[SewerRatz]

Well I'm driving along and twice when I went to stop I felt a lurch as I came to a complete stop. As if something in the back slide forward.

I figured once I drop off some tickets at the office is head to the dealership to get my 30K oil change and have them check out the lurch. Well 2 miles from my office the dash screen tells me to shift to neutral. Once I did I get service engine and service transmission message the CEL is lit and a read exclamation mark is flashing.

So roadside assistance through my insurance company has been called and waiting on a tow truck as I type this.

Its a 2015 Diesel.

 

[RDinNHandAZ]

Sorry about your bad luck. I hate to ask each time somebody posts up one of these but when you get a chance please create a signature in the user CP and tell us what your van is, gas, diesel, year, etc. This is for everyone please, do it now.

Diesel or Gas?

 

[SewerRatz]

Sorry about your bad luck. I hate to ask each time somebody posts up one of these but when you get a chance please create a signature in the user CP and tell us what your van is, gas, diesel, year, etc. This is for everyone please, do it now.

Diesel or Gas?

Odd, I have a signature set up. Maybe it didn't display due to me posting from my phone this morning. It is a 2015 159" diesel.

 

[RDinNHandAZ]

Did you get the code(s) for us? It sounds like a failed or more likely sticking clutch actuator but could be the control module that decides when to clutch or not. It should not be low fluid and that has a sensor and code. Unfortunately I don’t think enough of us have had anything like this so your dealer may not have a clue and Star/FCA may not have seen many either. This is a case that some knowledge of this system from Europe where they have used it since 2006 at least might help. Hopefully it is quickly diagnosed and fixed. The only component internal to the transmission in the clutch is the slave cylinder I believe so it is likely to be something they can get to easily. I would have guessed low fluid bit there should have been a warning so that's not likely.
I see the signature in the second post so it may be the phone, odd.

 

[SewerRatz]

I pulled the code before the tow truck showed up. It was P0901

When I did a google search for the code I did come across this service bulletin that covers http://www.wk2jeeps.com/Misc/Cherokee/KL_TSB/KL_21_035_16.pdf

2014 - 2015 (KL ) Jeep Cherokee
2015 (UF) Chrysler 200
2015 (BU) Jeep Renegade
2016 (FB) Fiat 500X
2015 (VM) Ram ProMaster City

But doesn't list the full size ProMaster It says Clutch 1 Actuator Control Circuit Range Performance but we shall see.

 

[SewerRatz]

I called the dealer and asked what the status of my van is. I was told that the technician is working with engineering and it will be a few more days.

 

[Zyzzyx]

Just a note that the scheduled maintenance includes changing the transmission hydraulic fluid every 2 years or 60k, first to happen. We just had ours done, two years of ownership and 40k miles.

 

[RDinNHandAZ]

I don’t find transmission oil change in the diesel manual. It does say change the hydraulic system fluid in the clutch actuator system. Is that what you mean? Since you said Hydraulic Fluid I expect thats what you had done. I have never heard of a change interval for the actual fluid in a manual transmission that soon.
It also says renew the brake fluid (DOT4). The reason for the renewal is that both are Hydrophilic fluids and you don’t want water from the atmosphere to be in those systems. They are not worn out just possibly contaminated with humidity. The brake fluid change would apply to gassers too.

 

[SewerRatz]

So this up coming Monday will make it three weeks that the dealer has my truck. Last Friday I called and was very persistent to talk to the service writer handling my case. He finally talked to me and informed me that FCA had his tech flash the computer, but the problem kept returning after each flash. So the tech was waiting on further instruction from FCA engineers at what to do next. I think the issue is the mechanics never seem an automated manual transmission before and has no idea how to troubleshoot things for themselves.

Well fast forward to yesterday. A new service writer called me and said he will be my contact from now on and even gave me a direct line to call him at. Then he informed me that FCA has concluded that my transmission problems are due to the hydraulic unit and the slave cylinder. They should have the replacement parts by next week.

Then he informed me that my front brake pads have only 3mm of pad left and should be replaced. He gave me a price of 560 bucks just to service the front brakes. He also said they should replace the fuel and air filter, wiper blades and service the rear brake calipers. All this with the front brakes he said it would only cost me 1200 bucks. If I approve it now his tech can work on these concerns while waiting on the transmission parts. BTW the van millage is 29, 989 miles.

 

[Obrian]

I'm guessing the diesels have a fuel filter? Because the gas vans don't. If you are paying out of pocket, go to an independent shop. Those prices are retarded. Stealership

 

[twicken2]

If you are at all handy you can do the whole list for the cost of parts. Fuel filter, air filter, and wiper blades can be done in under an hour of your time!

FWIW, I did my fuel filter at 34K, and based on appearance, it would have been fine to go a lot longer. Many others have reported the same thing. I did my air filter at the same time, and it was needed, but I live in a very dusty area and drive on dirt roads quite a bit. I will probably go at least 45K on fuel filter this time.

 

[charity's van]

protocol for transmission problems on these vans is actuator and slave cylinder first. if problem reoccurs the tcm, when it reoccurs again maybe rebuild your trans, then if all else it happens again. transmission and wiring harness and another new tcm. that is the order they did mine and the order the service manager says fca dictates to them. they will hope you reach 100k miles before they have to spend money on it.

 

[SewerRatz]

I was at the dealership this morning to get some needed tools of the van. Had a chance to talk to the mechanic. He informed me after he tried Star's flash the computer first, he then felt the issue was with the hydraulic system. SO he bleed the unit and while on the lift it started to shift perfectly fine. He informed Star about this and they warned him not to take it out on the road due to the issue will come right back. Then they said the fact that bleeding the system solved the issue, that they recommend changing out the whole hydraulic actuator and slave cylinder. He just got it on that yesterday, said he will get it all back together once he gets a chance to get back on the truck.

This is one of the few dealerships in the Chicagoland area that doesn't have the mechanics on strike for the last month. So they are being overwhelmed with service calls from customers that normally use other dealerships.

 

[SewerRatz]

protocol for transmission problems on these vans is actuator and slave cylinder first. if problem reoccurs the tcm, when it reoccurs again maybe rebuild your trans, then if all else it happens again. transmission and wiring harness and another new tcm. that is the order they did mine and the order the service manager says fca dictates to them. they will hope you reach 100k miles before they have to spend money on it.

When I seen the new actuator system it had a whole new wiring harness already attached to it.

The only upsetting thing for me is it has taken them nearly 4 weeks to get as far as they are now. I think it is a combination of them being super busy do to other dealerships on strike, and Star making them take certain steps in troubleshooting. I like the fact that the mechanic working on my van took incentive and decided to do some troubleshooting himself without Star guidance which helped narrow down the issue. I also like the fact that Star instead of troubleshooting the defect in/on the actuator and replacing the single part, they are replacing the whole hydraulic unit.

 

[SewerRatz]

On Thursday they called me to pick up my van it was ready. When I got there they explained the issue was defiantly the hydraulic actuator unit and slave cylinder. Drove it all day Thursday and Friday with no issues. I di not have them do any of the recommended service the brakes, air filter and fuel filter. I told them I am either doing them myself or I will find a place that is cheaper.

I called up the local Pep Boys on Friday and they told me they will do the front brakes and cut the rotors for $290, I scheduled the work to be done Saturday morning. I get there, they pull the van into a bay and start pulling off all four wheels to do a brake inspection. The service writer and mechanic inform me that the front pads still have 50 percent left. But they noticed the inside of the drivers side front rim was full of oil and the outer CV joint is leaking oil out. They proceed to put my tires back on and printed me up a zero dollar invoice for the inspection and it noting the leaking CV joint.

So I promptly call the dealership, and got lucky that the service writer that was handling my transmission case answered the phone (so I thought). I explained to him about the CV joint, and his first words out of his mouth, "We didn't do any work near there." I was shocked and told him I never said you did any work there, and then I said how the **** did you take apart the transaxle with out taking the axils apart? Plus when he and the mechanic let me into my van to get tools I got a good look in the engine bay they had the front wheels off I could clearly see the clutch exposed on the trans since they had it all apart waiting on the new parts. He then says there is nothing he can do today. I never asked for service that day. So I will be heading there Monday morning and we will see if they take responsibly for the CV joint.

 

[twicken2]

On Thursday they called me to pick up my van it was ready. When I got there they explained the issue was defiantly the hydraulic actuator unit and slave cylinder. Drove it all day Thursday and Friday with no issues. I di not have them do any of the recommended service the brakes, air filter and fuel filter. I told them I am either doing them myself or I will find a place that is cheaper.

I called up the local Pep Boys on Friday and they told me they will do the front brakes and cut the rotors for $290, I scheduled the work to be done Saturday morning. I get there, they pull the van into a bay and start pulling off all four wheels to do a brake inspection. The service writer and mechanic inform me that the front pads still have 50 percent left. But they noticed the inside of the drivers side front rim was full of oil and the outer CV joint is leaking oil out. They proceed to put my tires back on and printed me up a zero dollar invoice for the inspection and it noting the leaking CV joint.

So I promptly call the dealership, and got lucky that the service writer that was handling my transmission case answered the phone (so I thought). I explained to him about the CV joint, and his first words out of his mouth, "We didn't do any work near there." I was shocked and told him I never said you did any work there, and then I said how the **** did you take apart the transaxle with out taking the axils apart? Plus when he and the mechanic let me into my van to get tools I got a good look in the engine bay they had the front wheels off I could clearly see the clutch exposed on the trans since they had it all apart waiting on the new parts. He then says there is nothing he can do today. I never asked for service that day. So I will be heading there Monday morning and we will see if they take responsibly for the CV joint.

It won't matter whether or not they take responsibility for it, it will be covered under warranty if you are under 36K miles. You are lucky it's under warrant too..they have to replace the whole CV shaft on this thing, and its a $1000+ part. I wouldn't mention Pep Boys - say you noticed it yourself and avoid them trying to blame the other shop.

 

[MJAB]

It not necessary to change the semi-half shaft for a broken CV joint boot.
Inspecting it for crack is part of normal inspection that is part of maintenance programme,
An official dealership letting one customer vehicle go out without even noticing it, is something that should never happen (even more since it was there 4 weeks.

There are kits that cover almost all parts of the half axles.
For the price of half shaft complete assembly will cost less to buy the parts in Europe or find the same parts in U.S.A. and Canada.

For example, SKF makes kits for repairs (SKF is a well known company).

A SKF universal boot kit cost around Euro 10 (taxes included)
A wheel side CV joint kit around Euro 60/80 (pricelist is about Euro 160).
...

If only a cracked boot, for a fast repair or not wanting to spend the money needed for the job of dismantle the wheel assembly, than there are some boots that are fast to install since are glued on side(/s).
It will last less, but cost less too.

For example

 

[SewerRatz]

So I got a call that they replaced the whole half axil and to come pick up my ProMaster. The porter pulls it up and leaves it idling for me, I jump in and noticed the check engine light was lit. I pulled it back into the service lane and they pulled the code. It was the same code as last time about the actuator. So its still with the dealership.

 

[SewerRatz]

So heard from the dealership yesterday. They had the van for another week, and nothing has been fixed. They said FCA is sending down a technician due to the fact they cannot figure out why the hydraulic actuator is throwing a code.

 

[RDinNHandAZ]

Is it still P2872? That code has come up on several vans but a reset seems to “fix” it for some time on most. For those new to the forum it’s a generic code that indicates "CLUTCH "A" STUCK ENGAGED” which isn’t. It is easy to see why FCA is baffled if the actuator and wiring as well as the TCU has been changed!
I got it once on a restart after I had tried to back out of a parking space and the E-brake was on. The code showed up hours later since I drove for a while before the restart. I read and reset it and it has not returned. I reported it to my service manager when it went in for service and they found it stored but said they could go no further as it wasn’t active and they scolded me for resetting it of course. I have not tried to recreate the situation as your experience getting it fixed has been painful to hear about. When it finally gets tracked down it will be a