Possible Wiring Harness Mounting Defect Detected In Engine Compartment On Firewall. Reported And Waiting For Response.

[Dahammer]

My vehicle battery died after I detailed the interior. Wagoneer Services was called, and they reached out to my dealership service department, and Patty was towed back to service. The Loaner car was towed to me. So far, so good. I am impressed by how fast this all took from 1st phone call, service reaching out, and two tow trucks dispatched ( P/U Patty & drop off loaner car) in less than 2 hours to my house 40 miles away.

My GWS3 was returned to me, and upon closer inspection, I found problems with the quality of work performed and missing pieces. I notified service, and I drove Patty back to Service Dealership the following day. Wagoneer Services is told, the dealership service mgr is notified, and Wagoneer, Customer Service Mgrs, are also notified at the dealership.
Orignal problems fixed for the battery and missing parts, and I'm road testing Patty today. WS will call me for status on Monday.

Now a more significant problem, noted here, are some pics of my engine compartment and wiring harness on the firewall/auto frame. Notice the drop, almost hitting the master brake cylinder cover, and there are clips molded onto the surface. There is nothing to attach clips to hold the wiring harness up. I/We think two screws are holding it up—one in the middle and one toward the end on the passenger side. A red wire inside the cowl leading up into the windshield is exposed on driverside.

I reported this, and now the service director is looking into this. He and I looked up Mopar parts and found the harness. The illustration is poor but shows something that I/we think is a cover, but nothing shows where to mount or screws. He's fact-finding all info before he calls engineers. He is getting his ducks in a row. He's also concerned.

I/we checked 3 Grand Wagoneers, one in the showroom vehicle, mine, and one on the lot, and found the same thing.

Will keep you posted as I find out.

 

[champcaracing]

that harness the goes across the top of the firewall/cowl is attached with a variety of fasteners, push pins, and a couple of 6mm bolts that slide into the hard plastic covering for the harness. yes its a cheap way but that's what an engineer signed off on, same for ram trucks.

 

[WarBar4344]

Just checked mine, GW Series III, looks similar to the photos taken by Dahammer. The only difference I would say is the cable tray over the brake cylinder does not droop as much. It does not look exceptionally sturdy, but does appear to be functional. I have a little over 2000 miles on my car and this area has not been a problem, nor have I had any electrical issues that could be attributed to it, to date. Thanks for reporting this, though, that is what makes these types of forums so valuable. It is especially important for those of us with this vehicle, because, relatively speaking, there are so few being sold, and even less owners joining this forum.

 

[Dahammer]

that harness the goes across the top of the firewall/cowl is attached with a variety of fasteners, push pins, and a couple of 6mm bolts that slide into the hard plastic covering for the harness. yes its a cheap way but that's what an engineer signed off on, same for ram trucks.

Question- is it slotted in the back of the cover at various lengths to accept whatever fasteners they used on the firewall for the whole length of the cover? We both think that the cover may have come from another line.

 

[Back2Jeep]

same As @WarBar4344, mine looks the same but doesn’t drop as far. I also noticed a little “riser” for lack of a better term on the back of the brake cylinder. Hopefully you can see it from this pic.

 

[Dahammer]

Just checked mine, GW Series III, looks similar to the photos taken by Dahammer. The only difference I would say is the cable tray over the brake cylinder does not droop as much. It does not look exceptionally sturdy, but does appear to be functional. I have a little over 2000 miles on my car and this area has not been a problem, nor have I had any electrical issues that could be attributed to it, to date. Thanks for reporting this, though, that is what makes these types of forums so valuable. It is especially important for those of us with this vehicle, because, relatively speaking, there are so few being sold, and even less owners joining this forum.

So far, no electrical problems that I know. Mechanic checked for shorts and found none. Whatever he did when replacing the battery must have affected memory.

I think the issue also was three TSB updated software he installed but not in chronological order that may have affected the vehicle—ride height (you could go up but not down manually or automatically in park). Even when you park, it will not lower height, and a couple of times, the power steps fail to open and drop when the door opens. UConnect was showing that I checked it.

Then there was sports mode. That mode wouldn't release even when it shows auto on the center console driving low/high speed. I even tried to do it manually, and nothing happened.

They checked internal software and found an item that was not right. Mechanic corrected it, and that must have done the trick, and things work as they should.

 

[coolerbythelake]

Very interested to hear what they come back with.

Why did they say the battery died?

 

[Dahammer]

Very interested to hear what they come back with.

Why did they say the battery died?

When I detailed the interior and opening, closing doors, hatch, power steps open and closed and then leaving them open with the radio playing the drain on the battery was a lot. It went from 12 volts to less than 8 volts or lower in a matter of 3.5 hours. I messed up.

 

[champcaracing]

these vehicles have had a problems with battery drains, our first 3 vehicles we built, was from ground up except for the chassis. that came done from the pilot plant, but the bodies we put every bolt and nut ran the harnesses. so I figured it was due to the level of the harness, we also had one that had the 2 battery set up but they failed to send us the battery. would start up and run normal, now our production units, if the smaller battery isn't hooked up the vehicle won't do a thing. but our 3 liter TT one unit the battery will die in less than 8 hours with doors shut and nothing on, so we are disconnecting the battieries when their in the shop.
as for the harness in the engine bay, if you R&R the cowl you'll see the pushpins and the nuts holding that to the cowl/firewall.

 

[Dahammer]

Thank You for your insight and guidance. I will pull it again R&R on the cowl and look for those. The battery draw is enormous, and now I got a NOCO 10amp battery maintainer. I tested NOCO yesterday to make sure it runs. It took between 5 to 10 mins to reach fully charged, then went into maintenance mode for almost 24 hours. When I start up Patty, I will see what the dash says on the battery. Just for my edifacation.

 

[Costa]

Thank You for your insight and guidance. I will pull it again R&R on the cowl and look for those. The battery draw is enormous, and now I got a NOCO 10amp battery maintainer. I tested NOCO yesterday to make sure it runs. It took between 5 to 10 mins to reach fully charged, then went into maintenance mode for almost 24 hours. When I start up Patty, I will see what the dash says on the battery. Just for my edification.

Okay @Dahammer , it's been 11 days and I'm just itching to hear how this has turned out. Any updates?

 

[Dahammer]

Okay @Dahammer , it's been 11 days and I'm just itching to hear how this has turned out. Any updates?

I haven't heard from NY Westbury Jeep Service Department, AKA the Service Director- Steve. They even closed out the service ticket too. I did call his office and left a voice mail this past Monday, 6/20/2022. So now, I will look into filing a complaint with the Feds. https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#index. But first, I will call them (Feds) for info and if I'm in the right agency. My gut feeling is this could turn into a massive recall.
Stay tuned!

 

[WarBar4344]

I haven't heard from NY Westbury Jeep Service Department, AKA the Service Director- Steve. They even closed out the service ticket too. I did call his office and left a voice mail this past Monday, 6/20/2022. So now, I will look into filing a complaint with the Feds. https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#index. But first, I will call them (Feds) for info and if I'm in the right agency. My gut feeling is this could turn into a massive recall.
Stay tuned!

Okay, I am sorry, but after re-reading this thread, I have to admit I am a little lost. What specific issue will you be reporting to the NHTSA? The cable tray, the battery drain issues, or what? Thanks

 

[Dahammer]

Okay, I am sorry, but after re-reading this thread, I have to admit I am a little lost. What specific issue will you be reporting to the NHTSA? The cable tray, the battery drain issues, or what? Thanks

No sorry needed. I haven't reported anything yet to NHTSA.
I did report a possible safety hazard to dealership personnel and the director.
The director told me he was going to do further research and was looking for either a fix or a clear wiring diagram and how it's mounted to the firewall in his database. He couldn't find anything available to him. His last word to me was In a couple of days, he's calling in and requesting an electrical engineer review and remedy and get back to me.
The director saw the problem and had a big concern. Even he said this could lead to a recall.
I have not heard from him then, and he has not returned my voice mail message to him as of now...
I hope this helps.

 

[WarBar4344]

No sorry needed. I haven't reported anything yet to NHTSA.
I did report a possible safety hazard to dealership personnel and the director.
The director told me he was going to do further research and was looking for either a fix or a clear wiring diagram and how it's mounted to the firewall in his database. He couldn't find anything available to him. His last word to me was In a couple of days, he's calling in and requesting an electrical engineer review and remedy and get back to me.
The director saw the problem and had a big concern. Even he said this could lead to a recall.
I have not heard from him then, and he has not returned my voice mail message to him as of now...
I hope this helps.

Thank you for clarifying.

 

[Dahammer]

Today Wagoner Customer Service Chris and I had a lengthy discussion over the phone about my problem with the wiring harness, and what I know and found. I made some recommendations also. A new case number has been opened up. Chris is on it and will do what needs to be done internally,. Photos are being sent, and now the wait begins.

 

[Dahammer]

Thank you for clarifying.

Your Welcome War.

 

[Dahammer]

Latest update- I'm the cat and they are the mouse.
Here is the official response from the Service Director and WCS- as of 7/7/22 Quote-

Good Morning,
I got a response back from Stephen at the dealer. He explained that the issue is OAD and there is nothing wrong with the vehicle as that's how it was designed. With that being said is there any actual mechanical or electrical issues that you are experiencing at this time? If so then let me know however if there's not then we will not be able to leave this case open. Please follow up with me when you get a chance.

Thank you,
Christopher
Wagoneer Client Services

Here is my official complaint response to NHTSA 7/8/2022-
Complaint -
The wiring harness in my engine compartment is mounted on the firewall below the cowl. It runs from the driver’s side to the passenger side. On my vehicle, it has a significant drop on the driver's side, almost hitting the master brake cylinder cover. The wiring harness does move significantly on the driver's side.

Note-
Some kinds of clips are molded onto the wire harness cover.
Upon inspection of the wiring harness and cover, there is nothing that I and Service Director could find to attach the wiring harness to the firewall to keep it permanently up and away from the driver-side master cylinder brakes.

Notes -
- My vehicle is available to you for inspection if warranted.
-Dealership Service Mgr Director and Wagoneer customer service were notified and were inspected. I/we also confirmed and noted that other identical vehicles have the same problem.
— inspection was performed either on the service lot by Director and myself or in the Dealership Showroom Display vehicle by me.
-WCS officially informed me on 7/8/2022 that the Service Director said my vehicle wiring harness was manufactured as designed, and WCS goes by what the Director says. Because I told them (WCS) I was filling a complaint with NHTSA, they will close my case.
-As of this date, no problems or failures are noted.

Impression- This potential safety hazard could lead to electrical shorts, major components failure, and a possible fire hazard when the vehicle is in motion due to vibration wear, including off-road use.

 

[Costa]

Latest update- I'm the cat and they are the mouse.
Here is the official response from the Service Director and WCS- as of 7/7/22 Quote-

Good Morning,
I got a response back from Stephen at the dealer. He explained that the issue is OAD and there is nothing wrong with the vehicle as that's how it was designed. With that being said is there any actual mechanical or electrical issues that you are experiencing at this time? If so then let me know however if there's not then we will not be able to leave this case open. Please follow up with me when you get a chance.

Thank you,
Christopher
Wagoneer Client Services

Here is my official complaint response to NHTSA 7/8/2022-
Complaint -
The wiring harness in my engine compartment is mounted on the firewall below the cowl. It runs from the driver’s side to the passenger side. On my vehicle, it has a significant drop on the driver's side, almost hitting the master brake cylinder cover. The wiring harness does move significantly on the driver's side.

Note-
Some kinds of clips are molded onto the wire harness cover.
Upon inspection of the wiring harness and cover, there is nothing that I and Service Director could find to attach the wiring harness to the firewall to keep it permanently up and away from the driver-side master cylinder brakes.

Notes -
- My vehicle is available to you for inspection if warranted.
-Dealership Service Mgr Director and Wagoneer customer service were notified and were inspected. I/we also confirmed and noted that other identical vehicles have the same problem.
— inspection was performed either on the service lot by Director and myself or in the Dealership Showroom Display vehicle by me.
-WCS officially informed me on 7/8/2022 that the Service Director said my vehicle wiring harness was manufactured as designed, and WCS goes by what the Director says. Because I told them (WCS) I was filling a complaint with NHTSA, they will close my case.
-As of this date, no problems or failures are noted.

Impression- This potential safety hazard could lead to electrical shorts, major components failure, and a possible fire hazard when the vehicle is in motion due to vibration wear, including off-road use.

Go get 'em!