Jeep Wants To Give The Wrangler Four-Wheel Steering
GMC’s Hummer EV is inspiring America’s favorite off-roader.
The world wasn’t ready when General Motors introduced its «Quadrasteer» four-wheel steering system in the early 2000s. Offered on its full-size pickup trucks and 3/4-ton Chevrolet Suburban, the system used computer-controlled motors on the rear axle to turn the rear wheels independently of the front steering. It was discontinued after just a few years on the market.
Of course, nowadays, four-wheel steering is becoming positively common. It’s found on everything from the Acura RLX and TLX sedans to the Porsche 911, and even the Ferrari 812 Superfast. Now, Jeep appears to be considering adding four-wheel steering to its iconic Wrangler model.
Jeep
Jeep
Jeep
This week, JL Wrangler Forums user JDyj90 shared a couple of screen grabs from an online survey that Jeep sent out to select customers recently, gauging interest in four-wheel steering on the Jeep Wrangler JL. It asks: «Which of the following do you like most about an off-road 4-wheel steering feature?» The available responses include «allows the vehicle to make tighter turns while off-roading by using all 4 wheels to turn», «ability for both the front and rear wheels to be turned in the same direction, allowing the vehicle to move sideways in a diagonal movement», and «like both equally.»
That second response is pretty clearly a direct reference to the GMC Hummer EV’s «Crab Mode», which turns the front and rear wheels in the same direction so that the truck can maneuver diagonally around an off-road obstacle.
Jeep
Jeep
Jeep
We’re no experts in survey methodology, but it seems almost as though Jeep has already resolved to add four-wheel steering to the JL, and is now simply assessing whether implementing its own Crab Mode would be worth it.
For off-road fans, there was another intriguing question within the survey, too: «How useful would you find an off-road turn assist feature on your Jeep?» The system, according to the survey, would automatically engage in four-low whenever left active, braking the inside rear wheel around turns to help the Wrangler more easily navigate tight corners.
Obviously, there’s quite a lot of overlap with this system and four-wheel steering. Will future Jeep Wrangler models ever offer both systems, side-by-side? We’ll have to wait to find out.
Jeep
Jeep
Jeep
Jeep Compass steering wheel controls not working – causes and how to fix it
The steering wheel buttons in Jeep Compass provide a hassle-free way of controlling various functions of the vehicle. It can be quite vexing when these buttons stop working, as it can impede the driver’s ability to adjust important settings. This article goes through the typical causes of malfunctioning Compass steering wheel buttons and suggest viable solutions for resolving the problem.
The most common cause for steering wheel controls not working in Compass is bad clockspring. But the controls can also stop working due to a software glitch, worn buttons, or a bad connector or broken wire.
1. Faulty clockspring
The clockspring is an essential component of the steering wheel in Jeep Compass, that connects the electrical system to various controls, including the airbag, horn, and steering wheel buttons. It is located between the steering wheel and the steering column. It allows the electrical connection to remain intact while the steering wheel turns. Over time, the clockspring can become worn out or damaged, leading to a loss of electrical connectivity and the steering wheel buttons not working.
If you suspect that the clockspring is the cause of the problem, you can try troubleshooting it by checking for any other symptoms, such as a malfunctioning airbag or horn.
Airbag light may come on
When the clockspring goes bad in Compass, it can cause a variety of issues, including a malfunctioning airbag system, which may turn on the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster. This is because the clockspring provides the electrical connection necessary for the airbag in the steering wheel to function properly, and a faulty clockspring can prevent the airbag from deploying in the event of an accident which can be dangerous.
Note: If the airbag light turns on, it is recommended to use an OBDII scanner tool for diagnosis.
Horn may stop working
When the clockspring goes bad in Compass, the horn may stop working. This is because the clockspring provides the electrical connection necessary for the horn to sound. Driving with a faulty horn can be dangerous, as it can hinder your ability to alert other drivers in emergency situations.
Ignoring a faulty clockspring can lead to more significant problems, such as an inoperable airbag during an accident, which can increase the risk of injury. Therefore, if you notice that the steering wheel buttons are not working correctly, it is essential to address the issue promptly and seek professional help.
Replace the clockspring
Replacing the clockspring is a complex process that requires specialized skills and tools. It is recommended to take your Compass to a certified mechanic who can properly diagnose and replace the clockspring, ensuring that your vehicle is safe to drive and all functions are working correctly.
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Replace the buttons
Replacing worn buttons is a relatively simple process that can be done at home with the right tools and instructions. You can purchase replacement buttons from a dealer or an aftermarket supplier. However, if you’re not comfortable with DIY repairs, it’s always best to take your Compass to a certified mechanic who can replace the worn buttons correctly.
3. Software glitch
In some cases, a glitch in the infotainment system or onboard computer system can cause the steering wheel buttons to stop working in Compass. In such cases, resetting the onboard computers can sometimes help resolve the issue. One way to do this is by disconnecting the car battery for about 15 minutes.
- Locate the battery in your Compass.
- Use a wrench or pliers to loosen and remove the negative cable from the battery terminal.
- Then disconnect the positive cable. Make sure the cables don’t touch each other or any metal part of the body.
- Turn on the headlights and press the horn button a few times to drain out any residual electricity from the system.
- Leave the battery disconnected for about 15 minutes. This will give the onboard computers enough time to reset.
- After 15 minutes, reconnect the positive cable to the battery terminal and tighten it securely.
- Reconnect the negative cable.
- Turn on the ignition and test the buttons on the steering wheel to see if they are now functioning correctly.
In summary, a software glitch can cause the steering wheel buttons to stop working. Resetting the onboard computers by disconnecting the car battery for about 15 minutes may help resolve the issue. However, if the buttons still do not work, there may be another underlying issue, like a defective clockspring.