Greetings Folks,

Recently acquired a high mileage (180,000) 2014 Cherokee Trailhawk for a very reasonable price. there are a couple Issues with it I am hoping you kind folks can point me in the proper direction. I have no problem putting some extra $$ into the vehicle, just want to make sure I am not spending the $ on parts that I dont actually need

1) Vehicle will not engage into 4WD low mode. When i attempt to engage it I get the message - "shift in progress", and then about 8 seconds later I get the dreaded: "4WD Shift canceled, retry shift". I brought it to the dealer for a $125.00 diagnosis and they summarized that all other 4WD modes function properly, but they suspect internal damage to the PTU preventing it from going into 4WD low, and tell me I need a new PTU. Can anyone suggest a better troubleshooting procedure? maybe the electronic transfer case control module? - If it is indeed a replacement PTU in the cards, can someone tell me the proper PTU part number that will be compatible with my 2014 Jeep Trailhawk - there appears to be 15-20 different variants:

POWER TRANSFER UNIT - Fits Jeep Cherokee (2.4L I4 A/T 4X4, 3.2L V6 A/T 4X4) (2014; 2015; 2016; 2017; 2018). [4WD Two Speed Power Takeoff]. Power Transfer Unit Service Parts. OEM Jeep P/N 68307403AG, 68090605AB, 68090605AC, 68090605AE, 68090605AF, 68090605AG, 68090605AH, 68090605AJ, 68090605AK, 68090605AL, 68282447AA, 68282447AB, 68282447AC, 68307403AA, 68307403AB, 68307403AC, 68307403AD, 68307403AE, 68307403AF

I would like to locate a used PTU but want to make sure it is compatible with my jeep.

2) Rear Differential Module - Dealer claims it has leaked ALL of the fluid out of the left (drivers side seal), and it is in need of replacement. I am going to refill the two sides with fluid. If however I do need to replace it - same question as above PTU: Will any same year 2 Speed jeep Cherokee RDM be compatible with my Jeep or can someone suggest the proper compatible units?

Thanks kindly!
-t

 

I will confess up front I am not familiar with this vehicle. However one thing I would do is see if you can shift it manually with the wheels off the ground. I dislike it when mechanics take the easy route and just say replace the whole thing. I really don't know how the mechanism works, but somewhere there will be a way to access the linkage. I realize there is an electric shifter involved. Having said that, I am thinking that the first place to look is the electronic shifter itself and typically with this type of transfer case shifter, it is the fault of the shifter rather than catastrophic mechanical issues. Also since it works in other modes leads me to believe there is nothing catastrophic involved

 

These Jeeps are known to occasionally have serious transmission and PTU issues, particularly the earlier years like the OP’s 2014. He will get more and far better answers on a forum with more traffic. Try www.jeepcherokeeclub.com




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I seem to remember reading somewhere that someone was gathering info on leaky rearends causing them to croak early. Said that the oil was 30 dollars a quart at the dealership, but he was keeping it topped off as it wept out the drivers side.
perhaps the RDUs do like to go dry and croak? In any case i would spend the money and fill it up like you said. maybe that will keep it going, or maybe its too far gone already.
Out of curiosity, do you have the I4 or the V6?

I'm interested in getting a KL but i guess I'm just so afraid of unknowns like the new high-tech transmission and PTU deciding to just give up the ghost.