Steering Lock up on Highway during cold weather

[jtjk]

Currently the dealer had the vehicle since the 21st and still has not looked at it and my case manager called me to let me know they have not looked at it..... Still here with no loaner and need to get to work.

talk to your case manager about a rental. My dealer did not offer loaners and they (jeep) ended up giving me $75 (sub total) a day for a rental (45 originally, but you can negotiate if your area has high prices)

my jeep was down 5 week due to software - so get on it early as they can take a long time to get stuff fixed (i waited 4 weeks before pushing for a rental)

Sponsored

 

[kah.mun.rah]

My 2018 did the same thing when cold outside and driving over 50 mph. It would prevent me from turning the wheel and then with a little force it would break free and send me about two lanes across traffic.

 

[Alall002]

talk to your case manager about a rental. My dealer did not offer loaners and they (jeep) ended up giving me $75 (sub total) a day for a rental (45 originally, but you can negotiate if your area has high prices)

my jeep was down 5 week due to software - so get on it early as they can take a long time to get stuff fixed (i waited 4 weeks before pushing for a rental)

I've been screwed over by infiniti in the past when they made me rent a car and only paid for a week (car was out for a month) so I'm hesitant about doing this. I'll try my hardest to figuring something out.

 

[Alall002]

My 2018 did the same thing when cold outside and driving over 50 mph. It would prevent me from turning the wheel and then with a little force it would break free and send me about two lanes across traffic.

What did they do to fix it? Was it the steering gear or the Restore vehicle configuration TSB? I feel like the odd one out because everyone that had this issue had it on the early models, there was a single post somewhere of a 2021 wrangler doing it so I hope they don't just dismiss me and actually investigate.

 

[Shibadog]

Almost has to be an issue with the power steering pump. As noted, a tru true “lock up” would mean the wheel could not BEturned.I’m betting either moisture in the ps fluid or debris in the pump causing intermittent loss of power steering.

 

[Seraphim79]

I have a 2021 Jeep Gladiator High Altitude. I have had it brought in for 3 computer software updates for multiple cylinder misfires and check engine light. On Dec 24, 22, I was driving to my parents in NY and it was about 5 degrees out and something similar happened. I had just gone around a sharp turn and on the straight away, the steering wheel completely locked up. Not loss of power assist, but was locked dead center like when you locked a steering wheel in an older car with an actual key turn ignition. I slowed down and when it got to about 30 mph, it started to work again. Dealer did another software update for the check engine light yesterday, but said they could find anything wrong with power steering.

 

[Alall002]

I have a 2021 Jeep Gladiator High Altitude. I have had it brought in for 3 computer software updates for multiple cylinder misfires and check engine light. On Dec 24, 22, I was driving to my parents in NY and it was about 5 degrees out and something similar happened. I had just gone around a sharp turn and on the straight away, the steering wheel completely locked up. Not loss of power assist, but was locked dead center like when you locked a steering wheel in an older car with an actual key turn ignition. I slowed down and when it got to about 30 mph, it started to work again. Dealer did another software update for the check engine light yesterday, but said they could find anything wrong with power steering.

Finally im not alone

 

[kah.mun.rah]

What did they do to fix it? Was it the steering gear or the Restore vehicle configuration TSB? I feel like the odd one out because everyone that had this issue had it on the early models, there was a single post somewhere of a 2021 wrangler doing it so I hope they don't just dismiss me and actually investigate.

Unfortunately I never received a diagnosis because the dealership could not replicate the issue. I am in Southern California and by the time the dealership opens in the morning it was too warm outside for the issue to happen. My Jeep was totaled two years later (unrelated to the steering) so that took care of the problem. I only bring it up so that you know that you aren't alone and that it is an issue. I thought it was from my Jeep having the aluminum box but it sounds like you have a newer one with the steel box?

 

[Alall002]

Unfortunately I never received a diagnosis because the dealership could not replicate the issue. I am in Southern California and by the time the dealership opens in the morning it was too warm outside for the issue to happen. My Jeep was totaled two years later (unrelated to the steering) so that took care of the problem. I only bring it up so that you know that you aren't alone and that it is an issue. I thought it was from my Jeep having the aluminum box but it sounds like you have a newer one with the steel box?

Yeah unfortunately I already have the steel box so more dead ends. Also the fact that my vehicle is just parked at the dealer with no one touching it also has me wondering if they are just gonna hand it back to me and say they couldn't replicate it. I don't wanna drive the thing here in the city where signaling is optional and an exit ramp is 5ft long with a full circle path like its Tokyo drift.

 

[Alall002]

Wish that @JeepCares would have paired me with a case manager that could apply some pressure on my dealer to have this expedited but instead I was promised a call yesterday by both the dealer and my case manager but had to reach out myself to find out that they haven't touched the damn thing yet

 

[kah.mun.rah]

@Alall002 do you still have the stock steering stabilizer? It's a long shot that it would be the root cause but I know someone that is an engineer at Jeep who said that there have been issues with stabilizers malfunctioning at low temperatures. Do you have a friend with a JL that would be willing to swap you stabilizers for a few days to see if there is any difference?

 

[Alall002]

@Alall002 do you still have the stock steering stabilizer? It's a long shot that it would be the root cause but I know someone that is an engineer at Jeep who said that there have been issues with stabilizers malfunctioning at low temperatures. Do you have a friend with a JL that would be willing to swap you stabilizers for a few days to see if there is any difference?

Unfortunately no i don't have anyone with a JL.

 

[GtX]

Unfortunately no i don't have anyone with a JL.

You could just remove the steering stabilizer for a few days.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

Unfortunately no i don't have anyone with a JL.

The odds of it being the stabilizer are probably extremely rare but if you DM me your address I can ship you a Fox stabilizer that I have if you want to try it.

 

[GtX]

In another thread I saw a member mentioned they installed a power steering boost and cooler kit which led me to check out the manufacturer's website. One of the benefits they list is

"No more stalled steering when it’s sub-freezing temperatures. "

Worth $200 to see if it fixes your issue.

https://www.apexdesignsusa.com/products/1-1-steering-boost-kit-jl-jt-compatible

Sponsored