I'm starting to get a creeping feeling that I'm screwed here. 2011 Sahara with 44,000 miles on it.

Was driving back from Legoland with my boy last Saturday when my dash lit up with at least 4 if not more idiot lights (lightning bolt, transmission, etc). Started losing a ton of compression and power so I pulled over to the shoulder on the freeway. I've had cars that just went temporarily nuts in the computer department, so I let it rest a couple of minutes and restarted. It would fire up with a little power, but once it went into gear it would cut out completely.

Had it towed to the dealer closest to my house. Not where I bought it, but I've used them a few times for oil changes, etc. I do prefer the dealer I bought it from, but they are a little far away for routing oil changes.

Since it was Saturday night, no one looked at it until Monday morning. I was told mid day that the culprit was the wireless receiver control module. Since I was out of warranty, I would have to eat the $375 for replacement. Fine.

Yesterday, I got the "call" that the problem was much bigger. They could only get one cylinder to fire, no compression still. Said they would have to do a $2000 teardown to get to the problem. Said they even had someone from corporate there (who happened to be at the dealership) trying to help diagnose.

Service manager mentioned my aftermarket filter, and that there was concern that there was a bunch of dirt in there that was causing the failure. I have a simple K&N drop in that I service regularly. I didn't even think to change out to stock before dropping the Jeep off. The engine is under warranty, but my fear is that they are already laying the groundwork to deny my warranty claim based on the "aftermarket" filter.

I've done some googling about this, and while I know the K&N lets more air in and therefore may let more fine particles in, is there anyway this would remotely be true? I know there is a court case that basically overturns most of these manufacturer claims of the K&N causing failure (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act). I just wrote to K&N, and am awaiting their input.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

I doubt the filter caused the problem.

It is a good excuse for the dealer to try to deny warranty, though.
My dealer tried to tell me changing my own oil would void my warranty.

 

Been running a after market filter for over 67,000 miles without any problems.Clean the filter when its due and that's not too often.Was compression loss due to lack of oil or dust eating at your piston rings

 

[SUB][/SUB]No official word yet. They're doing the teardown today. He did mention it being a little "dirty" and mentioned the aftermarket filter (didn't use the words K&N). They haven't denied warranty yet, but the fact that they even brought it up and told me I may have to pay for the teardown leads me to believe they are leaning that direction from the get go. Oil was just changed by the dealer two weeks ago.

I've read theories that the oil on the filter can foul the MAF sensor or something. I'm not sure if that would affect my control module (which they said failed), which would then ruin the engine. I hadn't cleaned and oiled it recently (usually do it every 6 months or so).

My gut tells me that the filter did not cause the failure, but it also tells me they may try to make a case that it did.

 

No MAF on the 3.8L engine.

 

That's good to know! Makes me feel better about pushing back on this!

 

K&N makes a big deal that using their filters does not void your vehicle warranty. You might want to talk to them to see if they can provide some ammo to use against Chrysler. From the K&N website...

Designed to Increase Horsepower & Acceleration
K&N Million Mile Limited Warranty®
Washable and Reusable

•Will NOT Void Vehicle Warranty
•Lasts up to 50,000 miles before cleaning is required depending on driving conditions
•Emissions Legal in all 50 US States.


K&N High Performance Lifetime Aftermarket Air Filters - Automotive and Motorcycle Air Filters

The dealer really sucks if they keep this crap going. BTW, dirty filters actually perform better at trapping particles than clean filters (but all important air flow is reduced).

Good luck!

 

Most vehicles with 44,000 miles on them have aftermarket air filters, K&N or otherwise.

Don't sweat a single drop over having an aftermarket air filter. It's just the dealership hedging while they determine the root cause. Be patient but firm. Moss-Magnusson is on your side with regards to the filter, and the burden of proof is on the dealer for anything else they could try to blame you for (infrequent oil changes, lack of maintenance, etc).

 

Please expect to have to push back, while not having your jeep to drive for an extended period of time. Much like insurance companies with big claims, the first route for them is deny deny deny. They don't get paid to make an expensive warranty claim easy for you to get.
Sorry for your troubles, and the ensuing stress, but don't let them get away with it!

 

A sudden loss of compression is usually the result of a equally sudden componet failure ; blown piston,timing gear /chain breaking, flex plate (auto trans ) shearing. Blown piston or head gaskets would have made smoke and noise,very curious to hear the whole story as it unfolds. Don't let them wear you down!