[D.Santillo]

I just purchased a pre-owned 2017 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk 9-spd, and after about a week of driving it, I started noticing the vehicle was having issues shifting gears. At times the RPMs go higher than usual, at times I can’t accelerate, many times this is followed by a jerking that feels like the car is getting hit. The gas mileage at best is 16mph (not sure if this is related or normal for this vehicle; it’s just lower than promised). At this point, the vehicle is almost not drivable which is disappointing because I really loved it at first. Unrelated, the Connect system also doesn’t work because it’s a 2017 and there is no fix.

 

[Marek K]

Welcome!

Obvious first step... Has anyone checked the transmission fluid level?

Gas mileage seems way low, no matter which engine you have.

And you mean the Uconnect entertainment system doesn't work? in what way?

 

[Mrsig]

and enjoy the forum!

Our little Jeep is a 17 & the U connect works fine.
I bet you little Jeep just needs some software updates.

 

[D.Santillo]

Welcome!

Obvious first step... Has anyone checked the transmission fluid level?

Gas mileage seems way low, no matter which engine you have.

And you mean the Uconnect entertainment system doesn't work? in what way?

Good morning!

Transmission Fluid is good. Everything was just checked at the dealership I purchased it from. Mileage is only 39k so I agree.

Re UConnect: The “infotainment” system works okay, but I can’t update it because apparently all Renegades 20xx-2017 use 3g which is obsolete in their eyes (called either Mopar or Uconnect support and was told this) and so I can’t use some of the features. Bluetooth works most of the time, radio, navigation all good.

 

[Marek K]

Ah... the old 3G obsolescence. After only five years. But at least most of it still works...

 

[georgef]

...apparently all Renegades 20xx-2017 use 3g which is obsolete in their eyes (called either Mopar or Uconnect support and was told this)...

Some of the blame should go to the cellular carriers, they are the ones shutting down the 3G networks.
Plan Ahead for Phase Out of 3G Cellular Networks and Service
Maybe the auto makers should have seen this coming and switched to 4G sooner, but you can't blame them entirely.

 

[Marek K]

Some of the blame should go to the cellular carriers, they are the ones shutting down the 3G networks.
Plan Ahead for Phase Out of 3G Cellular Networks and Service
Maybe the auto makers should have seen this coming and switched to 4G sooner, but you can't blame them entirely.

Yeah. 4G has only been around -- what -- a decade or more?

 

[theoctillion]

Aside from uconnect updates, there may a transmission software update. The TCM update on my 2021 Islander made a night & day difference in shift smoothness (prior to the update, I frequently wondered if I'd been rear-ended).

 

[D.Santillo]

Good to know that it might be something as simple as that. It went to the shop today— Keep your fingers crossed for me.

 

[raz-0]

Good morning!

Transmission Fluid is good. Everything was just checked at the dealership I purchased it from. Mileage is only 39k so I agree.

Re UConnect: The “infotainment” system works okay, but I can’t update it because apparently all Renegades 20xx-2017 use 3g which is obsolete in their eyes (called either Mopar or Uconnect support and was told this) and so I can’t use some of the features. Bluetooth works most of the time, radio, navigation all good.

On the 2.4l with 9 speed, the transmission has a fairly slow and somewhat hard 4 to 5 and 5 to 4 shift because that shift involves a dog clutch. This is normal.

The carriers ditched 3g, and they didn't offer the same kinds of low cost services on 4g in a timely manner. Everyone got screwed with that.

As other have said, have your dealer check for firmware updates. There were a LOT of TCU updates over the years.

However, even to this day mine loves to pull throttle input right after start up unless you take off like you stole it. When it does this for no discernable reason, it also tends to like giving it all the throttle input suddenly right about when the shift point is and it's not smooth. It's fine if you really baby it off the line first thing after starting, or hoon it out of your parking spot at fool tilt, but it kind of sucks at anything in between. Whatever it is trying to nanny you about it isn't well coordinated with the TCU.

 

[Victorylane23]

Good to know that it might be something as simple as that. It went to the shop today— Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Any updates ?