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2010-11 shifter boot

6.5K views 12 replies 10 participants last post by  tiptronic  
#1 ·
Hello everyone,
the shift boot on my 1 month old Pat is cracking!

Beside being really p*ssed off at this POS faux leather vinyl cheap cr*p :mad: (I feel better now .. ) I must do something.

I have a couple of options. First, I will try to get it replaced under warranty. But I fear this will be futile because as I said, the shift boot on the 2011 Pat is really cheap and flimsy + I can't stand having to go to the dealer for a thing that should have not break this soon in the first place + waiting for the parts, yada yada ... I heard stories here about this part having been replaced 3 times :icon_rolleyes: My time is worth more than that.


Option #2
On the other hand, did anyone tried their luck on this aftermarket item ? :

http://cgi.ebay.ca/JEEP-PATRIOT-COM...-Grey-st-/230571139855?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item35af1c630f

Seem genuine, quality leather and the price is not that bad. I even have the choice of the stiches color . I must ask them if compatible with 2011 though...

Also I would like to know where I can find instructions on how to remove the shift boot on the 2011 Pat. I have the 2008 service manual, but the assembly does not look the same.

Thank you.
 
#3 ·
I had the same problem. Two weeks after I bought my car, the shifter boot started to crack. (At the same time the weather strip molding in the passenger door fell out, too) I went to the dealer and they ordered a shifter boot. On my next appointment, they told me they can not just replace the shifter boot but have to order the whole shifter assembly instead. Then on my last visit, they replaced it. This time, the fabric seems a lot nicer and softer.

Here are the notes from my invoice:
Customer reports there are two cracks around shifter. Found shift boot cracked ordered new boot. Had to order new shifter assembly gear shift knob is not removable.
 
#6 · (Edited)
Mine is starting to crack too. Gona have to go to the dealer again so they can order the part before i have to go for my fist service on the Pat. (7700km on it and no service light yet)

So far the dealer will have to fix/change/install :

1-hitch and wire (funny how it didnt come with the pat when i bought it, yes i have the oil cooler)

2- change leather boot around shifter stick

3- fix/change weather strip in right front and rear door that slowly fall off every time we open/close those doors.

Like the Jeep a lot so far... but looks like it will need some care before its trouble free.
 
#7 ·
Don't ya love been on the bleeding edge? My shifter boot is cracked and the drivers door molding is coming loose as well. Still completely love my Patriot but this is just annoying. Will get my dealer to order me a new boot but I'll probably get an aftermarket leather one as well.

Getting close to my 13,000km service -- I was so paranoid about the oil change but Chrysler Canada and two dealers both confirmed 13k OR when the oil change light comes on is correct. This will save me big money as I'm on track to do 40,000km a year.
 
#8 ·
I'm on year 4 now with my 08. The boot just started to crack around the shaft about a month ago. (65000 miles)

Unlike old cars, this shifter boot is completely decorative. It does not seal out the elements from under the car through a hole in the floor. I'm not surge I'll do anything with mine.
 
#9 ·
Finally went to my dealer and the shift boot has been replaced with what look to be a better quality part. The faux leather is definitely thicker and much more flexible. My guess is that this is an improved part and it will last for the lifetime of the Jeep.
 
#10 ·
they are good quality.got one for a vw new beetle convertible.
leather is thick and strong. i like them. and nice to have the choice of thread.
 
#11 ·
wtf? are european pats better built?
i have absolutely no issues on my 2008 CRD.
(been driving it since i bought it new in feb 2009. 68000km till now.)
 
#12 ·
wtf? are european pats better built?
In a word, yes.

Not only do European buyers get a far superior drivetrain but it would appear better quality interior trim. Having been to Europe and driven a Ford, Mondeo then driven the US version...Ford, Contour I can say without reservation or pre-qualification that domestic manufacturers skimp on US market vehicles to a truly fantastic degree.

It's a shame too considering how much nicer the Euro cars are compared to their domestic cousins. I may buy a model overseas next time just to have the better sound deadening, interior trim pieces, and overall build quality. The price premium is well worth it in my opinion.
 
#13 ·
Although I am on my second Dodge & third MOPAR ( I like the individuality) you can see why Dodge failed in Uk & some parts of Europe & why jeep is a Minor player.
Cheap plastic interiors, Flimsy plastic bumper covers , thin gauge steel constuction, bad economy & styling not suited to Euro tastes.
Also the americans have yet to get the concept of interior space . There is more passenger space in a little Merceded A Class than in a Cadillac sedan.

Even basic entry level cars in UK are better equipped than top of the range American cars .