Major steering issue problem with JL Wrangler. Please watch

[MacBigButt]

You are correct about the stability control. However, this does not appear to be an issue related to the stability control system. It is an issue with the ECU/software which controls the power steering. Snippet from here: https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...teering-and-telescoping-steering-column.1197/

"With Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS), improved fuel efficiency can be achieved by activating the steering motor only when the driver is steering. Also, the system draws power from an electric motor and not the engine directly.

Another added advantage to EHPS over hydraulic system is that the electric motor is operated and controlled by the ECU unit which controls the motor very precisely by accurately monitoring the steering force, vehicle speed and steering angle."

Folks, maybe read your actual manuals!

It isn't fly-by-wire but the Wrangler does have Dynamic Steering Torque (from the manual):

"Dynamic Steering Torque (DST)

Dynamic Steering Torque is a feature of the ESC and Electric Power Steering (EPS) mod- ules that provides torque at the steering wheel for certain driving conditions in which the ESC module is detecting vehicle instabil- ity. The torque that the steering wheel re- ceives is only meant to help the driver realize optimal steering behavior in order to reach/ maintain vehicle stability. The only notifica- tion the driver receives that the feature is active is the torque applied to the steering wheel.

NOTE:

The DST feature is only meant to help the driver realize the correct course of action through small torques on the steering wheel, which means the effectiveness of the DST feature is highly dependent on the driver’s sensitivity and overall reaction to the applied torque. It is very important to realize that this feature will not steer the vehicle, meaning the driver is still responsible for steering the vehicle."

I have no idea whether this is related to the OPs and others problems, I kinda doubt it.

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[jman]

Hoping to see what the route cause is and fix for this one soon

 

[BillyHW]

Folks, maybe read your actual manuals!

It isn't fly-by-wire but the Wrangler does have Dynamic Steering Torque (from the manual):

"Dynamic Steering Torque (DST)

Dynamic Steering Torque is a feature of the ESC and Electric Power Steering (EPS) mod- ules that provides torque at the steering wheel for certain driving conditions in which the ESC module is detecting vehicle instabil- ity. The torque that the steering wheel re- ceives is only meant to help the driver realize optimal steering behavior in order to reach/ maintain vehicle stability. The only notifica- tion the driver receives that the feature is active is the torque applied to the steering wheel.

NOTE:

The DST feature is only meant to help the driver realize the correct course of action through small torques on the steering wheel, which means the effectiveness of the DST feature is highly dependent on the driver’s sensitivity and overall reaction to the applied torque. It is very important to realize that this feature will not steer the vehicle, meaning the driver is still responsible for steering the vehicle."

I have no idea whether this is related to the OPs and others problems, I kinda doubt it.

Which version of the owner's manual are you looking at? I just checked the 2nd and 3rd editions and while Dynamic Steering Torque (DST) is mentioned in a list of features, the paragraph explaining it are not there.

 

[That One Guy]

Hoping to see what the route cause is and fix for this one soon

If Jeep even f*cking addresses it. If it happens to me ill be getting really loud. Dragging dealer techs with me for ridealongs, hounding Jeep support, filing NHTSA complaints.


Every one of you that has experienced this needs to write a non-aggressive, well-written NHTSA complaint on their website.

 

[HiJinx69]

I have 2k miles and it started 2 weeks ago. The first time it happened it was after an hour drive with temps in the 80s. The steering sticks and you feel a pop when you steer, almost like it was jammed. Once I parked and took the car out a few hours later the issue went away. It happened again today and it had to turn hard to get it to pop. Going to take it to the dealership but I can’t replicate it all the time.

Your description matches mine exactly. When the engine is cool, it doesn’t happen. When it does, it happens when the engine oil temp reaches above 220 degrees. Listen for popping and clicking when you’re in park as you jerk the steering wheel back and forth. You will hear the noise by the steering motor. I took a video and will post it soon. I did it so I can show it to the mechanics, I don’t want them telling me they can’t replicate it or didn’t hear anything when I take it in.

 

[jman]

If Jeep even f*cking addresses it. If it happens to me ill be getting really loud. Dragging dealer techs with me for ridealongs, hounding Jeep support, filing NHTSA complaints.


Every one of you that has experienced this needs to write a non-aggressive, well-written NHTSA complaint on their website.

So negative, they will fix it. It's something I'll look for when I pick mine up (hopefully next week).

 

[practicaltact]

In the original youtube video OP posted, "Jeep Informant" posted a reply that "...The dealer can put a data recorder on the Jeep and let you drive it. What this does is it is always recording the data kinda like a DVR but when you push a trigger button it will record the previous 60 seconds and the folloing 30 seconds of data that the tech has chosen to look at. What state are you located in?"

Would seem like the data recorder is a great tool to troubleshoot this issue. OP, or others who have noticed this, has your dealer offered this troubleshooting tool, or can you request it? Also, I hope everyone experiencing the issue has reported this to the NHTSB!

 

[MacBigButt]

Which version of the owner's manual are you looking at? I just checked the 2nd and 3rd editions and while Dynamic Steering Torque (DST) is mentioned in a list of features, the paragraph explaining it are not there.

Well this is interesting. It seems I need to apologize for implying people weren't reading the manuals.

In the ones I downloaded from the JLWranglersForum it's in the User Guide on page 93 and the Owners Manual on page 216.

I just looked at the online Canadian Owners manual from FCA and it isn't even mentioned.

I've never thought to check the actual FCA editions.

So now a mystery, does the 2018 Wrangler have DST or not?

 

[SurfingJeep]

For those of you who have taken your JL's to the dealer for this specific issue, have you received any preliminary diagnostic feedback on what the root cause may be, and on any prospective fixes? I can deal with backup cameras acting wonky and the like, but this has kept me from buying a JL (and I have been to the dealer on more than one occasion w/ checkbook in hand).

If you guys are nowhere near a resolution or even a preliminary determination of the problem, I think I'm going to pull the trigger on a JKU and just wait, which is a bummer as I've waited a while for the JL's debut.

 

[ring_zero]

Looks like another member (@Ybohannon) is experiencing similar steering related issues.

Post located HERE

 

[intentsrig]

The only time I have ever noticed something like this is when I’m in reverse and I make small corrections and it literally feels like it locks for a split second.

 

[That One Guy]

For those of you who have taken your JL's to the dealer for this specific issue, have you received any preliminary diagnostic feedback on what the root cause may be, and on any prospective fixes? I can deal with backup cameras acting wonky and the like, but this has kept me from buying a JL (and I have been to the dealer on more than one occasion w/ checkbook in hand).

If you guys are nowhere near a resolution or even a preliminary determination of the problem, I think I'm going to pull the trigger on a JKU and just wait, which is a bummer as I've waited a while for the JL's debut.

I'm starting to feel the same way. This major issue is starting to appear "not rare". My commute is nonstop 70mph canyon curvy interstates. Not good for steering loss.

Last summer I was ready to buy a new, dated JK. Hearing about the new one on the horizon, I touched out the wait. Then the longer wait for two doors.

Now if I buy, it's buying while knowing this problem, and the frame rust, have still not been addressed by the manufacturer.

Decisions, decisions.

 

[Ybohannon]

Sorry you have the same issue. I started a Facebook group chat so people will hopefully get answers. Jeep is installing data loggers into people’s jeeps to hopefully catch the issue. If you have Facebook and want to be added to the group chat just message me.
https://www.facebook.com/100000747972894

Would like to be added. Have same issue, but only at lower speeds

 

[TIDALWAVE]

Could radio interference be influencing the steering. Just finished watching a YouTube video where two hackers took control of a 2018 Grand Cherokee. Turned on and off the engine on a freeway...then controlled steering and brakes in an empty parking lot!

 

[maus92]

Could radio interference be influencing the steering. Just finished watching a YouTube video where two hackers took control of a 2018 Grand Cherokee. Turned on and off the engine on a freeway...then controlled steering and brakes in an empty parking lot!

Not likely. The GC vulnerability was addressed in a software security update a while ago. OTOH, maybe there is a new exploit out in the wild... I wouldn't worry about random (or even malicious) RF interference. This issue sounds like a mechanical / electrical / software issue at this point, and not the result of a third party attacking the vehicle.

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