Jeep Blogs

The lines between brands under the Stellantis umbrella are about to blur even more, with Ram preparing to step into SUV territory for the very first time. Known for its tough and dependable pick-ups, Ram is now set to broaden its horizons and take on a new segment. Stellantis confirmed the expansion as part of a $US13 billion ($AU19.8 billion) investment into its U.S. operations. The new Ram SUV is expected to launch in 2028, marking a major shift for the brand as it moves be

At GDL Automotive we have taken a close look at the updated Ram 1500 and it is safe to say this one is a game changer. The biggest headline? Ram has retired its iconic V8 in favour of a new 3.0 litre twin turbo six cylinder “Hurricane” engine. On paper that sounds like sacrilege but in reality the new engine outperforms the V8 in almost every area with more power, more torque, better fuel efficiency and still strong towing capacity. The Ram 1500 is launching here in two trims

The WL Grand Cherokee L represents the newest chapter in Jeep’s flagship SUV line up but here in Australia buyers are restricted to just one engine choice the 3.6L Pentastar V6 petrol. While this powertrain has been around for years and is widely used across Stellantis products it has its limitations particularly when it comes to towing and long term reliability. In this review we will unpack the strengths weaknesses and real world considerations for Australian buyers looking

We have taken on a new project car at GDL Automotive! The vehicle is a Series 1 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 originally fitted with a 5.7L V8 engine. Unfortunately, the factory engine suffered severe camshaft damage, which led to metal debris circulating throughout the motor. Rather than patching the existing engine, We decided to turn this WK2 into a long term content build, showcasing every stage of its transformation from tired daily driver into a fully modified SRT inspired ma

In this video, we take an in depth look at upgrading the camshaft and performing an MDS (Multi-Displacement System) delete on the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 SRT with the 6.4L Hemi V8. We compare a Series 1 and Series 2 Grand Cherokee SRT, both running a Stage One cam upgrade including custom dyno tuning We break down why the MDS delete is critical for long term engine health, how much it costs, and what’s involved in the process. You’ll learn the risks of leaving the MDS system

We made a video highlighting a customer’s oil leak problem that had persisted for over five years. The issue stemmed from excessive use of RTV during previous engine repairs performed by numerous dealerships around the country. The state we received this car in was quite a shock! One of the main takeaways is that oil pan gaskets should never be replaced with RTV alone. Using a proper gasket is critical to prevent leaks. In this case, too much RTV was used instead of the corre

We made a video highlighting some of the most common mistakes people make when servicing automatic transmissions. Many of these mistakes can lead to costly repairs if not addressed correctly. One major issue we cover is the misconception that simply washing or draining the transmission system is enough. This is similar to changing engine oil but never replacing the oil filter. Without replacing the filter, contaminants remain in the system, reducing the effectiveness of the s

We made a video for Jeep enthusiasts breaking down the differences between the two main KL Cherokee models: the standard package and the Trailhawk. Both are great vehicles, but the Trailhawk stands out with upgraded features that make it more adventure ready. The Trailhawk comes with off-road suspension, a two speed transfer case, and extra aesthetic options. These upgrades give it better capability for light off roading and rugged terrain compared to the standard model. It’s

We made a video for Jeep WK2 EcoDiesel Grand Cherokee owners to explain the best oils and filters for the EcoDiesel engine. Using the right oil and filter helps keep your engine running reliably and prevents unnecessary wear or damage. Shell is Jeep’s official partner, but we at GDL Automotive prefer Penrite based on over 20 years of experience without any issues. Other brands, like Valvoline, are also safe to use as long as they meet the minimum standards for diesel engines.

We can now equip WK2 Grand Cherokee owners with a convenient remote start feature. This allows you to start your vehicle from a distance using a specially programmed key fob, so your car is ready and comfortable before you even step inside. We can customise your settings to suit your needs. Choose whether the headlights turn on, the windows roll down, or the air conditioning activates. Everything is tailored to how you use your Grand Cherokee. The remote start feature is perf

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, coolant is often overlooked. Many people assume the different colours are just dyes, but that is not the case. Each coolant type has a specific chemical composition designed for certain engines and materials. Mixing two different coolants might seem harmless, but it can cause serious damage. When incompatible coolants are combined, the chemicals can react and form sludge. This sludge clogs the cooling system, reduces efficiency, and

Jeep Cherokee owners across Australia need to know about recall 49A that affects their vehicles. This involves the electrically powered liftgate module and large cracks forming between the seams at the rear of your KL Cherokee. The concern is an internal short circuit that could start a vehicle fire even when the ignition is off. When Was the Recall Issued In the United States, notification letters began being sent to owners by June 30 2023 and the recall was estimated to lau

In another blow to cost of living pressures, the Federal Government has increased the fuel excise by 0.8 cents per litre, nudging it from 50.8 cents to 51.6 cents. While that sounds like more pain at the pump, the reality for most drivers is less dramatic. On average, the increase will add around $20 a year to your fuel bill, depending on your car’s fuel efficiency, tank size, and how often you fill up. It’s not great news, but it's also not a budget breaker for most motorist

Hyundai Australia has voiced concerns over how Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are undercutting the market by tens of thousands of dollars, raising questions about long-term sustainability and potential government subsidies behind these prices. Don Romano, CEO of Hyundai Australia, says he’s puzzled by how Chinese carmakers are able to deliver such low prices, especially when all manufacturers are using similar components, manufacturing equipment, and supply chains. He specul

If your Jeep won’t start and you’re seeing a ‘Service Vehicle Protection System’ message on the dash, you’re not alone. This is a common issue in certain Jeep models, and it can leave you stranded without warning. At GDL Automotive, we’ve seen this problem pop up repeatedly, and it almost always traces back to the steering column lock module, a critical part of the vehicle’s anti-theft system. When the steering column lock module fails, it prevents the ignition system from ac

When it comes to engine repairs, especially oil leaks, there’s a right way and a wrong way to seal components. A recent job at our workshop highlighted this in a big way—and it all comes down to one common mistake: using RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing silicone) instead of proper gaskets. A 5 Year Oil Leak Finally Traced We had a customer travel from interstate to get to the bottom of a persistent oil leak that had plagued their vehicle for over five years. They’d been to m

If your Jeep Grand Cherokee won’t turn over and you’re dealing with serious engine damage, you’re not alone. A recent case at GDL Automotive involved a Grand Cherokee that suffered catastrophic engine failure due to spun big end bearings, leaving the engine completely locked up. After a full diagnosis, the only way forward was a crate engine replacement. The only fix when internal damage is beyond repair. What Causes Spun Bearings in a Jeep Grand Cherokee? When most people he

WK2 Grand Cherokees are known for their torque, refinement, and towing ability, but there is a recall for your WK2. If you have symptoms such as cranking but not starting, or cutting out unexpectedly while driving, the fuel system, specifically the fuel pump relay and wiring could be to blame. The Fuel Pump Relay Recall (V62) Jeep recognised this fault early on and issued a recall campaign (V62) for many WK2s. The core of the issue? Faulty wiring related to the fuel pump rela

From June 1, 2025, the SsangYong name will officially disappear from Australian showrooms, with the brand now fully rebranded as KGM Australia. The move follows global changes under new parent company KG Group, which renamed the brand KGM in 2023. Australia held onto “KGM SsangYong” branding until now, but the launch of the 2025 Actyon SUV marks the beginning of a new chapter. “It’s timely we fully embrace the KGM branding,” said managing director Joseph Lee, noting the rebra

Australia has just recorded its deadliest 12 months on the road since 2010, with 1337 lives lost in the year to May 31, a 4.8% increase year on year, according to newly released data. While drivers and passengers still make up the bulk of the toll (816 deaths, or 61%), the sharpest increases came from vulnerable road users: Cyclist deaths rose by 36.7% (from 30 to 41) Pedestrian deaths jumped by 15.7% (from 166 to 192) These alarming spikes are raising major concerns for road