3rd Gen Durango 2011+ models

Shifting Problems or NOT???

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Old Aug 17, 2011 | 09:56 PM
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Default Shifting Problems or NOT???

O.K. I hope I am getting this in the right place??? No comments regarding my inability to post please, haha...I bought a new Citadel and noticed it has a clunking or gear slipping sound and feeling, intermittently, when you start from a stop and around 40 mph. I have taken it to the dealership twice...1st time they said it needed an update, left the lot and it clunked again from a stop and actually shuttered going down the road around 45 mph 2 days later???

Two day ago (which was about 2 wks from first visit) back to shop and they did a manual update?? Still same problem. I would describe it as missing a gear~when you are stopped and go to take off; it rolls when accelerate, revs and will not go, then clunks and will go. Around 40 mph it clunks and sounds like it cannot find or go into gear???

The mechanic told me if there was any problem it would show up on a diagonstic scan. I asked him even if it was a mechanical issue vs. an electronic issue and he said yes b/c all of the mechanics were electronic and I may have to wait for it to break to fix it!! WTH, it is a $50 K car (I did not pay that for it, but still). Only 2300 miles.

I have also read some other posts regarding the key thing not working...at the car wash the other day (car was running) when I went to back out it was saying KEY OUTSIDE VEHICLE!! When it was not. It eventually stopped and I went on. Also clock/nav system will show 12:00 every time I start the car then go blank and show the right time?? Dealer is aware and did not say anything regarding.

As anyone experienced any similar problems regarding the 'shifting problems' and if so did you ever find out what the cause was?
 
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Old Aug 17, 2011 | 10:00 PM
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It is a 2011 AWD, Hemi. Transmission is automatic with the option for manual shifting.
 
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Old Aug 17, 2011 | 10:23 PM
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Default Shift issue

I have 2500 miles on my AWD Citadel and have experienced the same issue at a standing stop. It seems to do it more so after I have come off the highway and then take off from a stop light. It definitely feels like a tranny slip but unless you can get it to do it for the dealer, you will get the "unable to recreate customer concern" answer, trust me. I guess you have to wait for something to explode. Funny though, cant be the only ones with this situation.
 
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Old Aug 17, 2011 | 10:42 PM
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I'm glad I'm not the only one. Now I don't feel like the 'crazy lady' who keeps taking my car back to the dealer! I guess I'll high-jack a mechanic and make him drive around with me for a day. I also notice it more when it has been driven for a ways and then stop. Thank you for your response
 
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Old Aug 18, 2011 | 09:58 AM
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Originally Posted by rmizern
I'm glad I'm not the only one. Now I don't feel like the 'crazy lady' who keeps taking my car back to the dealer! I guess I'll high-jack a mechanic and make him drive around with me for a day. I also notice it more when it has been driven for a ways and then stop. Thank you for your response



I also have the same issue on my R/T from a starting stop in addition to my steering wheel shake/vibration that I have chronicled on another post. I have taken it to the dealer a multitude of times for both issues and they and Chrysler say there is nothing they can do as both are a characteristic of the vehicle. Suffice it to say I have continued to pursue these issues with Chrysler.

The clunk from a standing start doesn't do it all the time though but it definitely feels as if it's the tranny or the driveshaft.
 
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Old Aug 18, 2011 | 02:45 PM
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Mine doesn't do it every time either. Like a previous poster said, recreate it for the mechanic...I did drive the a mechanic around the other day and he felt it and still told me it was an update problem. I'm suppossed to bring it back in and the service mgr. is going to drive it a few days. I'll keep you all posted as to what they say???
 
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Old Aug 18, 2011 | 03:01 PM
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All,

I am sorry to hear the trouble the three of you are having with your vehicles.

This is Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) # 18-035-11. I cannot diagnose your drive-ability issues through this forum but I am posting this so that if it does apply to your vehicle you can bring it to the techs attention at the dealership. The below information involves reprogramming the PCM (powertrain control module). I have pulled this bulletin based on the information I have gathered from your postings. If any of you want to PM me your VIN I will look for any tech notes, recalls, etc.. that applies to your specific vehicle. Again, sorry for your having to deal with these issues.


This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without written permission of Chrysler Group LLC.



SUBJECT:
Flash: Driveability And Transmission And Heating And A/C Improvements
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves flash reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new
software.
MODELS:
2011 (WD) Durango
2011 (WK) Grand Cherokee
NOTE: This Service Bulletin applies to WK vehicles equipped with a 5.7L engine
(Sales Code EZH) and 545RFE transmission (Sales Code DGQ) built before
April 4, 2011 (MDH 0404XX).
NOTE: This Service Bulletin applies to WD vehicles equipped with a 5.7L engine
(Sales Code EZH) and 545RFE transmission (Sales Code DGQ) built before
May 10, 2011 (MDH 0510XX).

NUMBER: 18-035-11
GROUP: Vehicle Performance
DATE: July 11, 2011
Driveability Improvements
a. Fuel odor. This condition is noticeable in hot ambient temperatures, while towing a
trailer or in stop or go city traffic. Purge flow has been increased. (WK Body Only)
b. Lacks Performance. Some driving conditions can produce circumstances where
some customers may perceive more pedal effort is required to get the Powertrain to
accelerate the vehicle as desired. The PCM calibration for pedal vs. torque
relationship was changed to allow for more torque delivery at less pedal effort/travel.
(WK Body only)
c. Knock sound. This condition happens on heavy throttle input or entry into or out of
MDS modes. The spark knock calibration has been changed to accommodate these
conditions. (WK Body Only)
d. Drone sound while operating in MDS V4 mode at steady state driving, anywhere
between the speeds of 35 to 60 mph (56 to 96 kph). (WD Body Only)
e. EVIC fuel economy calculation improvements. (WD Body Only)
f. Cruise Control cancels without driver input while in ACC mode at about 5800 RPM.
To correct this condition the cruise control cancel mode RPM limit has been raised.
(WK Body Only)
Transmission Improvements:
a. Bump feeling or clunk sound in 4WD Low during a coast down. This condition
happens at speeds between 5 to 30 mph followed by the driver letting off on the
throttle (Decel). (WK Body International Vehicles Only)
b. Too high vehicle speed needed before shifting from 3rd - 4th gear. (WK and WD
Bodies)
c. Shudder or shake feeling on wide open throttle stab. (WK and WD Bodies)
d. Harsh 1-2 upshift. (WK and WD Bodies)
e. Unexpected or busy downshift with a raise in engine speed while coasting at
between 45 and 48 mph (72 to 77 kph). (WD Body Only)
 
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Old Aug 18, 2011 | 10:28 PM
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Originally Posted by DodgeCares
All,

I am sorry to hear the trouble the three of you are having with your vehicles.

This is Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) # 18-035-11. I cannot diagnose your drive-ability issues through this forum but I am posting this so that if it does apply to your vehicle you can bring it to the techs attention at the dealership. The below information involves reprogramming the PCM (powertrain control module). I have pulled this bulletin based on the information I have gathered from your postings. If any of you want to PM me your VIN I will look for any tech notes, recalls, etc.. that applies to your specific vehicle. Again, sorry for your having to deal with these issues.


This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without written permission of Chrysler Group LLC.



SUBJECT:
Flash: Driveability And Transmission And Heating And A/C Improvements
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves flash reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new
software.
MODELS:
2011 (WD) Durango
2011 (WK) Grand Cherokee
NOTE: This Service Bulletin applies to WK vehicles equipped with a 5.7L engine
(Sales Code EZH) and 545RFE transmission (Sales Code DGQ) built before
April 4, 2011 (MDH 0404XX).
NOTE: This Service Bulletin applies to WD vehicles equipped with a 5.7L engine
(Sales Code EZH) and 545RFE transmission (Sales Code DGQ) built before
May 10, 2011 (MDH 0510XX).

NUMBER: 18-035-11
GROUP: Vehicle Performance
DATE: July 11, 2011
Driveability Improvements
a. Fuel odor. This condition is noticeable in hot ambient temperatures, while towing a
trailer or in stop or go city traffic. Purge flow has been increased. (WK Body Only)
b. Lacks Performance. Some driving conditions can produce circumstances where
some customers may perceive more pedal effort is required to get the Powertrain to
accelerate the vehicle as desired. The PCM calibration for pedal vs. torque
relationship was changed to allow for more torque delivery at less pedal effort/travel.
(WK Body only)
c. Knock sound. This condition happens on heavy throttle input or entry into or out of
MDS modes. The spark knock calibration has been changed to accommodate these
conditions. (WK Body Only)
d. Drone sound while operating in MDS V4 mode at steady state driving, anywhere
between the speeds of 35 to 60 mph (56 to 96 kph). (WD Body Only)
e. EVIC fuel economy calculation improvements. (WD Body Only)
f. Cruise Control cancels without driver input while in ACC mode at about 5800 RPM.
To correct this condition the cruise control cancel mode RPM limit has been raised.
(WK Body Only)
Transmission Improvements:
a. Bump feeling or clunk sound in 4WD Low during a coast down. This condition
happens at speeds between 5 to 30 mph followed by the driver letting off on the
throttle (Decel). (WK Body International Vehicles Only)
b. Too high vehicle speed needed before shifting from 3rd - 4th gear. (WK and WD
Bodies)
c. Shudder or shake feeling on wide open throttle stab. (WK and WD Bodies)
d. Harsh 1-2 upshift. (WK and WD Bodies)
e. Unexpected or busy downshift with a raise in engine speed while coasting at
between 45 and 48 mph (72 to 77 kph). (WD Body Only)

Thanks for the information! I will have my dealer perform this service bulletin to see if it takes care of this problem as I have experienced some of the issues you highlighted such as the drone sound and shudder, however, I do not see on your symptoms list the clunk sound when taking off from a stop as related to this bulletin. Maybe this will correct that as well.

Now if you can send me a service bulletin that would fix my steering wheel shake/vibration... That would be awesome as this issue has drove me nuts since purchasing the vehicle 2 months ago. Just a thought but maybe the service bulletin you just sent might get rid of the steering wheel shake/vibration also since it could be related to the drone and shudder shake feeling. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part but it's worth a shot.

Thanks again!
 
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Old Aug 19, 2011 | 11:30 AM
  #9  
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From: Mopar HQ
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Queens,

This TSB is hot off the press. Perhaps will help you!!!

NUMBER: 19-004-11
GROUP: Steering
DATE: August 19, 2011
SUBJECT:
Shudder And/Or Bump Felt Through The Steering Wheel Under Moderate Braking And/Or
Driving Over Rough Roads
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves road testing and if necessary replacing the intermediate shaft.
MODELS:
2011-2012 (WD) Durango
2011-2012 (WK) Grand Cherokee
NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles built before July 01, 2011 (MDH0701XX).
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Shudder and/or bump felt through the steering wheel under moderate braking or driving
over rough roads. This can be caused by spline stick/slip from the intermediate shaft.
DIAGNOSIS:
If the customer describes the symptom, perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
Qty. Part No. Description
1 (AR) 05057539AD Shaft, Steering Column Intermediate
NOTE: The new lower intermediate shaft must have a green dot on the assembly,
near or on the label (Fig. 1). If a green dot cannot be found return and reorder
the intermediate shaft.
 
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Old Aug 2, 2012 | 09:46 AM
  #10  
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I've had the same problem with the transmission failing to engage from a stop, then clunking into gear. I now have about 19k miles on it, and after several trips to the dealer, they did a "software update". This has almost entirely emiminated the hesitation going into gear, HOWEVER, after this update the performance has severely decreased. It doesn't run nearly as well as before the update. Even my wife has noticed a huge difference. I now have another appt to take it in to either remove the update or make it run as before. 2011 Durango RT.

Also, can anyone tell me if the RT version Hemi engine is tuned for performance any different them the regular Durango Hemi?
 

Last edited by mgrin306; Aug 2, 2012 at 09:57 AM. Reason: to add a question
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