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Jeep Cherokee 2-Speed PTU Issue Addressed With Software Update

The Jeep brand has an impressive following, and it’s easy to understand why. What boggles the mind, however, is that Fiat Chrysler still hasn’t sorted out the gremlins in the Cherokee's automatic transmission.
Jeep Cherokee 6 photos
Photo: Jeep
2014 Jeep Cherokee2014 Jeep Cherokee2014 Jeep Cherokee2014 Jeep Cherokee2014 Jeep Cherokee
83,000 units were recalled last year, and some of them are called back again for a related defect. Older models fitted with the two-speed Power Transfer Unit may exhibit “relative movement” between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft according to the Italo-American automaker. To be more precise, we’re dealing with an estimate of 67,248 units.

Dressed up as a voluntary recall, the campaign doesn’t concern the hardware but… wait for it… the software that governs "the Drive Train Control Module and the Electric Parking Brake." Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is aware of a single accident related to this condition, but no injuries at the time of reporting.

The movement mentioned earlier can result in the teeth of the splines wearing off prematurely, leading to a loss of engagement between the transmission and differential inside the Power Transfer Unit. If the inevitable happens, the engine won’t be able to send torque to the front wheels.

But wait, there’s more! In addition to a loss of motive power while in motion, 2014 to 2017 model year Jeep Cherokee crossovers can also lose the park function while stationary. How will a software update resolve this issue?

According to Fiat Chrysler, new lines of code will trigger a malfunction indicator light to illuminate if the failure occurs. The software will engage the rear axle “to prevent a loss of motive power” as well as the electronic parking brake “when the vehicle is in park to prevent a loss of park function.”

The involved component – namely the PTU – is produced by a supplier called American Axle & Manufacturing. Headquartered in Detroit and preceded by Albion Motors, AAM was founded in 1994 after a group of investors bought the Final Drive and Forge Business Unit from General Motors.

Vehicles with the single-speed PTU are not affected, and as part of the campaign, FCA is recalling 2,669 two-speeders sold as replacement parts.
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 Download: New Safety Recall Advanced Communication – W47 (PDF)

About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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