It's that time, new (used) car time / Jeep help

Skaufma0

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 1, 2019
Messages
319
Location
Rock Hill, SC
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
I have owned far too many cars at this point in my life, but it's time to dump this 2007 Jeep Commander 3.7l 4WD and venture into something else. I've never been a fan of Jeeps, but this one has been good to us and has needed little more than regular maintenance over the past decade. It was my wife's car when she went to college and I took it when I sold my new Tacoma to get her in a brand new car.

So now the Commander is having problems. At highway speed it decides to shift the transfer case into high gear, instead of neutral like it should. These Commanders use 4WD at anything under 35mph, and then shifts the transfer case into neutral above that. This one is shifting into neutral like it should and then at random times shifting it back into high gear, resulting in a SEVERE lack of power. When I say severe, I mean foot to the floor is barely maintaining speed, and if I'm on a hill I'm slowing down quickly. It's an intermittent problem, happens twice in a day, and then not for a week, so I'm lost on this one.

All that being said I'm looking for two things:

1-Any ideas of what this could be? The truck is only worth about 1500 bucks, so I'm not spending a whole lot of money getting it fixed or on parts. My research says it could either be an $800 part, or if not that, a $2300 part, and the only way to know is to replace the first to see if it fixes it.


2-Of the following list, what are the opinions? I need something with a full backseat, big enough for a car-seat or two, but I'm trying to still have something enjoyable to drive, since I'm in the car about 3 hours a day and I love driving.
  • Subaru WRX / WRX STi
  • Ford F-150 Raptor
  • Mazdaspeed 6 (I know Mazdas have problems, but I've rebuilt several of these so I'm not concerned)
  • Toyota Tundra (if budget allows)
  • Toyota 4Runner (if budget allows)
  • Audi S4
  • Ram 1500
 
For fun you won’t beat the WRX but obviously if you need more room would not be your best option on list.
 
I had a 2013 ram from July of 2013 until February of this year. I never had any issues with it and could fit 6 people comfortably. With two car seats in the back you could fit a small person in the center. Towards the end of summer of 2017 the transmission started running warmer than normal, but never slipped or had any other issues. I decided to trade it before something could have happened for a 2016 F150. I’m a ford guy at heart and the ford had more comforts my wife wanted, 3k larger towing capacity and 4wd. So far we are happy with the trade and I believe it has more room in the back seat.
 
If you're interested in the WRX have a look at Outback XT and the Forester XT, basically the same motor as the STI (minus the variable valve timing).
I just picked up an 05 Outback XT,gonna be a beast when I'm done with it.
 
Wow your talking some good money with raptor new or used. Subaru of those choices will be your best bang for the money. If you need bigger with a little better performance the 3.6 outback has some good power over the 4 banger. I love my outback which is perfect size.
 
Any error code(s) from the Jeep? How about a used part from LKQ?
https://www.lkqonline.com/

No codes. As far as the computer is concerned everything is exactly as it should be. Even had my data logged running when it happened. I see when it shifts it, but nothing to cause it and nothing flags it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Possible bad electrical connection at the transfer case and or motor? Double check the vehicle ground wire connections.
Have you tried one of the Jeep forums for similar issue?
 
Possible bad electrical connection at the transfer case and or motor? Double check the vehicle ground wire connections.
Have you tried one of the Jeep forums for similar issue?

I’ve been through everything top to bottom.

Yeah, forums have come up with a bad throttle position sensor (this has an integrated one in an electric throttle body, so no-go there), or the shift control module which is apparently a pricey part and a monster of a pain to replace.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
I have owned far too many cars at this point in my life, but it's time to dump this 2007 Jeep Commander 3.7l 4WD and venture into something else. I've never been a fan of Jeeps, but this one has been good to us and has needed little more than regular maintenance over the past decade. It was my wife's car when she went to college and I took it when I sold my new Tacoma to get her in a brand new car.

So now the Commander is having problems. At highway speed it decides to shift the transfer case into high gear, instead of neutral like it should. These Commanders use 4WD at anything under 35mph, and then shifts the transfer case into neutral above that. This one is shifting into neutral like it should and then at random times shifting it back into high gear, resulting in a SEVERE lack of power. When I say severe, I mean foot to the floor is barely maintaining speed, and if I'm on a hill I'm slowing down quickly. It's an intermittent problem, happens twice in a day, and then not for a week, so I'm lost on this one.

All that being said I'm looking for two things:

1-Any ideas of what this could be? The truck is only worth about 1500 bucks, so I'm not spending a whole lot of money getting it fixed or on parts. My research says it could either be an $800 part, or if not that, a $2300 part, and the only way to know is to replace the first to see if it fixes it.


2-Of the following list, what are the opinions? I need something with a full backseat, big enough for a car-seat or two, but I'm trying to still have something enjoyable to drive, since I'm in the car about 3 hours a day and I love driving.
  • Subaru WRX / WRX STi
  • Ford F-150 Raptor
  • Mazdaspeed 6 (I know Mazdas have problems, but I've rebuilt several of these so I'm not concerned)
  • Toyota Tundra (if budget allows)
  • Toyota 4Runner (if budget allows)
  • Audi S4
  • Ram 1500
I just looked at one on my online sources.

First solution was the 4x4 actuator. Seems to be a known problem within the dealership. A cracked control board inside the actuator (depending on which part of the board is cracked)can go into 4hi or 4lo
 
I have owned far too many cars at this point in my life, but it's time to dump this 2007 Jeep Commander 3.7l 4WD and venture into something else. I've never been a fan of Jeeps, but this one has been good to us and has needed little more than regular maintenance over the past decade. It was my wife's car when she went to college and I took it when I sold my new Tacoma to get her in a brand new car.

So now the Commander is having problems. At highway speed it decides to shift the transfer case into high gear, instead of neutral like it should. These Commanders use 4WD at anything under 35mph, and then shifts the transfer case into neutral above that. This one is shifting into neutral like it should and then at random times shifting it back into high gear, resulting in a SEVERE lack of power. When I say severe, I mean foot to the floor is barely maintaining speed, and if I'm on a hill I'm slowing down quickly. It's an intermittent problem, happens twice in a day, and then not for a week, so I'm lost on this one.

All that being said I'm looking for two things:

1-Any ideas of what this could be? The truck is only worth about 1500 bucks, so I'm not spending a whole lot of money getting it fixed or on parts. My research says it could either be an $800 part, or if not that, a $2300 part, and the only way to know is to replace the first to see if it fixes it.


2-Of the following list, what are the opinions? I need something with a full backseat, big enough for a car-seat or two, but I'm trying to still have something enjoyable to drive, since I'm in the car about 3 hours a day and I love driving.
  • Subaru WRX / WRX STi
  • Ford F-150 Raptor
  • Mazdaspeed 6 (I know Mazdas have problems, but I've rebuilt several of these so I'm not concerned)
  • Toyota Tundra (if budget allows)
  • Toyota 4Runner (if budget allows)
  • Audi S4
  • Ram 1500
If you decide to sell I may be interested
 
I just looked at one on my online sources.

First solution was the 4x4 actuator. Seems to be a known problem within the dealership. A cracked control board inside the actuator (depending on which part of the board is cracked)can go into 4hi or 4lo

I’ll have to check that out. Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
That’s a wild list you have there. I am kind of baffled as to the “if budget allows” comment when referencing the Toyota’s. Their certainly not the priciest thing on your list; that title, hands down goes to the Ford.
All that’s said, given the the options in your list, I would absolutely go with the Raptor.
 
That’s a wild list you have there. I am kind of baffled as to the “if budget allows” comment when referencing the Toyota’s. Their certainly not the priciest thing on your list; that title, hands down goes to the Ford.
All that’s said, given the the options in your list, I would absolutely go with the Raptor.

Well certain ones would fall under budget depending on mileage and such. The goal would be 15-20k. For a Tundra it’s tough to find something without 250,000 miles on it for that. The Raptor fits in at about 100k for mileage at that price point, and being a Ford I can fix damn near anything pretty easily.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
Well certain ones would fall under budget depending on mileage and such. The goal would be 15-20k. For a Tundra it’s tough to find something without 250,000 miles on it for that. The Raptor fits in at about 100k for mileage at that price point.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Ah gotcha, I thought we were talking about new vehicles.
 
Ah gotcha, I thought we were talking about new vehicles.

Oh hell no, hah. If I was looking at spending 70k on a new car this wouldn't even be a question. I'd dump the Jeep for whatever I could get for it and go for a new Tundra Pro. 20k is my upper limit at this point, but I'd prefer to be as close to 15k as possible.
 
Toyota will be more reliable and cheaper to fix if needed.

More reliable, maybe for pre-2016 Toyotas. They don't make them like they used to, they've been using a lot of cheaper Chinese parts the past few years unfortunately. And Toyota parts for repairs have increased in price dramatically lately.
 
I have an 06 Tacoma I'll probably be selling soon. 4 door long bed SR5. 350k miles on it though. I'd jump in it and go anywhere. Bought it for my son and recently found a 4wd 4runner we both liked a little better. Let me know if you would be interested.
 
Just to prove an outback can be pretty badass. I really like the look of this but I would have to hear the noise from that rack on the interstate before committing.
View attachment 166961

Do want.

Any Subaru is gonna be a good purchase. You can get a nice one in the 10-15k range. Symmetrical AWD is awesome. Don’t rule out the Imprezzas (non WRX/STI) if a DD. A Crosstrex might be a better fit all around. Nothing wrong with a Forrestor and Outback.
 
Last edited:
I have an 06 Tacoma I'll probably be selling soon. 4 door long bed SR5. 350k miles on it though. I'd jump in it and go anywhere. Bought it for my son and recently found a 4wd 4runner we both liked a little better. Let me know if you would be interested.

That actually might be a contender...I'd prefer a larger truck, just for work purposes, but the '06 SR5's have the 4.0l v6 right? Best motor Toyota ever had (aside from the 2jz). Does it have 4WD?
 
It’s a prerunner 2wd. It has the 4.0 v6. I put the first 220k miles on it.
64CEC02C-1E27-4CF0-842C-0705F0DA7E26.jpeg
 
It’s a prerunner 2wd. It has the 4.0 v6. I put the first 220k miles on it.
View attachment 167038

Looks like it’s in great shape! I’ll have to see what we can do on this end if I can’t get this thing running properly.

Any idea what you’d be looking to get for it if you sold it? You can PM me if you want.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Back
Top Bottom