MY14 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Laredo

BigSkiddy

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May 7, 2013
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Here's some pics of my new MY14 Jeep Grand CRD Laredo. Colour is Granite Crystal.
Extra's on standard are Quadra Lift Suspension, ORAII, mud flaps and tow bar.

At this stage I can't wipe the smile off my face. Will do a review on it later.
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Love the Headlights!
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BigSkiddy

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May 7, 2013
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Just an update. Had the smile go off my face last week when I discovered an oil leak.
Turned out to be a loose oil pressure switch. Also had problems with aircon. This was the result of poor predelivery by the dealer.

But GC's all good now and ready for the big day on Monday where she'll be united with JD. (Jayco Discovery)
 

Billrw136

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Jun 20, 2011
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Just an update. Had the smile go off my face last week when I discovered an oil leak.
Turned out to be a loose oil pressure switch. Also had problems with aircon. This was the result of poor predelivery by the dealer.

But GC's all good now and ready for the big day on Monday where she'll be united with JD. (Jayco Discovery)
What was wrong with the aircon? Mine is fine now that the soft ware update has been done......
 

BigSkiddy

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May 7, 2013
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Used the GC to pull my Jayco Discovery to Kangaroo Valley and back and it performed great. Average fuel economy was 12.1.

I've mounted a P3 brake controller and breakaway battery monitor in the media cubby.
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The QL suspension works well without the need of a WDH. Front of the car felt stable especially around the hairpins coming down into Kangaroo Valley and on those bouncey faster corners at the Bowral side of the valley.
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I've never towed with a diesel before, but the low down torque is amazing.
Overall very happy with the GC, if anything changes will let you know.
 

BigSkiddy

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May 7, 2013
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Did a $10000 upgrade for $70. Now my Laredo looks like a Limited, well from the outside anyway.
Before
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After
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Also added a bug deflector/ bonnet protector.
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I put these on myself, so if you have any questions on how to do it let me know.

And if you ever wondered what the Grand Cherokee looks like with the lower bumper removed for offroading (as per the owner's manual) it comes off with 7 turn knobs. No tools needed. Gives an increased approach angle.
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BigSkiddy

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May 7, 2013
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With the CRD and the 8 speed Auto it tows no problem.
I was driving along the freeway on my last trip and whilst on the phone (hands free of course) and forgot that I had the van on the back as my speed edged towards 120kph.
It has a transmission temp gauge and I noticed that it gets around 115 degrees. It seems high to me, not sure what the ideal temp is. General use temp is around 90.
It averaged 13L on the last trip when towing.
The real test will be when I drive the Alpine Way through the NSW alps next week.
 

Matty4

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Mar 18, 2011
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There must be a fair difference in trans cooling between the 5 and the 8 speed.
My 5 speed trans has never even reached 100deg, even climbing up a long hill through Mt Slide with the van on, behind traffic doing, maybe 40.

My usual unladen trans temp is about 76deg, it got to 93deg on that climb, and that's the hottest I've ever seen it.

I'll be towing my 2T boat in a couple of days over 600k's, so I'll be keen to keep an eye on it again.
 
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