Ep.320 – Air Dams, Recalls, and Eco-Nuts

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This Week In Jeep: [0:02:09]

Uhh Mission Control?… we have a problem…

To all the U-connect users out there, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram parent company FCA recently sent out an over-the-air update for its popular (and ubiquitous) UConnect infotainment system. And as you may or may not be aware…things did not go as planned. The update is reportedly causing glitches ranging from SiriusXM not working to rendering the climate control functions completely inaccessible.

Some owners are complaining about an endless “bootloop” — essentially the system keeps restarting every 30-60 seconds. Oh, and there is the loss of the backup camera, since that’s displayed on the UConnect screen.

We’ll just call this a case of rectal cranial insertion disorder.

It was right there at the bottom of the screen for all to read. Sure it may have been the typical fine print, but it was there nonetheless, and it WAS legible. The disclaimer simply read: “This video was filmed on a man-made lake and man-made waterfall. The video was filmed on private land in the Southwest and the water does not flow to another natural body of water. The waterfall was also man-made for purposes of filming.” Paints a pretty clear picture doesn’t it?  Well, not so much to a one mister Chris Wood, who is the CEO of Trout Unlimited, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of aquatic habitats.

RECALL NOTICE

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is recalling 39,456 Jeep Wrangler SUVs and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans because of a faulty brake switch. The defect makes it possible to shift the vehicles out of Park without depressing the brake pedal, and the brake lights can also can get stuck on, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The NHTSA says the conditions can increase the risk of a crash, although FCA says it is not aware of any injuries or crashes related to the problem to date.

 

Jeep Tips: [0:10:04]

Steve 4.3LXJ – Finding Trails (pt1)

Wrangler Talk: [0:17:50]

Jeep Momma’s Top 5 Must Have Tools for the Trail

Tools on the list compiled from fellow Jeepers.

#1 BFH – Hammer
#2 Adjustable Wrench
#3 Big Screwdriver or Pry Bar
#4 Socket Set and Ratchet
#5 Vice Grip Pliers
#6 Screwdriver and Bits
#7 Zip Ties
#8 Duct Tape
#9 Bottle Jack
#10 Flashlight

Honorable mention each with one vote on tools to take with you when you off road. Self Igniting propane torch, breaker bar, knife, wire, Welder, saw, Jeep Momma, ballpoint press, st. Christopher medal, bubble gum and a bible.

Listener Reviews: [0:22:42]

Mark F. wrote into the show

Hey I’m a new listen and this show is great!! I’m going to be checking out Treadwright {tires} when I’m up for new tires. I wish I knew about them before I bought my KM2’s a year and a half ago!! Awesome show can’t wait to hear the next episode!

 
 
Tech Talk With Jeep Talk: [0:25:50]

Coming up on Tech Talk in future episodes

Here is a “heads up” on some of the things we’re going to be covering in the coming weeks, I thought I’d throw a few teasers your way. In the very near future we’re going to go over some of the things you need to take into consideration when shopping for components to upgrade your audio system. We’ll be talking Jeep specific security too, No sense in letting all that new gear go to a thief in the night. We’ll be talking transmission coolers, what they do, and how they benefit you off road and on. We’ll be talking about fuel economy tips and tricks and whether or not a propane conversion is something you want to put on your radar. We’ll get a little into cheap and effective axle upgrades that just about anyone can do, and even talk a little about general maintenance…

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The newest generation of Wrangler is finally here! Have you been able to spot one yet? ExtremeTerrain was among the first to get their hands on a new 2018 JL Wrangler and they have been hard at work on their latest YouTube review series. Their latest addition to this series is their in-depth engine and drive train review video, which shines light on many of the questions out there such as availability, specifications, and special features. ExtremeTerrain brand ambassador Ryan Huck takes you through each configuration one-by- one with his expert explanation and detailed analysis—nobody does it quite like these guys. We’re sure everyone here is familiar with the Pentastar V6, but in ExtremeTerrain’s latest video, you hear all about the advancements made to give it a little more efficiency this time around. Speaking of efficiency, did someone say Mild-Hybrid? To some Jeepers, this may sound like straight-up blasphemy, but coming soon to the JL line-up will be a 2-liter Turbo 4-cylinder, equipped with a Belt Start Generator to assist the petroleum powered combustion unit. If you think that’s extreme, how about a 3-liter Eco-Diesel? Not enough for ya? Well the plug-in hybrid JL should take the cake. Which one do you think will have more power? Tune in to find out! Visit extremeterrain.com today to watch this latest episode or click the link in the show notes for this episode at Jeeptalkshow.com

Interview with: [0:31:37]

Gary (no the other Gary!) with the Northwest Jeepcast

From The Mind Of NickyG [01:03:28]

Don’t miss this week’s offerings from Nicky G!  Exclusively on the Jeep Talk Show!

Jeep Momma’s Product Review: [01:05:56]

Air Dam: What’s the Purpose?

Things I’ve heard, or read it will do;

The Air Dam will stop some water from getting into your engine. Some water? what about the other water? I guess the “other” water doesn’t hurt your engine. But without the Air Dam “some” water will damage it.
The Air Dam provides additional cooling to your engine.
Removal of the Air Dam will create hood “flutter”.  Hood “flutter” — Death “wobble” Jeez they never told me this when I bought my Jeep. It’s making me a little nervous.
The removal of the Air Dam will lower your MPG by 1 or 2 points. Hmmm does it matter if I’m at 16 mpg or 15 mpg.

Cherokee Love: [01:12:50]

Getting your Jeep’s build Sheet

The build sheet tells you all the wonderful things that your Jeep “had” on it when it was fresh from the factory.  Who knows your Jeep may still be factory!  Now you can find out.

Click here to get your Jeep’s build sheet, get your VIN number first!

Camp Fireside Chat: (General chit-chat like Jeepers do around the campfire.) [01:17:00]

Josh

I hate flushing money down the drain!

Tammy

My new shirt I’m kinda a big deal, and wheeling with Nate (audio clip!)

Wheeling Where: [01:33:21]

This is where we talk about what events are comin’ up in your neck of the woods and around the nation….

Who/What: 56th Annual Tierra del Sol desert Safari
When: March 2nd – 4th
Where: Just outside of San Diego California
More Info: https://tdsdesertsafari.com/

Come out and experience the magic and splendor of southern California’s finest wheeling. This year will be another epic event with fantastic vendors onsite and the best raffle on the planet (over $150k in prizes)…Yes, we are going to do it again! We want to give a big shout out to Jeremy Coffin, who sent us the details of this event. He went last year and said it was a blast.

Judging from what I’ve read on the web about this event, he’s not mistaken.

Who/What: Reno Off-Road & Motorsports Expo
When: March 16th – 18th
Where: Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno Nevada
More Info: www.lockettshows.com

Who/What: Easter Jeep Safari
When: 03/24 – 03/31
Where: MOAB Utah
More Info: www.rr4w.com

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

nwjeepcast@gmail.com
http://nwjeepcast.com/
https://www.facebook.com/nwjeepcast/
https://twitter.com/nwjeepcast
https://www.extremeterrain.com/wrangler-jeep-jl-engine-options.html