air updates means that when its tested and ready, you get the updates over the internet. No having to drop off your vehicle for hours at a time for them to "get around to it". No worry about cost if its out of warranty period.

cpearre

My wife's 2014 recently received the updated software. It made a big difference in how the transmission shifts. It improved the feel as well. It is supposed to increase the durability of the transmission. I suggest that you get it done.

misterfusion

Aren't TSBs applied for free, regardless of whether the vehicle is still under warranty?

The Cherokee has received a couple of software updates since launch, so it's possible that Edmunds' example received one of the later ones on the manufacturing line, hence no major issues observed. I read an article about the 9-speed unit, and it is pretty amazing tech, but the occasional odd-feeling shift is inevitable due to the design.

stever

Unfortunately they don't work like recalls, @misterfusion.

"These bulletins differ from recalls in that they are not considered safety or emissions issues and they usually apply only when your vehicle is in its warranty period (whereas a recall is "open" until the work has been performed). TSBs frequently (but not always) address a recurring problem and include illustrated instructions for repair, a list of the parts needed, the warranty status and the labor charge."

So out of warranty, out of luck (depending on your dealer, the manufacturer, whether it's really is a "silent" recall and what the cat had for breakfast).

How Can a Technical Service Bulletin Help Me?

Have to wonder if "updating software" is one of the check-offs the prep-tech is supposed to do when a new car arrives at a dealer or before it's delivered to the customer.

allthingshonda

The ZF 8-speed automatic is probably one of the best transmissions in the business but apparently adding one more gear screwed everything up. The same ZF transmission is finding it's way into Honda products and it's not going well. The 9-speed auto TLX has already been recalled to have the transmission replaced. It's also going to be the transmission used in the MDX and some versions of the upcoming Honda Pilot. It will probably be the transmission used in all V6 equipped Honda products eventually. What's funny is I read an article quoting a ZF engineer who said 8 speeds is probably the most gears an automatic transmission can have and still operate smoothly without frequent shifts and gear hunting. Jeep and Acura both had to delay introductions of the TLX and the Cherokee because they have problems getting the transmission programming right. At some point the dreaded CVT becomes the better option.

I don't know if it's true (or maybe I don't quite understand the engineering) but supposedly the upcoming Ford designed 10-speed auto for trucks will really be a 8 speed with different 4th and 5th gear ratios available depending on tow/haul mode is engagement.

cah11705

stever said:

Unfortunately they don't work like recalls, @misterfusion.

]

Have to wonder if "updating software" is one of the check-offs the prep-tech is supposed to do when a new car arrives at a dealer or before it's delivered to the customer.

@Stever,

Depending on the Chrysler dealership, they may use a technology called Wi-Advisor which is a wifi based system in the service lane. They hook a Wifi dongle up to the OBD-II port in the vehicle, relaying all vehicle info into a tablet which will show the service advisor if anything is necessary for the car (TSB, stored code, etc.). It also saves time for the advisor to pull up customer info and vehicle info. Very great technology making its way into an increasing number of dealers.
Also, when a car gets its pre-delivery inspection it should be checked for any necessary software updates (which I believe is the real question here, but I misread it initially and wrote all the stuff above which is still kind of relevant).

stever

And hopefully onto my iPad not long after that....

Thanks!

dby2012

Apparently it is no longer just a software fix for the 9 speed. FCA just released a TSB about having to replace a c- clutch snap ring that slips out of place causing hard shifts. This is for both the Jeep and 200.