Jeep Blogs

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

Buckle Up: New Aussie Road Rules Drop July 1 From July 1, drivers across Australia will face tougher penalties and stricter speed limits as new road rules take effect in an effort to cut the rising road toll. Whether you're in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, or anywhere in between, here’s what you need to know to avoid heavy fines and stay safe. Nationwide Changes Mobile Phone Detection Goes High-Tech AI-powered cameras will be watching. These new surveillance tools can detect if y

Digital odometers were once seen as a solution to odometer fraud, but the reality is more complicated. Despite advances in vehicle technology, digital odometers can still be tampered with, and in some cases, it’s even easier than with old mechanical units. How Is Digital Odometer Tampering Done? Unlike mechanical odometers, which require physical manipulation, digital odometers can be altered by connecting a device to the vehicle’s diagnostic port. These tools, widely availab

The Land Rover Defender has always stood out as an icon of rugged capability and timeless design, the new one not so much but now, with a new range of practical and stylish accessories, the Defender is more customizable than ever, ready to suit every lifestyle, from urban explorers and even catering to off-road adventurers. Land Rover offers a comprehensive lineup of accessory packs tailored to different needs. Whether you’re preparing for tough off-road conditions or enhanci

When it comes to driving while pregnant, safety is a top priority for expectant mothers. Unfortunately, a growing trend has seen pregnant women being targeted with unregulated car accessories that promise added comfort or safety but may actually do more harm than good. The Rise of "Pregnancy Seat Belt Adjusters" One accessory gaining popularity is the so-called “pregnancy seat belt adjuster.” These devices claim to redirect the lap belt away from a pregnant woman’s belly, sup

We all love the look of a sparkling clean car, but have you ever wondered if you can actually wash your car too often? It’s a question that pops up frequently among car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. Let’s dive into the facts and clear up the myths about car washing frequency and paint protection. The Myth: Frequent Washing Damages Paint You might have heard someone say, “You’ll wash the paint off it!” The idea that frequent washing harms your car’s paint is a common

Australians have re-elected a Labor government for a second term, showing strong support for the party’s promises during a time when cost-of-living pressures continue to hit hard. And for motorists, this result brings a lot to unpack — from electric vehicle incentives and fuel efficiency laws, to cheaper solar batteries and even talk of scrapping the luxury car tax. First up, Labor’s already enacted the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which officially kicked off on Ja

A major breakthrough in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology has just been unveiled by CATL, the world’s largest battery producer and supplier to big names like Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. At its 2025 Tech Day in Shanghai, CATL revealed the second-generation Shenxing battery—and the numbers are game-changing. This new battery can reportedly add 520km of range in just five minutes of charging. That’s 2.6km per second, which is not only faster than Tesla’s top charging s

LDV Automotive Australia is facing legal action from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which claims the company misled customers over the durability of its T60 ute and G10 van. The core of the issue? Rust. The Allegations According to the ACCC, LDV promoted the T60 and G10 as tough, durable vehicles suitable for challenging environments like construction sites, beaches, and off-road terrain. However, the ACCC alleges both models had a high likelihood

Over the past few years, Aussie roads have become a lot more diverse — and Chinese car brands are leading that change. From GWM to BYD, MG to Chery, the growth has been massive. And now we know exactly why Australia has become such a hot target. A Message from the Top At the recent Shanghai Motor Show, Jack Wei — global chairman of GWM (Great Wall Motors) — laid it all out. He called Australia one of GWM’s key overseas markets, and for good reason. It turns out we’ve got the

When it comes to diagnosing issues in modern vehicles, pinpoint accuracy is crucial for effective repairs. The RAM 1500, particularly with its robust 5.7L push rod V8 engine, can pose unique challenges for mechanics and automotive enthusiasts alike. This article explores a recent case study involving a misfire in a RAM 1500, detailing the diagnostic process and key takeaways that can help you troubleshoot similar issues in the future. Overview of the RAM 1500 Engine The RAM 1

Misfires can be troublesome and leave many drivers puzzled, often leading to misguided attempts to remedy the situation by replacing spark plugs and ignition coils. This article dives deep into the prevalent causes of misfires in the Pentastar V6 and offers a structured approach to diagnosis and repair. What Causes Misfires in the Pentastar V6? When faced with a misfire, the first instinct many have is to check the easy components, such as spark plugs and ignition coils. Howe

Rotating the EcoDiesel engine backwards may seem harmless, especially if you're trying to loosen or remove components like torque converter bolts during a transmission disassembly. However, this can lead to serious complications that can impact your engine's health and longevity. Timing Chain Issues: One significant risk of rotating these engines backwards involves the hydraulic tensioners for timing chains. As these tensioners retract under reverse rotation, it can cause the

Theoretically the short term ramifications of produce and inventory coming out of the USA will not have its prices and taxes influenced unless the Australian government implements retaliatory tariffs. This means for the short term any Tariffs from the orange man himself will only harm companies that sell into the USA not company's that buy out of the USA. However if this tariff concept gets legs and starts to cause consumer spending habits within the USA it is likely that the

Getting your vehicle registered in New South Wales can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it involves Rego checks, also known as pink slip inspections. Many drivers have questions and misconceptions about the process, which can lead to unnecessary stress and extra costs. In this guide, we’ll unveil essential facts you probably didn’t know about Rego inspections, ensuring you're well-informed before your next visit to the mechanic. What is a Rego Check? A Rego check

For a while, it seemed like the Hemi V8 was headed for extinction under former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. But with leadership changes at Stellantis, the legendary bent-eight is making a comeback. According to Mopar Insiders, Stellantis is set to resume production of all three Hemi V8 engines – the 5.7-litre, 6.4-litre ‘Apache’, and the supercharged 6.2-litre ‘Hellcat’ – at its Dundee Engine Plant in Michigan from August. Previously, Hemi V8s were built at the Saltillo Nor

Have you ever taken your Jeep JK Wrangler on the rough trails or perhaps bumped a curb only to find a frustrating warning light flashing on your dashboard? If so, you're not alone. A common issue that arises in JK Wranglers, especially after minor accidents or mishaps, is related to the steering angle sensor. This article will guide you through the process of resetting the steering angle sensor and help you familiarise yourself with the importance of this component in your ve

Enhancing a vehicle's engine can be a thrilling experience. However, as recent diagnostics on a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT reveal, modifying your HEMI engine without due care can sometimes lead to unforeseen complications and significant damage. This article breaks down a recent case involving a misfire diagnosis that uncovered severe engine issues, highlighting the importance of understanding both the benefits and risks associated with engine upgrades. A customer brought in the

If you're driving in New South Wales, you might spot a sign that says “Safe-T-Cam ahead” but what do these cameras actually do? You’ll find them on major motorways in NSW and South Australia, and if you use a GPS app, you might have even seen them marked as speed cameras. But are they really tracking your speed? And how do they help manage driver fatigue? Let’s break it down. What is a Safe-T-Cam? A Safe-T-Cam is like a seatbelt, average speed, and registration camera all in