2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler / Gladiator Freedom Panel Flaking TSB

Owners of 2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles may notice an issue with the underside of their Freedom Top panels. Specifically, the panels might exhibit a rough texture or a white coating that appears to be flaking off. This condition, identified in STAR Online Publication S1723000037 Rev. A, is a cosmetic concern related to the panel's material and manufacturing process.

Symptoms

The primary symptom owners will observe is the "Freedom Panel Underside Rough And Or White Coating Flaking." This refers to the appearance of rough areas on the underside of the Freedom Top panels, particularly in tight corners. Additionally, a fine white substance might come off the panel if it is rubbed by hand.

Jeep Freedom Top panels are constructed from Sheet Molded Compound (SMC), a material that is naturally white. The molding process can sometimes result in slight roughness in these corner areas. While slight roughness is considered normal and not a manufacturing defect, the flaking of the white coating is what prompts this service communication.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

To determine if your vehicle is affected by this condition, inspect the underside of the Freedom Top panels for rough surfaces. Pay close attention to the areas between the indicated lines shown in the service document (referencing figures in the original TSB for visual guidance).

An easy way to verify if material is flaking is to apply a piece of masking tape to a suspect area. After peeling the tape off, inspect it for any white residue. If material is coming off, the panel is exhibiting the described condition. This diagnostic step helps confirm the presence of the white coating flaking.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for the Jeep Wrangler Freedom Panel flaking issue is straightforward and primarily involves surface preparation. The first step requires lightly scuffing the isolated rough areas on the panel with a very fine-grade red Scotch Brite Pad, specifically 3M #7447 or an equivalent product. It is crucial to only target the affected spots and not sand the entire panel.

If your Jeep is equipped with a Mopar headliner kit, technicians must take precautions. The fabric of the headliner should be protected from dust and sanding debris using painter's tape and paper to prevent any damage during the scuffing process. After sanding, the treated area needs to be thoroughly wiped clean with isopropyl alcohol and a clean towel to remove all residue. Finally, the panel must be allowed to dry completely before being reinstalled.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this repair for the Jeep Wrangler Freedom Panel flaking, specific materials are needed:

• Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol): A solution with 50-80% concentration is required for cleaning.
• Scotch Brite sanding pad: A very fine-grade pad, such as 3M Red #7447 or an equivalent, is necessary for gently scuffing the affected areas.

Important Warnings

STAR Online Publication S1723000037 Rev. A includes an important disclaimer for technicians and owners. This document does not authorize warranty repairs. It serves as a record of past experiences and does not provide definitive conclusions about what might be wrong with the vehicle. Instead, it compiles similar cases related to the symptom or condition. Technicians are considered the experts responsible for deciding the appropriate course of action.

Owner Action

If you notice rough surfaces or white coating flaking on your 2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator Freedom Top panels, you should consult with your dealership. While this communication, STAR Online Publication S1723000037 Rev. A, provides a repair procedure, it does not authorize warranty work. Discuss the nature of the issue and the recommended fix with a service advisor.

Source: NHTSA ID 11001383