Diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee Info

[Mike1997]

In 2007, Jeep while owned by the Daimler Chrysler Corporation, started offering the Grand Cherokee and Larado for sale in the USA with an optional 3.0liter 6 cyl engine made by Mercedes in Germany. This is the same engine widely used in many of their models sold worldwide.

Jeep offered this engine as an option in 2007 and 2008 with both 2wd and AWD Quadra Trac II transmissions. These diesel vehicles were sold in 49 states, California being the only exception due to CA Smog restrictions.

The Daimler diesel GC with AWD has a Gross Combined Weight rating of 12,200 lbs with a max Gross Trailer Weight of 7200 lbs, max tongue weight of 720 lbs. Options included a tow package that has either a Class III or Class IV hitch with wiring for a 7 pin connection that can operate electric trailer brakes.

These vehicles are also highly rated to flat tow if equipped with the Quadra Trac II transmission with a full netural button.

MPG can average 20-25 depending on speed and load. Under heavy load Jeep recommends using 4th gear to improve performance and extend transmission life by reducing excessive shifting and heat build up. This action also provides better engine braking.

All diesels come standard with an Engine Block Heater which warms engine coolant and permits quicker starts in cold weather. These engines also come with turbocharger that requires a cool down period after high speeds or heavy towing. Jeep recommends an idle time of 3-5 mins before shutting down.

Personally I have pulled large cargo trailers and auto transport trailers at highway speeds and always managed about 15mpg at 65mph. I also have it set up to be towed behind my diesel Airstream as a dingy. When the full netural switch is activated, the odometer does not record the miles towed. When flat towing I use a Brake Buddy to act as supplemental braking.

Will be glad to answer any specific questions about the 2007-2008 diesel. 2014-2017 models are equipped with a diesel made by Fiat but not familiar with their specifics. Will leave that discussion up to someone who owns one.

[ITSNO60]

Thank You Mike, a question and comment does the 2007-2008 have the VGT and if so does it suffer the fate of the Garrett VGT's that were used in the 6.0l Fords when not exercised frequently? I have also heard that the OM642 engines made before 2010 can suffer oil cooler leaks due to the non-viton seals used.

I currently have a 30 year old OM603 which was the Inline 6 cyl successor to the 5 cyl OM 617 which is pretty much bullet proof. The OM642 was the successor to the OM603. With each advancement came more refinement, power and cleaner emissions but at the cost of less reliability, as with all diesel manufacturers.

I am such a diesel nut if I had more space I would be dragging more of them home.

[VernDiesel]

Fwiw Green Diesel Engineering makes a good tune for both.

[AirstreamJim]

I said it over in the other thread and I'll repeat it here: be wary of the 2014-2016 VM Motori 3.0L EcoDiesel engine. There are several reports at jeepgarage.org of catastrophic engine failure, related to a slipped or otherwise failed camshaft bearing. Mine blew at 26K miles, 25 months after purchase. The ram1500diesel.com forum has 100 reports of catastrophic engine failure of this engine.

There's no way to know what percentage of these engines fails. That said, I've never seen reports of catastrophic engine failure of the V6 Pentastar or V8 Hemi engines on jeepgarage.org. There are orders of magnitude more of those engines on the road compared to the EcoDiesel.

I love my 2015 Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel. For the roughly 3900 miles we towed our 25FB last year before buying our RAM 2500, the Jeep towed very well with no worries at all (except low payload capability); we got 15-16 mpg while towing. I fervently hope that whatever was wrong with the design or manufacturing process in this engine has been corrected, and the new crate engine that is sitting at the dealership and some day might actually get installed, is reliable. But there will always be a part of me that doesn't quite trust it. :-(

Jim

[VernDiesel]

Yep they have had some fail. Fortunately Ram warranties them for 100,000 miles and replaces them with a brand new engine.

I have an early 14 that I bought new. It now has 350,000 miles towing TTs commercially. Never had an engine or transmission problem only emmissions (which is covered for 8 years & 80,000) a lift pump & glow plugs which were low cost repairs an oil feed line leak at the turbo and just recently a radiator & a water pump. Not hateful for the hard labor this truck does IMO.