This Sucks!!!!!!!!!
10-02-2010, 01:24 PM
#31
JK Jedi Master
Northriver, the guys jk just went up in smoke, have abit of sympathy. Hopefully investigation in this can give some insight. Looks like there is more of his jk left than some that have been seen. Maybe the start can be found
10-02-2010, 07:06 PM
#32
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10-02-2010, 07:26 PM
#34
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Don't be so quick to assume that this was caused by the transmission overheating.
When flat towing there is usually one item that is running that could fail and cause electrical problems, The auxiliary brake.
If there is bad wiring, an electrical could result.
If the sensing mechanism fails, the brakes could lockup,overheat and cause a fire.
If the breakaway mechanism shorts, the same could happen.
I had this happen in our TJ, no fire, but the brakes were red hot and smoking.
There could also be electrical problems with the wiring for the brakes/turn signals.
When flat towing there is usually one item that is running that could fail and cause electrical problems, The auxiliary brake.
If there is bad wiring, an electrical could result.
If the sensing mechanism fails, the brakes could lockup,overheat and cause a fire.
If the breakaway mechanism shorts, the same could happen.
I had this happen in our TJ, no fire, but the brakes were red hot and smoking.
There could also be electrical problems with the wiring for the brakes/turn signals.
10-03-2010, 04:40 AM
#35
JK Super Freak
According to statistics, in the United States, there is a vehicle fire every 96 seconds.
I doubt all these fires are Jeeps.
"One in every four fire department responses is to a vehicle fire. This does not include the tens of thousands of responses to vehicle accident sites.
Mechanical or design problems are the leading cause of vehicle fires.
Electrical wiring and fuel are the leading forms of material ignited in vehicle fires."
Sources: NFPA and NFIRS
Take a look at Ford and GM. Not saying the JK does not have a problem, however in doing a search I've found many pic's of Ford Explorers, F150, 250 and so forth. GM's include full size pickups, and Suburbans as well.
As for the JK, perhaps there is a problem, with the transmission, but on the other hand, I'd like to see some statistics on JK fires. Tried but I could not find alot of info except that there were 3 fires involving JK's here in the United States reported to NFPA, one of which was caused by an automatic transmission overheat while towing the JK behind an RV. It was deemed as driver caused by not using a lube pump.
Perhaps some of these fire related JK's were due to modding the vehicle. I don't know one way or the other, but I do know,
We already know the JK has a small V6, which is barely suitable for it in stock form. Then we go ahead and lift, adding larger tires, winches and aux lighting in the front, and plenty of steel in the form of bumpers and plating, sometimes without regearing.
Is it any wonder that the engine and transmission begin to heat up on the road, let alone on the trail where we are moving slow, taxing the engine and transmission even more.
Not saying the JK doesn't have a defect, because I believe that if even one JK in stock form burns to the ground due to a faulty or weak transmission cooler, brake line rubbing a fender, brake overheat due to BAS/traction control, or any other electrical component that was installed for our safety, then it is one too many.
Just to add. Sorry for your loss, just thankful no one was injured or killed in this disaster. A vehicle can be replaced, but a person cannot.
I doubt all these fires are Jeeps.
"One in every four fire department responses is to a vehicle fire. This does not include the tens of thousands of responses to vehicle accident sites.
Mechanical or design problems are the leading cause of vehicle fires.
Electrical wiring and fuel are the leading forms of material ignited in vehicle fires."
Sources: NFPA and NFIRS
Take a look at Ford and GM. Not saying the JK does not have a problem, however in doing a search I've found many pic's of Ford Explorers, F150, 250 and so forth. GM's include full size pickups, and Suburbans as well.
As for the JK, perhaps there is a problem, with the transmission, but on the other hand, I'd like to see some statistics on JK fires. Tried but I could not find alot of info except that there were 3 fires involving JK's here in the United States reported to NFPA, one of which was caused by an automatic transmission overheat while towing the JK behind an RV. It was deemed as driver caused by not using a lube pump.
Perhaps some of these fire related JK's were due to modding the vehicle. I don't know one way or the other, but I do know,
We already know the JK has a small V6, which is barely suitable for it in stock form. Then we go ahead and lift, adding larger tires, winches and aux lighting in the front, and plenty of steel in the form of bumpers and plating, sometimes without regearing.
Is it any wonder that the engine and transmission begin to heat up on the road, let alone on the trail where we are moving slow, taxing the engine and transmission even more.
Not saying the JK doesn't have a defect, because I believe that if even one JK in stock form burns to the ground due to a faulty or weak transmission cooler, brake line rubbing a fender, brake overheat due to BAS/traction control, or any other electrical component that was installed for our safety, then it is one too many.
Just to add. Sorry for your loss, just thankful no one was injured or killed in this disaster. A vehicle can be replaced, but a person cannot.
Last edited by Lorrel; 10-03-2010 at 04:46 AM.
10-03-2010, 07:16 AM
#36
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Don't be so quick to assume that this was caused by the transmission overheating.
When flat towing there is usually one item that is running that could fail and cause electrical problems, The auxiliary brake.
If there is bad wiring, an electrical could result.
If the sensing mechanism fails, the brakes could lockup,overheat and cause a fire.
If the breakaway mechanism shorts, the same could happen.
I had this happen in our TJ, no fire, but the brakes were red hot and smoking.
There could also be electrical problems with the wiring for the brakes/turn signals.
When flat towing there is usually one item that is running that could fail and cause electrical problems, The auxiliary brake.
If there is bad wiring, an electrical could result.
If the sensing mechanism fails, the brakes could lockup,overheat and cause a fire.
If the breakaway mechanism shorts, the same could happen.
I had this happen in our TJ, no fire, but the brakes were red hot and smoking.
There could also be electrical problems with the wiring for the brakes/turn signals.
Be careful,you'll be accused of working for Chrysler.
10-03-2010, 07:23 AM
#37
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Could it have been an overheated tranny? Being towed behind an RV though,highly doubtful.
Like was mentioned,there are more than a couple ways a vehicle can catch on fire. Especially those that are used off road.
But I can see its easier to just blame Chrysler.
10-03-2010, 08:45 AM
#38
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So now I'm wondering should I go ahead and install a tranny cooler as one of my first mods. I still have some factory warrenty left do you think it void any part of that if I tap into the cooling lines etc...
On the other hand I think we should put some kind of group together to investgate this matter, And prehaps present something to Chrysler. I mean there is power in large groups. That is of course if it is truly a manufactures problem? And not operator era.
My problem is I would not now where to begin. How to contact so on and so on. I mean I own two JKs now, so its kinda worriesome for me to now this is an on going problem. We need some rock hard evidence on this issue.
Thanks
On the other hand I think we should put some kind of group together to investgate this matter, And prehaps present something to Chrysler. I mean there is power in large groups. That is of course if it is truly a manufactures problem? And not operator era.
My problem is I would not now where to begin. How to contact so on and so on. I mean I own two JKs now, so its kinda worriesome for me to now this is an on going problem. We need some rock hard evidence on this issue.
Thanks
10-03-2010, 08:55 AM
#39
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I'm not a crying man.... but I might have felt some moisture welling up in the corner of my eye when I was checking out those pics. 
Sorry to hear man, good luck with insurance!
Sorry to hear man, good luck with insurance!
10-03-2010, 09:09 AM
#40
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So now I'm wondering should I go ahead and install a tranny cooler as one of my first mods. I still have some factory warrenty left do you think it void any part of that if I tap into the cooling lines etc...
On the other hand I think we should put some kind of group together to investgate this matter, And prehaps present something to Chrysler. I mean there is power in large groups. That is of course if it is truly a manufactures problem? And not operator era.
My problem is I would not now where to begin. How to contact so on and so on. I mean I own two JKs now, so its kinda worriesome for me to now this is an on going problem. We need some rock hard evidence on this issue.
Thanks
On the other hand I think we should put some kind of group together to investgate this matter, And prehaps present something to Chrysler. I mean there is power in large groups. That is of course if it is truly a manufactures problem? And not operator era.
My problem is I would not now where to begin. How to contact so on and so on. I mean I own two JKs now, so its kinda worriesome for me to now this is an on going problem. We need some rock hard evidence on this issue.
Thanks