Hi and I have a new 2014 Cherokee and love it except if "bangs" a bit when going from 4th to 5th gear. Is this normal ?

Thanks


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Update:
Last Friday, I took my new Jeep to deliver who updated transmission software with latest rev. WHAT A DIFFERENCE, I no longer can even tell when it shifts from 4th to 5th gear vs before update. I emailed dealer and suggested they perform update BEFORE they sell and deliver another Cherokee. Thanks to all who helped me understand and fix issue.

Yes it is "normal" (unless it is really rough), the dog-clutches used in the ZF 9-speed aren't as "gentle" as the plate/band ("friction") clutches used in most automatics (The 4-5 shift is the first one that uses a dog-clutch, gears 1-4 uses friction clutches, the 7-8 shift also uses a dog-clutch). A software update may help a little (if your Jeep didn't ship with the latest version) but even with the latest software the ZF 9-speed isn't as smooth as most traditional automatics.


This link will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the ZF 9-speed:

Have you had the dealership install the latest software updates?

Huge difference.

This. Part of that update is TCU programming.

when was this new update and is the dealership suppose to let owners know when new ones are out?

I think you have to call them.

You would think a courtesy call would be nice!

It is hit and miss. Apparently some dealers are very good about making sure vehicles are updated before sale and informing owners of additional updates and some aren't. I believe most of these updates are only TSBs so there isn't really a protocol to inform the customer unless they ask with those.

Thanks to all Cherokee Forum readers for helping me understand and get shifting problem fixed by dealer via software update. I was beginning to think that the "bang" was normal. What a difference the software update made. I really enjoy my new vehicle and look forward to many fun and enjoyable miles on the road. Again, thanks for your help :-)

Woohoo. Glad to hear it.

Maybe it's a good idea for KL owners to check with the dealership periodically for updates. Or, someone could start a thread on the updates and keep fellow owners UPDATED on the updates..........

Youre welcome and Welcome to the forum. Glad we could help.