2006-2010 GC & XK N23 factory recall

[ROKTAXI]

Don't know how many of you are aware of the N23 recall involving those years. It involves those models with the QDII. The recall was issued 07/2013 regarding a "service 4WD system" message on the instrument cluster. A reflash was to fix the problem but after the flash, 4L became disabled. Subsequent dealer reflashing has not fixed the problem and now they have a very lengthy back order of the (faulty) ACTUATOR they claim now to be the problem. This has proven to be NOT TRUE and Chrysler has no fix as of yet. So if you have this vehicle... BE(A)WARE. More info can be found here. There are several threads you need to review. The goofy part about this is that after the reflash, the 4L becomes active again, but after an undetermined time / use, the error code reappears. Hopefully not when you need it. It appears not to effect 4H function.

 

[Bob Freda]

Thank you for posting this. I have been having this problem since my re-flash. The first time at the Vermont Overland Rally NO LOW RANGE ! I had to winch out of some areas that would normally be easy with low range. I have had my mechanic clear the codes ( takes 3 try's ) it works for a while but comes back just when you need it. I have even swapped in used actuator motors and still get the malfunction after a while.
I don't know why they just didn't keep a manual lever to engage low range, we don't need everything done for us by electronics. Somebody should come up with a lever conversion kit!

 

[ROKTAXI]

It's a world wide issue. Australia and Europe have also been having this problem. Please refer to the link in my post to fill you in on what is recommended to do. It basically says to file a case with Jeep and they will email you a case number and then email you a questionnaire. Here is the link again: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f67/

Within that posting header (not just that thread) there are at least 2 other threads addressing the issue. We need to get as much documentation for Chrysler to get off there ***** and fix the problem (not to mention creating new ones) that has been there since 2005 !!!!!

Remember, this is a RECALL issue : N23

Also Google it to get even more info.

 

[SSF556]

This affects QT2 as well....I should have posted this here sooner as well. I have been watching this issue blow up on jeep forum and I have NOT taken my WK to a dealer and WILL NOT until the issue is resolved.

 

[ROKTAXI]

This affects QT2 as well....I should have posted this here sooner as well. I have been watching this issue blow up on jeep forum and I have NOT taken my WK to a dealer and WILL NOT until the issue is resolved.

Yes, I did neglect to reflect that, scootr29. Thanks for updating. So far, it appears that the problem may now focus on the FCDM. Some are replacing that with one found at salvage yards and are having success in regards to the 4L issue. Don't know about the "service 4wd system" nag. Seems once the dealers reflash, the new 4L fault appears and will not go away permanently no matter how many times they reflash. Also replacing the actuator does NOT help no matter what Chrysler says / does. The consensus so far is replacing with a NON flashed FCDM will bring it back to before it was flashed which means perhaps seeing an occasional annoying "service 4wd system" nag but at least not losing 4L. Please refer to the Jeep Forum for more complete detailed info. Also, Google N23 and you'll find more documentation. Also, you will find the letters from the safety board & Chrysler at: safecar.gov .Once on that site, type in 13V175000 in the upper right corner, then navigate to one of the appropriate links.

 

[Bob Freda]

I want to thank you guys again. I just installed a recycled (used but no N23 reflash ) FDCM unit and it has fixed my 4Lo problem. I will be using my parking brake more (original recall problem) but I am one of those that uses my Grand Cherokee in off road conditions often.

 

[Jim K in PA]

Thanks for posting this up Roktaxi. We have a 2007 XK, and have had the "service 4WD system" message appear from time to time. It has never affected the functionality of the vehicle. We recently got the N23 recall notice, as well as a follow up card that really sounds alarmist. I have been dragging my heels on scheduling the recall service (I do all my own regular service on the truck) and am now glad I did! I am going to hold off until this settles out. The vehicle has 116k on it and it is still fantastic. We rarely use 4Lo, but I sure as hell don't want to screw it up!

BTW - the e-brake actuators on these trucks is horrible. I have had mine seize up from rust and lack of use twice. If you start using yours after a period of non-use, do not be surprised if a shoe hangs up. It is NOT the cables, it is the cam at the backing plate.

The only thing I really do not like is the damned TPMS. It triggers at pressures that are not really a problem, and is just an annoying message.

But I digress . . .

 

[ROKTAXI]

One of the hidden issues with this N23 fiasco will be when you decide to sell or trade in your Jeep. Just go to a Jeep dealer and see if they will even take it in on trade for a new Jeep! And if they do, be prepared to take a major hit. They won't want it on their used car lot and will just wholesale it! And for that matter, try to trade it in at ANY car dealership. I tried to do this at a Jeep and Subaru dealership. I know first hand!

Note: The Subaru dealer had a Rubicon I would have bought.

 

[jeepgc]

Don't know how many of you are aware of the N23 recall involving those years........

Yes, a big thank you Roktaxi for posting this up.

We occasionally get this message too and thought it was just a glitch.

Only happens to us during highway driving, smooth pavement etc and never when we're off road

Think we'll be ignoring it for a little while longer then.

 

[ROKTAXI]

.......The only thing I really do not like is the damned TPMS. It triggers at pressures that are not really a problem, and is just an annoying message......

I have the Superchips Flashpaq and use it to adjust the MPH / tire size and disable the TPMS as well as tuning. It can also be used to clear the "No 4L" and the "service 4wd system" codes. If you have the owners manual, you can also change the settings on the TPMS to a lower psi default.

 

[PDragon]

Thank you

Thanks Roktaxi for the heads-up. My WK is going to the dealer soon for some minor repairs and I will not have the N23 recall done to my Jeep. I use the handbrake all the time anyways (old habit from driving standard) and will wait until a proper fix is released/discovered.

 

[Bikemobile]

I've received 3 notices by mail for the n23 recall. I've called Chrysler each time and given them an earful about the bad experiences people are having on the jeep forums. They act like they have no idea about the endless backorders on transfer case motors triggered by incompetent techs performing this recall then charging unsuspecting people to repair the problem caused by the recall. One phone rep went so far as to say that it was illegal for me to ignore the recall. I remote start my wk regularly and have never had a problem. I do set the ebrake now though. It's a good habit anyway.

The sad part is that all wk's are now out of factory warranty. (Except extended and lifetime) so any qt2 or qd2 wk that has the recall done will be basically ruined unless the owner wants to replace the fdcm, clear the service 4wd code or just live with no 4lo. I will not take the chance of the techs doing the recall incorrectly. I've read that it can be done correctly and cause no problems. And one guy said that he was able to get it fixed by re-doing the recall correctly. The original recall sounds like it stemmed from an isolated group of vehicles that rolled away. It's funny, I've never read about anybody's wk rolling away on the jeep forums. Not one. But there are numerous threads about the people negatively affected by this stupid recall with an even more stupid program.

 

[Bikemobile]

141 pages on the N23 recall on jeepforum