Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Jeep Commander Maintenance and Repair
:mad: :lemon: We just purchased a new Jeep Commander Limited with all options and the 5.7 Hemi. Less than 1500 miles and now it won't start. Anyone else have this problem? I will be taking it up with the service manager, and escalate if needed.
Any ideas what is broken?
Thanks!
Any ideas what is broken?
Thanks!
Tagged:
0
Comments
If doesn't crank at all, then yes there is a major problem.(hopefully it's just a bad battery)
Thanks for your help.
Oh, how did you become aware of the MDS system software problem?
Oh, good choice on the black. I think it goes well with all of the chrome trimming on the Limited models.
Hopefully your battery was just a dud and you'll get another and be back on the road. Good luck and post what your outcome is.:shades:
Anyone else having this issue?
Anyone aware if there is a "Lemon" law here in Ontario like some of the US states..
Cheers,
Unfortunately, there is no "Lemon Law" in Ontario but they do have the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan.
tidester, host
Anyone else have this problem?
1. 9.6 mpg (actual, not per the trip computer). Can I expect the mpg to get better as we "break it in?" Granted the sticker stated 15/19 mpg, with a range of 12-18 for city driving. Hope this improves. Our driving was 80% "city" thus far, also about 35 deg F outside.
2. Went to get a video on Saturday nite, started the car, it ran for 2 seconds and died. Started again (not applying any gas, of course), ran for 2 seconds and died. Started a 3rd time, gave it gas to help it run, but it died immediately. Next try, nothing. Only a fast quiet clickking noise. Battery works, as I can turn on the headlights, the dash lights up, etc.
Calling the dealer Monday to pass on our happy events. Otherwise, we love this SUV.
I thought there might be a problem when I noticed that the light reflected from street signs appeared brighter (and more painful) than normal. Other car occupants were lit up when I stopped behind them and it was obvious the headlights were irritating them. Some oncoming traffic also flashed their brights. I had started driving with only the fog lights on to avoid problems but the aiming adjustment corrected the problem and I can now use the low-beams without blinding everyone around.
I found the solution on another website but can't find the site again to corroborate their solution so I'm posting my experience here.
I don't have the smartbeam headlights and my high beams were not on. This problem could cause a serious incident and if many other vehicles are affected this should be a TSB or perhaps a recall until the factory aims these correctly.
I haven't found this in any manual yet and discovered this by accident.
Holding down the left radio control button on the back of the steering wheel for a couple of seconds will activate the UConnect "Phone" option (don't push the up or down but rather the raised portion directly in the center of the button).
On a lark I thought I'd see what would happen with the right button - yes, it activates the "Voice" command button and allows you to send numeric dial commands to voice mail, etc... (e.g. push the button, say "1 2 3 4 SEND" to send 1234 to the other phone/voicemail system.
Need some help to install new trailer brake controler on my 2006 Jeep Commander. My Jeep dealer has no info on this
can someone help all of my other new Jeep came with a brake controler wireing kit but this one has not got one.
Thanks
Jim Toler
The front dash also makes noises like it had been taken out & put back incorrectly.
The big hit is the fact that the engine does not come close to the suggested miles per gallon & while they say it is in high gear it always feels like it drags when you let off the gas. (14. 5 mpg is the best this thing has to offer not 18 or 19 as suggested. I have the 5.7 HEMI & it idles a little rough sometimes but has the power to move & requires 7 quarts of oil when you change it.
The fancy DVD Navigation system works but I suggest not spending the extra money because the auto lighting does not adjust without always manual intervention. The Navigation system also requires that the NAV-DVD be in at all times running and is not at all current with roads and information. To update is another $200 plus dollars each year. When you want to search for special places you must be stopped which has a good side but not when you have someone else in the vehicle, plus it is set up so it could not be much more awkward if they tried.
Quality, fit and just design leave a lot to enhance. The bumpers are cheap pieces of plastic that are snapped together with plastic connectors and I already have a couple connectors that allow the fenders to wobble/noise. The interior is ok but limited space with only one seat with a pocket behind it. There was no special place to put the head phones for the rear seat DVD player and the extra roof windows do not open nor do the rear side windows so there is a high level of air noise due to the cheap/poor air flow design.
The 4 wheel drive is less than one would expect since you have all wheel drive & must almost stop to engage the low 4 wheel drive system which will allow you to go up to 20 miles an hour which is not what anyone should get when they expect to have true 4 wheel drive capabilities.
I would not waste what this vehicle cost again and should have waited for the new explorer.
Most new cars won't get their posted mileage for about 8,000 miles and it depends on your personal driving style.
I really don't understand you slamming your vehicle now, a lot of the problems should have been caught in the first five minutes of inspecting your Jeep. :confuse:
Jeep has one of the best four wheel drive systems on the market today! And, you think the Explorer is the answer to your 4x4 needs?
Mark :surprise:
The "new" Explorer? Well if you think the Jeeps 4WD system isn't up to the task, then you'll be sorely mistaken to take an Explorer off of the beaten path.
Navigation: Once the program has been implemented, there is always new roads to be added, no matter if it's Jeep or an $400K Maybach or Rolls. Nav system will always need continuous updating.
Build Quality: The build quality of the Commander is nothing short of exemplary. Mine has remained as tight and squeek and rattle free as the day I purchased it. No wind noise or drivetrain noise. Sure the bolt heads are faux, but doesn't every car maker use plastic? I think so.
As for the HEMI engine, it has a slight burble to it. It is not a rough idle by any means. True it's not as smooth as a cammer motor, but it is what it is: a marvel of an engine. In case you didn't hear, not even the hybrids are getting their reported mileage. Why would anyone by an SUV in hopes of good fuel economy? It ain't gonna happen.
Here's a hint: test drive and do research on any vehicle you may buy.
Navigation system is great, I have used it numerous times with nothing but sucess - well Ok one time I was driving to a golf course and it took me to the employee entrance, but close enough.
4WD is no good? I have taken my Commander in nasty snow and off-roading through some pretty tough trails, mud, water and could not believe how well it handled. Do you even know what low 4x4 is used for? You don't need it over 25MPH.
MPG...have you ever had a car get the EPA rated mileage? 10-15% off is about the best you can expect. 14.5 is right in that ballpark.
Fit and finish. I am about as finicky as it gets when it comes to rattles and squeaks. I am the guy who turns off the radio and listen for things. Nothing to complain about in the Commander so far and believe me I have looked.
Wind noise? Engine noise? Are you serious? If anything I would say this is its best feature, it is whisper quiet, even at highway speeds. I turn the engine on and can barely feel it's running.
Rear windows/sunroofs don't open. Umm yea it doesn't fly either but it is not meant to fly, just like the windows are not meant to open.
Do us all a favor and go for a test drive before buying your next car.
Today, we discovered same problem! We went to pick-up our trailer only to have the RV technicians discover that there is no trailer brake harness for the electronic controller! Very, very disappointed with Jeep.
After hours on phone with dealer and manufacturer, we've made some progress. There is no harness. But, the brake wire is buried under driver side dash...it's green, very, very hard to find. Had to bring to dealer to find. We are now looking for where to hook-up power, ground, and stoplight-switch wires.
Though we bought the tow package, the brake trailer pin on the 7-pin connector actually connects to nothing!!!!
See helpful information on: www.wkjeeps.com/wk_towing.htm
As we make progress, we will post.
Bottom-line though is we are very disappointed...the manual says you must have an electronic controller to tow anything over 1000 lb, only there is no place to hook the controller up to!!!! So, the "up to 7700 lb" advertised towing capacity and tow package addition is misleading info from manufacturer.
Otherwise, however, the vehicle is great...hope to have this issue resolved soon.
Please post if you find further info. Thanks and good luck.
tidester, host
The Navigation system (worth the money or not is up to the individual) but you should go through your manual again.. the illumination issues (which I had a BIG problem with on our Grand) no longer exist... you CAN control the illumiation through system set-up AND via the turn signal arm which allows you to dim the screen by 20% with a simple clock-wise twist of the dimmer control. This does NOT affect the illumination of the dash gauges, etc ... from this first turn ON... you can then incrementally dim the entire dash AND navigation screen together.
Bumpers on new cars have been 'cheap pieces of plastic' on just about all cars (except Wranglers) since the late 80's.
Your 'expectations' of what a 4-wheel drive system's performace should be.. if the Commander doesn't meet them... is somewhat humorous. When do you need to be in 4-low... where going over 20mph is a viable option? If you need 4-low.. you SHOULD be stopped.. one doesn't come across 4-low scenarios 'on the fly'.
flying fron gravel truck dented my crome grill and large chip in paint on hood, craked windshield. Now Sirus radio
looses signal.Told by Sirus that the antenna wasn't connected at the factory. With all my mishaps I only have
302 miles on truck. The dealer couldn't gave a crap about
my truck but the service dept. is trying to bend over backwards, because they are looking for a good response to a survey. It's amazing how these dealers keep their 5 star
ratings. Maybe if chrysler would start taking care of these vehicles that come from the factory and not try to keep bringing back old relics. ie charger challanger and srt models maybe all these problems wouldn't occur on the new models.
I have had a problem with the heating and cooling system.
Some days it works great and the next day I only get very cool air blowing out. At 30 degrees outside, when the car is started it immediately blows cold air. The next time I get in it seem to work properly. Has anyone had this problem?
water getting past the door water dam behind the door panel and dripping down to the floor (check for this by looking for water when you open the door in the groove of the seal, at the bottom that goes around the door opening).
A urethane skip or lack of, around the front windshield (peel back the carpet and with a trickle of water from a hose, slowly pour water around windshield and look for any water dripping to floor).
Missing rubber body plug possibly where sunroof drain hose comes out or would have come out if equipped or any hole where required.
Missing or loose floor plug, put on at the factory to cover drain holes from vehicle being dipped. With car in the air inspect plugs for seating evenly and all holding it in place).
This ones a little trickier but in the course of spotwelding the body you can sometimes get a burn through or a tiny pinhole in the weld itself which still big enough to cause a leak. (pouring water over spot welds but would require trim, carpet and possibly dashboard pulled away).
Related to the above would be body seam sealer used to seal all metal joints between the in and ouside of the car.
Problem with water leaks is that water travels but they should be using a water additive to show its path under an ultraviolet light.
Two weeks ago the service 4WD system light came on. The transmission seems to be engaging the 4wd system all the time instead of when necessary. The service light is intermittant, when the light is on, heavy friction when turning especially at low speeds, when the light goes out the friction goes away. Dealer claims they have not heard of the problem and were unable to fix it. It has been in twice to no avail. Service manager on vacation, so little assistance there. He returns on Monday, lets see if they can get it right. I have already paid for a weeks worth of rental car and not looking forward to doing it again. Frustration level is rising by the day. UGH :mad:
I am looking for some seasoned advice on whether I should or should not buy what appears to be a piece of CRAP!!! :confuse:
Keep in mind that you're looking at a "Problems & Solutions" forum so you're not likely to find any "trouble free" posts. Be sure to check out the main Jeep Commander discussion as well.
tidester, host
For me, it didn't seem like too much of a risk because the Commander is based on the Grand Cherokee platform. In other words, the major mechanicals have been "out there" for a while now.
Also, a lot of the difference between "happy" and "unhappy" lies in your perspective. (Some of it is how the dealer treats you.) If you expect your brand-new car to be flawless, then you'll probably be unhappy.
We have had our Commander for a couple weeks now. We love it. And already it's been to the dealer twice for service. The first time was because the back driver's side assist handle wasn't attached right. No big deal. I have no idea who was test driving that Jeep before we bought it, but the dealer fixed the problem. The second time it was for a little water leak. After a rain, a little bit of water stared to leak out of the trim cap above the driver's side assist handle and drip onto the dashboard.
Both of those issues are directly related to the Commander being a new model, and are the kinds of things I would expect to encounter. Maybe the rear assist handle is shared with other cars, but how it attaches to the body is unique to the Commander.
On the grand scale of things, I'm more aggravated that the nav system doesn't know where my house is, even though it's been here for almost 7 years!
Any help or suggestions will be appreciated.