gg

What recall?
What exactly caught on fire??

Oh.. I just searched this and saw recalls from 2014-16 models for this issue.
I see that the liftgate control module is not on the hatch door, but in the area you showed.
I also see that there was a redesign after the original recall with a new part to completely seal the unit.
Was that second recall done on your vehicle?

 

Well this is new. Possibly the Aftermarket Alpine Setup install is the problem?
The fuse panel and BCM are supposed to protect the vehicle from serious problems.
Was the Aftermarket Alpine Setup properly installed?

 

Yes the speakers were installed several years ago just fine. The recall is to address this exact issue. I’ve had every recall done. It was the Hatch module mentioned in the recall that caught on fire. My lift stopped working so I checked the fuse and it was blown. I replaced the fuse, opened the hatch (worked fine) then it started smoking and flames started coming out from under the spare tire cover.



The speakers are irrelevant here, there are no speakers in the hatch. No sub. Nothing. This is clearly a Jeep design flaw.

 

Here’s my Jeep page, shows I had the recall performed.

gg

So today my 2015 Cherokee caught on fire. I had the recall performed yet it seems the hatch module decided to go up in flames. I’m not too happy.

What recall?
What exactly caught on fire??

Oh.. I just searched this and saw recalls from 2014-16 models for this issue.
I see that the liftgate control module is not on the hatch door, but in the area you showed.
I also see that there was a redesign after the original recall with a new part to completely seal the unit.
Was that second recall done on your vehicle?

Well this is new. Possibly the Aftermarket Alpine Setup install is the problem?
The fuse panel and BCM are supposed to protect the vehicle from serious problems.
Was the Aftermarket Alpine Setup properly installed?

Yes the speakers were installed several years ago just fine. The recall is to address this exact issue. I’ve had every recall done. It was the Hatch module mentioned in the recall that caught on fire. My lift stopped working so I checked the fuse and it was blown. I replaced the fuse, opened the hatch (worked fine) then it started smoking and flames started coming out from under the spare tire cover.



The speakers are irrelevant here, there are no speakers in the hatch. No sub. Nothing. This is clearly a Jeep design flaw.

 

Fortunately I had the recall done on my 2014 and my module wasn't corroded.

 

I had it done in 2016. Apparently doesn’t always fix it.

 

It appears that there were actually 3 separate fixes for this issue. The first two covers for that module were not effective, and there was a third cover designed. There may have been 3 different recalls as well.
Hopefully FCA will make this right for you.

 

Thanks for that info. I had all my recalls done, I only remember 1 being related to this issue. If nothing else I hope they pay my deductible ?

Is jeepcares still on here?

 

Since it is the electrical connector corrosion causing the problem then I am fond of using Copper/Aluminum aid.
It is designed to prevent corrosion between copper and aluminum and does not interfere with the electrical connection.
Since the stock connector does not seem to use a weather proof seal then this is the best way to protect the connector contacts from the atmosphere.

FCA uses Mopar 05013781AA dielectric grease for the shifter harness connector so it should be good enough for the
rear hatch module connector. Reference TSB 08-054-18 REV. A.

 

I paid $37,000 for my Jeep, I shouldn’t have to retroactively fix their seal or use a different fuse that came OEM or carry a fire extinguisher! I expect my vehicle that has not been in a collision or been altered to be safe for my kids. Please tell me you are joking.

That is the extinguisher that the fire department used. I wasn’t going to say NO!

Jeepcares I’m in contact with FCA support thanks.

 

F50 in the PDC is for the power liftgate module. It is a 30A fuse.
If the fuse does not blow to prevent a fire then maybe we should put in a smaller value fuse.
Eventually even normal liftgate operation will blow the fuse so then just use one size larger.
The correct way to do this is use an ammeter to measure the normal operating current flow.
Sounds like a mission for somebody who actually knows what they are doing and has an ammeter.

 

Be advised, when you install a larger fuse, the dealer will note it and deny any claim. Your insurance company will do the same.

 

In the first Post it looks like a fire extinguisher was used. There is a lot of residue.
I keep a Halotron fire extinguisher in the back seat area.
It smothers electrical fires and does not leave any residue.
Refer to www.buckeyef.com
Picture: https://jeepcherokeeclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=150370&d=1487684920

 

Thanks for the explanation, letting the fire department put out the fire was the correct decision.

 

Bloody ****! - another thing to worry about! - ie. like many others, our liftgate fairly regularly takes a few goes to get operating - so now I'm gonna be worrying that it's on its way to this!!

And as a matter of interest, if you use the spare wheel retainer shaft lower pinch nut to lock that shaft / rod to the handle - ie. remove the shaft from the vehicle to release the wheel - it makes removing and replacing the spare much easier.

 

Sorry, when I saw "Eventually even normal liftgate operation will blow the fuse so then just use one size larger." alarms went off.

 

Reading the entire post for conext, it seems to me "then" was a typo, should have been "they". One little letter can cause a lot of confusion lol

via tapatalk : 2014 V6 Trailhawk

 

Personally, as long as everyone got out, I’d let it burn to the ground, but that’s me.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Along with the blown PTU.......

 

I wanted to update everyone. I am going on a month without my Jeep. It is still being cleaned out from the chemicals used to extinguish, then it has to go to a dealer for repair, who knows how long that will take including ordering replacement melted parts. FCA sent someone out to look at it weeks ago and I haven’t heard one word. The 3rd party inspector did tell me that it was the automatic hatch module. I’m paying for a rental by the week out of pocket, paying on my Jeep which I can’t drive and FCA couldn’t care less. I’m extremely disappointed.

 

Get an FCA case manager. @JeepCares

They've paid for rentals and loan payments for much smaller repairs.

 

My SUV had caught fire a few years ago. Upon inspection of the vehicle, FCA determined that the fire was likely the result of water intrusion, which had short-circuited the Cherokee's power liftgate control module. FCA says that I as owner of Cherokees with power liftgates should monitor their SUV's cargo area and keep it dry. Since that time the fire extinguisher had been always near me. And the refill is done periodically for my safety and my family. The perfect choise for my car is First Alert also class C.

 

This just happened to me on July 6th! We can't get any responses directly from Chrysler and we are devastated. We have only been contacted by an independent investigator and are unclear on next steps or what to expect. We have reached out to customer support numerous times and they can't even commit to a rental reimbursement while the investigation goes on. Thankfully my husband had the thought to go get something out of his truck late at night and caught the smoke and we were able to contact emergency services to put the fire out before the house caught on fire! What was your experience with getting this sorted out? Did you need to contact a lawyer?

 

the OP hasn't written anything in years. probably isn't around anymore