Community Forums

jimd3246 · 05-10-2018, 04:37 PM

I recently began experiencing what seems like transmission or transfer case problems on my '17 Trailhawk,which has the AF1 system installed. While not attached to my MH, strange things began happening, like locking into 4-low, or slipping into neutral from drive, or not shifting at all. I assumed it was a notorious Jeep tranny issue or something. I never connected the issues to the AF1 system. I had the jeep towed to Jeep dealer and they advise when they tried to drive it, the brakes were locked up (a new issue to me). Their diagnostics showed the brake booster was not putting out enough p.s.i., which they attributed to the AF1 system. They disconnected the system and the jeep then ran just fine. No more codes. I'm totally surprised (and out several hunderd $$$'s) because this is an "AFTER MARKET" issue and not their problem.
I picked up the jeep and have driven over 200 miles without any problems!
Can anyone provide any insight, to me, that might explain this problem with AF1 and the Jeep? Haven't talked with Demco or the shop that installed the brake system yet. Appointment next week.
Any ideas out here in the forum? Thanks

rgvtexan · 05-10-2018, 04:41 PM

Vacuum Leak!

dp7 · 05-10-2018, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimd3246

I recently began experiencing what seems like transmission or transfer case problems on my '17 Trailhawk,which has the AF1 system installed. While not attached to my MH, strange things began happening, like locking into 4-low, or slipping into neutral from drive, or not shifting at all. I assumed it was a notorious Jeep tranny issue or something. I never connected the issues to the AF1 system. I had the jeep towed to Jeep dealer and they advise when they tried to drive it, the brakes were locked up (a new issue to me). Their diagnostics showed the brake booster was not putting out enough p.s.i., which they attributed to the AF1 system. They disconnected the system and the jeep then ran just fine. No more codes. I'm totally surprised (and out several hunderd $$$'s) because this is an "AFTER MARKET" issue and not their problem.
I picked up the jeep and have driven over 200 miles without any problems!
Can anyone provide any insight, to me, that might explain this problem with AF1 and the Jeep? Haven't talked with Demco or the shop that installed the brake system yet. Appointment next week.
Any ideas out here in the forum? Thanks

Take a look at the AF1 check valves. Easy to blow one out if brass fitting on AF1 control unit gets blocked even for a short period.

Dutch Star Don · 05-10-2018, 09:49 PM

Your break away switch may have gone bad. It would apply the brakes as if the toad had broken away from the coach. There should be a fuse for the breakaway switch. Disconnect the power to the switch and see if you still have the issue.

Another thing to check....make sure the two one way check valves were installed in the vacuum lines.

MSHappyCampers · 05-14-2018, 10:22 AM

Hi !

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Have you checked with the AF1 tech support folks?

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

lass · 05-14-2018, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Another thing to check....make sure the two one way check valves were installed in the vacuum lines.

And check to see if the they were installed in the correct direction. Pretty easy to install backwards.

jimd3246 · 05-15-2018, 08:38 AM

Thanks for the replys, guys. I knew I could count on you. I have an appointment with the Authorized Installer that did my system next week. Hopefully I'll get the answer then. I never had any problems while towing, nor at any prior point, so I can't imagine the problem was with incorrect install. Maybe something went sideways since then. I'd bet on the Jeep before the AF1, based on history. I'll let you know ��

hohenwald48 · 05-16-2018, 06:18 PM

Odor after towing is a very common issue and has been discussed on every toad forum on the internet since the beginning of the internet. Wranglers seem to be especially susceptible to the smell.

walt2137 · 05-31-2018, 01:51 PM

Jim if it dont work out think about the changing to M&G system.

LarryinID · 06-08-2018, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimd3246

Thanks for the replys, guys. I knew I could count on you. I have an appointment with the Authorized Installer that did my system next week. Hopefully I'll get the answer then. I never had any problems while towing, nor at any prior point, so I can't imagine the problem was with incorrect install. Maybe something went sideways since then. I'd bet on the Jeep before the AF1, based on history. I'll let you know ��

Check valves can hang up or fail. While I know nothing about this sysytem I have a lot of experience with failed check valves. No way to know externally when they go. You have to do a back pressure test.