The problem isn't the techs, it's FCA themselves. They don't offer the sensor as a separate part, it's only available as part of an axle assembly. If they would make this $50 part available separately, then it would be a whole lot easier.
Z Automotive offers a simple locker sensor bypass which is installed inline with the wiring harness at the diff Z Locker OEM. Looks like it bypasses the sensor but still allows activation of the locker. Curious if anyone's tried this. I have a 2019 Rubicon and haven't had the sensors fail yet but I may do this mod anyway to avoid problems in the future. Price is $180 per sensor bypass. That seems high for what it is (a few inches of wire and some connectors), but it's definitely cheaper than new axle assemblies.
Hi Alex, if you're handy pulling wrenches you might try potting the sensors.
I can guarantee with absolute certainty there are mechanical problems with your 189k mile pickup that you are simply ignoring.
They don't make a lot of parts that they make available, like gas caps and wiper blades. They can make this available, I'm not sure why they don't.
Maybe they are working with the manufacturer on getting a better quality alternative made vs reselling the same part so it can break again? I can hope at least...
Same experience here - just had to trade in a 1979 VW Sirocco for a 1980 Triumph TR8, with the usual Lucas issues, etc., because hey I was in FL and needed that soft top. Sold it after a year.That was my father's experience with whatever factory iRadio was installed in his 2015 3500 Cummins. It was replaced under warranty. The dealer returned the vehicle to him with a non-functioning HVAC system (the controls for which were bundled in said iRadio.) He had to get within a hair of engaging an attorney (for what would have begun with a demand letter) before the offending dealership begrudgingly agreed to installing a remanufactured replacement unit. The same chumps that didn't test the original replacement for function before giving the keys back the first time. Did they think the customer wouldn't notice? I still shake my head that this actually happened.
Everything works as it should now, but he won't be darkening their doorway ever again.
Ah. British Leyland. I've owned three of that breed, two being MGs. A fair bit of my automotive apprenticeship was served, serving them.
The factory wheels (both the wires, and the steel Rostyles) are hub-centric. They require special balancing equipment and knowledge.
As for Lucas, there are workarounds. The harnesses were built to a price, and more relays than were originally present are necessary to add a measure of reliability (example). Aftermarket rocker switches to replace the godawful originals might not look correct, but they were always my go-to early on. This book helped enormously, also. My second B in particular, now sold, was as reliable as I'd want it to be. It won Best in Class some years ago.
They can be good cars, but I grant that the work has to be put in.
The foregoing was knowledge earned through hindsight, and the experience of others. Pioneers like yourself.
, or so it seemed.
Ok first, those are full-size trucks. Full-size trucks are a whole different ballgame. Also one of those you call out is 15 years old...not even remotely comparable to a 2020 anything. My 2010 Tahoe has needed nothing more than wear items in it's life also...but that's a far cry from a new Jeep Wrangler. Hell most of the things you are complaining about weren't even dreamed about when your 2006 Sierra was made. Chevy and Ford full-sizers are major exceptions to the rule and always have been...you can't expect that kind of reliability from anything else. That said, you don't actually GET it anymore either, even in those very trucks. They have the same random gadget troubles that any other similarly equipped vehicle has.
My friend rode a Triumph motorcycle (back when they really sucked). He had a sticker that said "The parts falling off this bike are of the highest quality British manufacture."That was a bad choice. Against the advice of my roommate and every mechanic I asked, I bought a Triumph Spitfire (aka “misfire”) when they had a lot full of them in 1979 for cheap. As it turns out, all the folks I talked to were right. That tiny cartoon car was fun to drive in the sun, but it was a POS British car... The brits were building miserably unreliable cars long before we yanks learned how to follow in their footsteps.
