2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: whining or grinding noise

Filed Aug 21, 2024 · Electrical · IL

While my wife was driving, there was a noticable whining sound that was followed by heat, burning smell and smoke coming into the cabin. After taking in for service, I was told that the problem was the alternator which would have caught fire or failed without warning increasing the risk of a crash. Upon learning it was the alternator I discovered that there were 2 separate recalls (P60 and & T36) for defective alternators for 2012-2014 vehicles. "The alternator diodes on your vehicle may experience a rapid failure. Variability in the failure mode ranges from no output, reduced output, and/or a fully shorted to ground condition. Depending on the alternator failure mode and timing, vehicle electrical system voltage may drop to critical levels, disabling systems such as Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Control Module (ECM), and/or the Central Body Controller (CBC). The driver will have limited or no detection of the alternator failing, which can result in vehicle shutdown while driving and/or an underhood electrical fire." Something terrible could have happened to my wife. Thankfully it did not. When I was told that my vehicle was not included because it is a 2011 I was angry and frustrated which is why I am reporting this to you. I am questioning why the federal safety agency - would not include 2011 vehicles in the safety recall as the problem with the alternator is the same. Am I supposed to believe that the defective alternator in my vehicle is not the same as the ones that are in the 2012 when they are having the exact same problem? Along with the anger I feel because of the danger it posed to my family, I am equally frustrated that the repair is not covered under the costly repair because my VIN didn't not fall under the recall.

Filed Jul 28, 2023 · Electrical · TX

Alternator failed while driving with no signs or warning. No emergency lamps came on. The air conditioning nearly quit blowing suddenly while driving and a high pitch whine was heard that corresponded to the acceleration. Then I began to smell burning. By the time I pulled over, smoke was coming out from under the hood. It is now in the shop having the alternator replaced.

Filed Jan 7, 2019 · Electrical · 70,300 miles · GA · fire

I started the jeep up in my driveway and noticed a whining sound that changed with engine rpms. There were no lights or warnings on the dash to indicate a failure of any components. I only had to run to the store 4 miles away and thought I would look at it when I returned home. Once I got to the store, I smelt an electrical burning smell and saw smoke coming from under the hood. When I raised the hood, the alternator was producing a significant amount of smoke. I was concerned my vehicle was about to catch fire. I had some one bring me some tools so I could disconnect the battery. Once the battery was disconnected, I located a replacement alternator ($400) locally at a parts store as it was a sunday evening and no dealers were open. I was able to replace the alternator in the store parking lot. I drove the vehicle home with no problems, but when I opened the hood to ensure all was good with the new alternator, it was once again so hot I could not touch it. There was no smoke as of yet, but it does seem that there is still an issue that caused the original alternator to catch fire. I am sure the new alternator will also be damaged if the jeep is driven any more. Currently I am forced to leave my jeep parked until I can ensure I have an emergency back up available. The jeep does act normal now the alternator is changed out, and everything seems to be working as normal. I am just concerned the new alternator may fail again and cause a fire in my jeep. Now I am scared to drive the vehicle for my normal commute. The jeep only has 70,000 miles on it and has never had any other issues since I have owned it. I have seen this issue many time is searches online and feel that there are underlying causes that can result in vehicle failure and possible fires. Extremely unsafe to operate in this condition.

Filed Apr 30, 2018 · Electrical · 130,590 miles · TN

I'm actually sitting in a parking lot waiting for the tow truck. The jeeps alternator began whining & the battery light came on.I pulled over and turned off the jeep. It wouldn't restart. Has zero power. The battery was replaced in february & the alternator checked out fine. The window evidentally let itself down about a week ago. This was srrange. Wipers started by themself when I tried to jumpstart it. I've read various complaints that mirror my symptoms. It will be towed to frensley jeep-chrysler tonight. Please include my vehicle in the recall. I'm sure it's going to be expensive. Thanks for your cinsuderstuon.

Filed Nov 28, 2017 · Electrical · 94,000 miles · MI

Bad alternator at 94k miles. Vehicle had trouble starting, found an open recall on the fuel pump relay, but issues persisted and electrical components began to fail intermittently and battery light came on with a whine in the engine. Discovered a 2014 recall on 3.6l,v6 engines but in checking VIN min does not fall into this category??

Filed Nov 2, 2017 · Electrical · KY

Hello the federal safety agency team, I am writing to you to ask that additional VIN numbers be included in an existing recall. The existing recall is p60 / the federal safety agency 14v‑634 for alternator failure. Can you please include VIN [xxx] into the recall. The alternator in my 2011 grand jeep cherokee, the 160 amp unit will suddenly begin making a very loud whining sound that can be heard loudly from within the cabin of the vehicle and within the engine bay. We have invested a lot of money and time trying to determine what is wrong, only to find out my vehicle is not included in this recall, which we would have been able to put two and two together immediately. Chrysler is indicating to us that our vehicles have all of the matching "specifications" to meet the criteria within the existing recall but our VIN numbers are not included, therefore they cannot cover the repair. We are continually told that they are not sure why my vehicle is not included as all of the specifications on their end appear to be identical to the specifications outlined in the recall for the failed alternator. The issue is the tell-tail loud whining sound stemming from the alternator and the noise increases in decibels as the RPM increase. Please include VIN [xxx] in the existing recall. Thank you very much. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Nov 2, 2017 · Electrical · KY

Hello the federal safety agency team, I am writing to you to ask that additional VIN numbers be included in an existing recall. The existing recall is p60 / the federal safety agency 14v‑634 for alternator failure. Can you please include VIN [xxx] into the recall. The alternator in my 2011 grand jeep cherokee, the 160 amp unit will suddenly begin making a very loud whining sound that can be heard loudly from within the cabin of the vehicle and within the engine bay. We have invested a lot of money and time trying to determine what is wrong, only to find out my vehicle is not included in this recall, which we would have been able to put two and two together immediately. I have already replaced the battery which was very expensive, only to find it is getting drained by the alternator. All of the fault indicator lights come on, including the brake indicator failure, engine failure, 4 wheel drive, windshield wipers, and then the vehicle basically will shut down. You have to the engine off, shut everything down and restart. I am afraid I am going to get killed in this jeep. I am not sure why my vehicle is not included as all of the specifications on their end appear to be identical to the specifications outlined in the recall for the failed alternator. The issue is the tell-tail loud whining sound stemming from the alternator and the noise increases in decibels as the RPM increase. Please include VIN [xxx] in the existing recall. Thank you very much information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Sep 23, 2017 · Brakes, Electrical · 40,000 miles · AZ

Hello the federal safety agency team, I am writing to you to ask that additional VIN numbers be included in an existing recall. The existing recall is p60 / the federal safety agency 14v‑634 for alternator failure. Our family has two 2011 grand jeep cherokees and the alternators have failed in both of these vehicles prematurely. Can you please include VIN [xxx] into the recall. The alternator in both of our 2011 grand jeep cherokees, the 160 amp unit will suddenly begin making a very loud whining sound that can be heard loudly from within the cabin of the vehicle and within the engine bay. When the failure on the alternator occurs it is very sudden, one day it is working properly the very next day it is not working properly. We have invested a lot of time in discussion already with the fca department at chrysler. Fca at chrysler is indicating to us that our vehicles have all of the matching "specifications" to meet the criteria within the existing recall but our VIN numbers are not included, therefore they cannot cover the repair. The fca continually tells us that they are not sure why our vehicles are not included as all of the specifications on their end appear to be identical to the specifications outlined in the recall for the failed alternator. The issue when it occurs is very rapid, we drive the vehicle one day, no issue, and then the very next day when we start the vehicle immediately there is the tell-tail loud whining sound stemming from the alternator and the noise increases in decibels as the RPM increase. Please include VIN [xxx] in the existing recall. Thank you very much. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).