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100,000 Jeep Cherokee models subject to further 9-speed recalibration

It seems that the software problems with the nine-speed automatic gearbox in the Jeep Cherokee continue to mount. The programming already caused multiple development delays and even postponed the Cherokee's market launch by roughly two months. Now, Jeep has issued another recalibration to hopefully assuage unhappy drivers.
According to Automotive News, this reflash for the allegedly jerky transmission covers over 100,000 Cherokees built before May 5, but it's not technically a recall. If owners are having problems and complain to the dealer, they get the new software. Otherwise, they continue with the current version. New vehicles on dealer lots also receive the latest revision to the programming. It takes only around five minutes to install, but technicians need to take the Cherokee on a test drive to adapt the gearbox to the changes.
The Cherokee's transmission software has been problematic practically since the beginning. The Jeep plant in Toledo, OH, briefly idled its second-shift workers last year to take care of the issue. Since the launch issues for the crossover, demand has been strong. Jeep added another 1,000 temporary workers to the Toledo factory to keep up, and sales were on par with the Wrangler in just its first two months.

NHTSA closes investigation into Jeep Liberty fires

The investigation that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened into the Jeep Liberty in October 2013 has been closed. NHTSA received two (!) complaints about fires starting in the driver's door, thought to be caused by the master power window switch. The initial estimate was that 80,000 Libertys could be roped into a possible recall, but according to a report in the Detroit News the agency examined records for 425,000 Chrysler products that used the same window switch, including the Dodge Nitro and Chrysler Town & Country minivan.
After canvassing 265 warranty claims related to the master switches, NHTSA concluded that the rate of fires compared to the "large population of vehicles" was rather low, and that there was no trend pattern behind the few issues it did find. Perhaps with that, and the closure of the trailer hitch investigation, the Liberty can finally rest in peace.

2020 Jeep Gladiator pickup revealed: class-leading towing, diesel option, much more

Even though we've all pretty much seen the Jeep Gladiator, it's still exciting to finally see the officially unveiled pickup truck. And it does indeed look like a simple Wrangler pickup. It has fully removable soft and hard tops, doors and a folding windshield. The doors are the same as the Wrangler Unlimited's. It has round headlights, chunky fender flares and nearly the same interior. But it's more than that, blending much of the beloved SUV with some unique features for the pickup truck. For starters, the Gladiator features a new frame not shared with Wrangler that's a whopping 31 inches longer than the one under the Wrangler Unlimited. The wheelbase of the Gladiator is also 19.4 inches longer than a Wrangler Unlimited. The Gladiator continues to use solid front and rear axles, both of which are Dana 44s in two available track widths, but the rear five-link coil suspension is a unique design developed for better ride quality. Propelling this chassis initially will be the 3.6-liter gasoline V6 from the Wrangler with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. It makes 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. In 2020, Jeep will start offering a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 that is a thoroughly redesigned version of the engine found in the outgoing Ram EcoDiesel. It's down in power compared to the gas engine at 260 horses, but it more than makes up for it with 442 pound-feet of torque. The only other diesel in this small to midsize truck segment is the Colorado and Canyon diesel trucks. Their diesel four-cylinder engines only make 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. All Gladiators with either engine send their power through a selectable part-time four-wheel drive system. Fuel economy for either engine option has yet to be announced. On the subject of capability, the Gladiator has some impressive towing and payload numbers. Maximum towing capacity is 7,650 pounds. That's 150 pounds more than the next best gas-powered truck in this segment, the Ford Ranger. Maximum payload capacity is 1,600 pounds, which isn't the highest in the segment, but falls right in the range of the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado gas models. The bed is 5 feet long and is made of steel with an aluminum tailgate. It has various tie-down points and power outlets. Regarding the towing and payload numbers, it should be noted that the top towing capacity is only available on a Sport trim with the 3.6-liter V6, eight-speed automatic and 4.10 final drive ratio.