JanetBrown
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Everything posted by JanetBrown
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Ok so the Jeep has gone to a new owner, he is looking at it to donate parts for his Jeep which means at least one Jeep will stay on the road. In the end I think I got a fair price for it despite all the issues I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to all those who stayed with us in the UK during the tow-bar debacle, especially Moses and Biggman whose advice was invaluable. I have suggested to the new owner that he look at this forum as a fount of knowledge and advice. Life on the homefront has now settled with me now being the owner of a KIa Sorento as the towing machine. Mind you I will hopefully soon be in the market for another Jeep as long as I can wear my OH down to agree to one. Keep on Jeeping out there :)
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Shunter 65 Thank you for the offer, it is very kind of you - I had looked at this option with my mechanic - I asked him if just replacing the compressor was an option, he has looked at the car in depth and feels that even with a new part the car has had enough. I have never used the aircon - coming from a family where my father drummed into me that it just meant you used more fuel and if you wanted fresh air that was what the windows were for I have taken it on a couple of runs to see how it will run - however I have the vehicle to tow with and the mechanic feels that the overheating issue is more complicated than first thought. I took the trailer out (empty - as there is nothing worse than breaking down with a horse on board) on pulling up hill the vehicle is struggling, losing power and juddering. The mechanic has looked at it again and is cautioning against putting any more money into it. I must say my mechanic is brilliant, is prepared to work around issues, fit second hand parts and understands where I am coming from with regard to my car. He knows I rely on it for towing and every time I have had to take it to the stealership he has looked at the list of 'serious issues' they provide and once he has stopped laughing dealt with what actually needs to be done - if anything (and at a fraction of the cost - or in a couple of instances for free). To be honest my OH is getting a little more than exasperated with me over the car as he has paid for most of the previous repairs and he wanted me to get rid of it at the beginning of the N46 recall debacle. I'm not sure that standing my ground on this is a good way to go.
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Biggman100 and Laney Hi, I had thought about going down this route of sourcing everything myself, my mechanic is also happy for this, but together with everything else it is still going to cost me nearly £1500, with as my mechanic has pointed out no recall f something doesn't fit (the car is a South African import and seems to have several 'oddities when it comes to parts) . This for a car that yesterday I was offered £350 part exchange. I do feel like should carry on but my OH has pointed out that it may well be time to admit defeat. I bought this vehicle four years ago for £6,000 ($9300) and since then have had the following costs Rear light fittings - Passenger side door mirror EVIC replacement 'Serious issues' being found every time the car goes in for a 'recall' or service(the first time I believed them - never again - my mechanic does all work now apart from the recall work) New automatic transmission and ancillary costs - almost £3500 over £1000 in vehicle hire as not being able to tow due to recall issue now a further £1500 approx for the aircon issue This does not include the servicing/MOT - wear and tear items such as tyres/battery/brakes etc Yes I appreciate that running a car is expensive but I have never in over 40 years of driving had such an expensive car for repairing. I must confess I have been looking at other Jeeps but my OH is being all sensible and reminding me of how much I have spent on this one.
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Now I know well and truly that life is not fair So 7 weeks ago I had the new towbar fitted - Whoopee - after eight long months of campaigning and fighting for it - however this last two weeks sadly my lovely KJ has just gone and died - well almost. At the last quote it is going to cost more than I can afford to put into this vehicle having already spent out more than I paid for the car in the first place. (Horsebox rental for the eight months the Jeep was unable to tow, new automatic transmission on top of the usual items needed for MOT and Service, wear and tear) Yet again the stealership got it totally wrong - telling me that it needed a new accessories belt. Now I know that I had a new one fitted last year so took the car into my trusted garage for a full check - the prognosis was not good as the following parts are needed: New air con compressor - the bearings are gone Dryer - as the warranty on the compressor is invalid without one. Radiator - apparently impossible to get One stealership told my garage that they did not have one and it could take 6 - 12 months to get one - if they could. Another stealership told me that yes they could get me one and they were in stock - at the knock down price of £612.00 +VAT (£734.40) ($1138.98)this does not include the price of the Dryer :0 Radiators - told they are impossible to get as mine is an import (South African) as the stealership are being awkward I just still don't trust them Labour - initial costing £700 - £1000 and rising (from my trusted garage - Jeep wouldn't even quote for me) Why does owning one of these vehicles have to be so expensive in the UK So people I am now sadly giving up - Jeep have worn me down to never have another one - now considering a Kia Sorrento (oh the shame)
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Chris, glad to hear your news - it's a nice bit of kit don't you think. I think they are working their way through those that made the most noise :) I know of at least 4 other people who had new towbars fitted in the last week or so. It appears that the 'order' to fit my new towbar pdq didn't come from Customer Service but the Director's Office :) Happy towing
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Photos
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Had my towbar fitted today, seems a nice solid piece of kit. If I know how to post photo's I would. Customer service at the dealership I went to was totally different to previous experiences, friendly, considerate and efficient. Looking forward to hitching up the trailer at the weekend
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Laney, thanks for that - though it has been longer than since February, I originally started dealing with this in October last year, but didn't start posting for quite a while until I realised I wasn't the only one who wasn't getting anywhere.
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Just had an email, including a letter, stating that the towbars are here and will be fitted at a dealer of my choice FREE OF CHARGE Just have to provide them with a couple of dates of my choosing for them to do it.
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Ok, so have had an email today from customer service in response to my email stating that I had not received the promised communication from Fiat/Jeep for the end of April. Mind you still no answers to my detailed questions in several previous emails regarding this situation We can confirm that the tow bars have been shipped and will arrive in the UK via our distribution warehouse in Italy. As soon as we have confirmation they have been received into our warehouse in the UK we will write to you again with further instructions." Still no date though. Perhaps they are on a rowboat or pedalo Ah well just keep on waiting I suppose - it's only been 8 months so far
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Ok so I have now had a response from Customer Services as follows: "We refer to our email of 19th November 2014 (copy of which is attached) in which we advised you that Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd is assisting with the coordination of aftercare of Jeep vehicles registered on or before 1st September 2010.Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd would like to assure you that have been doing all we can to expedite procurement of the tow bar which we have identified and which meets the requirements of the recall campaign. By way of update, we would like to advise you that availability of the tow bar is anticipated for the end of April 2015. We will contact you again once we have final confirmation of UK delivery. Yours Sincerely," So end of April then........................
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Mike K et al I have, as requested forwarded the recent round of emails between myself and Jeep Customer Relations to Tom at Tow-Trust. Jeep had promised a response by the end of this week. Should I get a response I will let you all know what it is.
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Below is the response to an email I sent earlier today, the email has not answered any of the many questions I have asked for the second time. However it does say that I will hear further by the end of next week - mind you not going to be holding my breath: We have identified a source for a tow bar which is currently undergoing tests to ensure it complies with the requirements of the Recall Campaign. We hope to conclude the process as soon as possible and would like to assure you that we are doing everything we can to expedite this. We will contact you with further information as soon as this becomes available. Please be assured that we will provide you with a further update on this matter by the end of next week.
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I came across this whilst conducting some more research, I think the most interesting fact is that it states that only 3% yes, just 3% of over 1.5 million cars have been 'fixed'. So not that serious then ?????? or do Americans not take this seriously (ie is their insurance not compromised as in the UK). I note that in the US it is an 'advisory', yet in the UK is is presented as 'mandatory' or no insurance in the majority of cases By the way - it appears from another forum member that Fiat have made the official decision that they will NOT compensate or pay for the new towbars manufactured by Tow Trust - however I have yet to receive this in writing. Consumer Advisory: NHTSA Urges Owners of Model Year 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty and 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Vehicles to Get Recalled Cars Fixed Thursday, November 20, 2014 Contact: Catherine Howden, 202-366-9550, Public.Affairs@dot.gov WASHINGTON D.C - NHTSA urges owners of recalled Model Year 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty and Model Year 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles to contact their local dealer to arrange a service appointment to receive the free remedy repair for their vehicles. Chrysler reports it currently has nearly 400,000 parts available to repair vehicles covered by this recall and will continue to produce parts to ensure they are able to meet consumer demand for the repair. Owners who have concerns regarding their ability to receive parts should contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler’s recall remedy addresses fuel tank ruptures and fires that can occur if the vehicle is struck from behind in a low to medium speed crash. NHTSA took the proactive step of testing the remedy and today the agency closed its safety defect investigation because it believes the risk of fuel tank ruptures and fires in lower to medium speed rear end crashes will be reduced by the remedy now offered by Chrysler. However, NHTSA will continue to monitor the remedy and Chrysler’s efforts to notify vehicle owners and its effort to remedy vehicles. Owners can confirm whether their individual vehicle is part of the recall by using NHTSA’s free VIN look up tool on safercar.gov or by contacting Chrysler customer service at 1-800-247-9753. NHTSA also issued a letter to Chrysler today expressing concerns with the manufacturer’s current efforts to repair the recalled vehicles. In its most recent update, Chrysler reports that the company has remedied only approximately 3 percent of affected vehicles of a population of more than 1.5 million. The agency is pushing the manufacturer to accelerate efforts to repair the recalled vehicles by proactively reaching out to affected owners with accurate information on the safety defect and the availability of the free remedy repair. NHTSA is also asking for details on what Chrysler is doing to correct any inaccuracies or delays in dealer communications and actions regarding these issues. Owners should make sure their vehicles are registered with up-to-date contact information to ensure they receive notices of safety defect recalls from manufacturers. Further, the agency strongly urges all consumers to utilize any of NHTSA’s many alert tools to quickly learn about recalls on www.safercar.gov. View NHTSA’s Closing Resume View the full report on NHTSA’s testing View NHTSA’s letter to Chrysler Receive recall alerts on Apple devices, Android devices or Email Stay connected with NHTSA via: Facebook.com/NHTSA | Twitter.com/NHTSAgov | YouTube.com/USDOTNHTSA | SaferCar.gov
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JeeperMare The response from Pam Nagra is identical to one of the paragraphs in my response from her. A stock answer I am afraid, so we will have to keep on battling.
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Paul/MikeK I understand what you are saying regarding supporting a British company who has managed to save us from being unable to tow - BUT I think you have missed the point I was trying to make. I like many others cannot afford to purchase and have fitted a new towbar, it will have to be saved up for. I would not wish to try and talk anyone out of the opportunity to purchase a towbar from TowTrust, however, I feel that the more people that go this way will give FIAT the opportunity to avoid being held responsible for the fiasco we have all found ourselves in. Yes FIAT are dragging this out, are being divisive and confusing matters with different departments of the company giving different information, but I want them to accept responsibility and pay for the new towbars. The legal advice that I was given was to allow FIAT time to sort this out, and my first contact with the powers that be within the company setting out the issue is less than 4 weeks. I think that TowTrust deserve a medal for what they have done and look forward to being able to legally tow again (once I've saved up the money).
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If not a big union jack I hope that Tow Trust will provide/sell some very large stickers/decals that we can put on our cars to support them and to thank them for their help in this. As I have said elsewhere however, I am concerned that if we all buy from Tow Trust direct ourselves, will this not disincentivise Fiat from providing them free of charge to those who are affected, especially those who do not have the funds to purchase and fit. I do not in any way mean to offend, especially those who have gone so far in helping us sort this out. I merely want to ensure that Fiat takes full responsibility for the situation that we have, through no fault of our own, found ourselves in. IMHO Fiat should be ordering these from Tow Trust and fitting them for us, or even better paying Tow Trust to supply and fit these. Even though I have had no dealings with Tow Trust I would trust them to do a better job that the stealerships.
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OK so response received from Fiat today - important paragraphs as follows: "We are in the process of identifying a tow bar that will meet the requirements of this recall campaign. At this time, it is not possible to offer a precise timescale for the completion of this process however, we would like to assure you that we are doing all we can to source a tow bar as soon as possible. We would also mention to you that the recall was issued in accordance with the Code of Practice for Safety Defects as agreed between the Department for Transport and in compliance with UK General Product Safety Regulations 2005. The recall in the USA was launched at the same time as the lunch in the EMEA region. We will respond to you in more detail once this process in complete." So perhaps all is not lost - However, there is no timescale, but I would like to think.they are anxious to get this sorted to make us go away and stop creating bad publicity (no I have not been eating 'brownies') Just trying to get through this fiasco
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Moses, absolutely perfectly explained. I wish you were in charge of Fiat over here, at least then we would have someone who understood life as a 4x4 driver. It would make life so much simpler if they just installed a new towbar to those vehicles that needed to have the old ones replaced. I will update you when I receive the response that has been promised by week beginning 8th December 2014 from Fiat
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Yep I've got one of those letters, mine promises a further response to my comments and questions next week. Interesting that your letter does not have your vehicle reg on it though
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Moses, I agree that this could be an easy fix if a towbar manufacturer was given the measurements needed by Jeep and was prepared to manufacture the required number of towbars. However, I feel that Jeep will not be prepared to pay for this as they do not seem to see it as an issue for them especially as in the email sent to another owner states: "We must confirm that we would not be in the position to offer any form of compensation for completing this type of product enhancement as part of a recall campaign." To call it a 'product enhancement' is in my opinion insulting, given the recall deems the removal of existing towbars if necessary. My other concern is the NHTSA investigation, especially as the original concern was with Gasoline Engines and the majority of Cherokees in the UK are Diesel. The investigation seems to concentrate purely on Gasoline, no mention is made of Diesel. This, in my opinion, could possibly mean that diesel engines are not deemed at risk, thereby rendering the whole recall for those cars with diesel engines as unnecessary.
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Just to let the UK Peeps know that due to Jeep UK removing posts on their Facebook page there is a new one set up by and for those of us affected by this recall - the object of which is to show Jeep how unhappy we are - please keep it clean, factual and sensible, to show them that if they are reasonable with us we can only help them in the future by showing their Customer Service as being just that Service for the Customer. The facebook page is called Cherokee N46 Recall -please join and add your experiences and stories
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I have also read on another forum that there is a towbar manufacturer who, if given the measurements by Jeep, could have alternative towbars in 8 weeks. Now that could prove interesting
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Moses and everyone else. I have been given permission to repost an email which has been sent to another Jeep Cherokee owner in the UK- I think it clearly shows that Jeep have no intention of sorting out his problem and no concern about us in the UK. Jeep Cherokee Recall Thank you for contacting Jeep Customer Relations. We would like to acknowledge your email dated the 2nd December 2014. Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd is assisting with the coordination of aftercare of Jeep vehicles registered on or before 1st September 2010. The recall on your vehicle is to provide an enhanced level of rear impact protection beyond the original design standards. To achieve this enhancement, it is necessary to fit a cross car beam to the rear of the vehicle. If a tow bar is already fitted to the vehicle, it needs to be inspected to verify if it conforms to the certified clearance levels and/or the absence of sharp edges. If it does, the tow bar can remain fitted. If however, the tow bar does not meet the required specifications of this recall campaign, it should be removed and replaced by the certified cross car beam. We would strongly recommend that you have this safety recall completed on the vehicle as soon as is possible. We are not currently in the position to offer any further information as regards an alternative for the tow bar. We must confirm that we would not be in the position to offer any form of compensation for completing this type of product enhancement as part of a recall campaign. We can appreciate that this may not be the response that you were expecting but this is the position of Jeep UK at this time. Should you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Relations team from Monday to Friday between 9:00 and 18:00 on our toll free number 0080004265337 choosing option number 3.
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p.s. Janet the reason Crysler-Jeep charge so high for the glowplug replacment is because parts of the intake manifold and alternator have to be removed to access the glowplugs and thats if they come out without breaking.. I can purchase them from a local car parts shop for about £17 each.. but there are 2 different voltages 5v and 7v and its not an easy job to do... £60 for your garage to change them is very good price! Thanks Patrick Hi Patrick I knew that replacing the glowplugs was not an easy job, yet couldn't reconcile myself to the extortionate cost, likewise they were going to charge me £30 for replacing the A/C Clutch relay. The part was £15 so they wanted a further £15 for raising the bonnet hood and plugging it in. In total it took me less than 3 minutes, given that the bonnet would already be open for the glowplug removal I found this £15.00 labour charge ridiculous. My local garage did several jobs for me including replacing the glowplugs, changing tyres around, changing brake fluid, inspecting 'faults' found by the stealership and an indepth investigation into what other options there might be for the towbar for £100 less than the price the stealership were going to charge me for just replacing the glowplugs. Yes my local garage may not have a shiny set-up, posh overalls and fleeces, their waiting room does not have a fancy tv and drinks machine BUT I trust them to make sure my car is safe, roadworthy and legal. They are local to me, have a fabulous reputation and I will use them for everything I possibly can. Yes I am probably known by them as the mad old woman with the Jeep, but they don't treat me like an idiot, they understand that Yes I do know one part from another, (my late father wanted a boy but got me, I was helping him strip and handbuild engines from the age of 10), they are happy to explain to me what problems/fixes are, and will always take good care of my and my families cars. They are always prepared to 'go the extra mile'. It is a pity that the Stealership is constricted by the rules that are sent from above.
