[JayhawkOne]

Hey fellow Renegades

Now that the Renegade is in dealers I finally feel comfortable making my introduction:

I am a Jeep enthusiast and an FCA engineer. I have been a fan of Jeeps since before I could drive (the only vehicles I've ever owned have been Wranglers) and becoming a "Jeep engineer" is a dream come true for me. .

I've been driving the 1.4L Turbo Renegade (and 500X) in one form or another for almost two years now >

I cannot answer specific technical questions that FCA has not given public answers to (especially regarding development, can't give away any secrets!) but I can answer helpful questions like "what does this button do?" or "how do I/can I turn this feature off?" I ask that you please just treat me like any other member of the public.

I've been an active member of Jeep internet forums since high school so joining here was very natural for me. I'm very interested in seeing how you all like a vehicle I've worked very hard on, especially regarding the 1.4L Turbo powertrain combinations

Oh and any opinions I express are my own and not FCA's and anything I say should be taken with a grain of salt, yadayadayada, etc.

 

[Foobar]

I ask that you please just treat me like any other member of the public.

A dangerous request to be made on the internet! >

Thanks for taking part in this community, be careful what you ask for!


Are you able to tell us what your area of specialty is in, and what part of the Renegade you have the most experience with?


Any comments on the viability of aftermarket lift kits on this platform?


Finally - can you speak to the rumors about the MySky delay being caused by design flaws that result in leaking?


Good luck, and I hope you don't get tired of answering all the questions sure to come your way.

 

[JayhawkOne]

A dangerous request to be made on the internet! >

Thanks for taking part in this community, be careful what you ask for!


Are you able to tell us what your area of specialty is in, and what part of the Renegade you have the most experience with? I'm not technically supposed to come out and give a specific answer to this one, so I won't, sorry. I will say that I have lots of time behind the wheel of 1.4L Renegades and 500Xs as they've been my daily drivers for almost two years now. A few of the early Renegade sightings after the official reveal were actually my vehicles. Reading speculation from the very early mule spy shots back when everyone called it the "Jeepster" was very entertaining. Having to drive those early mules was not as entertaining.


Any comments on the viability of aftermarket lift kits on this platform? No idea and if I knew I probably couldn't say. Personally I hope the aftermarket is able to create a 2", or so, reasonably priced kit that doesn't sacrifice ride and handling too much. It would look awesome!


Finally - can you speak to the rumors about the MySky delay being caused by design flaws that result in leaking? Nope. I have no idea anyway. As an automotive industry insider I can say there's little point to speculate based on the rumors on the internet. It could be a multitude of things, perhaps the supplier isn't ready to meet anticipated demand, maybe there was a design change, maybe they are sending all the units they have available to different markets where it's more profitable. I'm just throwing ideas out there. Being a Wrangler owner who takes the top and doors off at any and every opportunity I will say that MySky is my favorite feature on the Renegade, in powered or manual flavors.


Good luck, and I hope you don't get tired of answering all the questions sure to come your way.

Answered in red!

 

[twospirits]

Finally - can you speak to the rumors about the MySky delay being caused by design flaws that result in leaking?Nope. I have no idea anyway. As an automotive industry insider I can say there's little point to speculate based on the rumors on the internet. It could be a multitude of things, perhaps the supplier isn't ready to meet anticipated demand, maybe there was a design change, maybe they are sending all the units they have available to different markets where it's more profitable. I'm just throwing ideas out there. Being a Wrangler owner who takes the top and doors off at any and every opportunity I will say that MySky is my favorite feature on the Renegade, in powered or manual flavors.

Makes me wonder if the delay is because they are going to offer the glass version instead.

oh btw, Welcome to the forum.

TS

 

[JayhawkOne]

Makes me wonder if the delay is because they are going to offer the glass version instead.

oh btw, Welcome to the forum.

TS

I hope not!!

I'm in the camp that will take the greater open air feeling in the spring/summer/fall vs the extra light from the glass roof in winter (even though winter pretty much lasts six months up here). The panels are so light and pop in and out so quick... I've been caught in several rainstorms with the panels off; just pull over, open the hatch, and click 'em back in! As I said I am a wrangler owner so I understand how others may not accept that type of inconvenience just to have an open air feel and still others prefer added light. The glass roof is cool too, it's just like the one in the 500L. Some focus group probably said us Americans woule prefer the MySky system haha.

Thanks for the welcome

(I know you guys won't do it in real life but a Jeep wave smilie would be a really cool addition to the forum)

 

[Foobar]

I fully intend on waving to other Jeeps in RL!

 

[Iceyes]

Is there Anyway to disable the audio seatbelt warning alarm? I promise I do wear my seatbelt!

 

[JayhawkOne]

Is there Anyway to disable the audio seatbelt warning alarm? I promise I do wear my seatbelt!

I don't think so, at least not without re-wiring it. I've never really tried though. I know if you're parked and it's going off, shifting into reverse and then back to park (or neutral with the manual trans) will shut it up. I personally wouldn't mess with re-wiring the sensor simply because I don't know what unintended side effects that would have with all the computer controlled restraint systems (airbags, pre-tensioners, etc.).

I know you can adjust the chime volume in the settings menu in the instrument panel.

Please, please wear your seatbelt! It's really not that inconvenient and could save your life some day.

 

[bwbike]

JayHawkOne,

I know you can't comment on future product, but is there a specific reason the six speed manual is mated only to the 1.4T engine? I like the 2.4 engine in my Trailhawk, but wish I could have had it with the manual transmission.

 

[JayhawkOne]

JayHawkOne,

I know you can't comment on future product, but is there a specific reason the six speed manual is mated only to the 1.4T engine? I like the 2.4 engine in my Trailhawk, but wish I could have had it with the manual transmission.

I honestly don't know and couldn't say even if I did.. Personally I know that Jeep is going to build what they think is best for them. There are probably more than a few reasons why they went with the lineup that they did and those reasons are likely pretty boring.

Now I'm heavily biased, this is kind of my baby, but I think the 1.4 is more fun to drive than say a Patriot 2.4 with the 5 speed. The 1.4 is engaging in a fun way; you have to pay attention to engine speed and which gear you are in but keeping it in the sweet spot is rewarding.

 

[Ndpdnt1]

Does the Renegade automatically engage the emergency brake when you open the door with vehicle in motion? Don't care for that feature in my Cherokee.


Do you think a V6 will eventually become an option?


Thanks in advance.

 

[JayhawkOne]

Does the Renegade automatically engage the emergency brake when you open the door with vehicle in motion? Don't care for that feature in my Cherokee.


Do you think a V6 will eventually become an option?


Thanks in advance.

Yes it does. I think you can turn that off in the radio menus if you have a touch screen or on the dashboard with the basic radio.

I doubt a V6 would fit.