If you are a Jeep Cherokee user, you must be aware of the warning signs that suddenly appear on its dashboard. Because sometimes these warning signs on the dashboard can also be a sign of a serious problem related to the engine or transmission.
Sometimes suddenly the service shifter warning light in Jeep Cherokee starts displaying on the dashboard, which indicates a transmission technical malfunction and alerts the driver to check the shifter in the transmission so that troubleshooting can be done in time.
There are many reasons why the service shifter warning light is displayed in a Jeep Cherokee. After investigating these reasons, the problem should be fixed to avoid transmission failure or any major damage.
What Does A Service Shifter Light Mean In A Jeep Cherokee?
The service shifter warning light in the Jeep Cherokee indicates a problem in the automatic transmission’s gear shifter that may require repair or service by a mechanic. This light indicates that the Jeep Cherokee gear shifter is not shifting into gear properly or at all. In many cases the gear shifter may also slip.
However, there may be other problems with the service shifter warning signal appearing in the Jeep Cherokee, which may also cause gear shifting delays or gear shift stiffness.
Causes of Service Shifter Light in Jeep Cherokee
There can be several different causes for a service shifter warning light in a Jeep Cherokee, as follows:
1. Faulty Shifter Assembly
The most common reason for a service shifter warning light to be displayed in the dashboard of a Jeep Cherokee can be a faulty gear shifter assembly. Because when there is a problem with the gear shifter assembly, a sensor in the transmission triggers this light.
When there is a problem with the automatic transmission’s gear shifter, the service shifter warning light displays on the dashboard of the Jeep Cherokee. Because it alerts the driver to a problem with the transmission
So whenever you see a service shifter light in your Jeep Cherokee, the first thing to do is get the system scanned by an expert mechanic to find out what is causing the service shifter light to come on.
2. Electrical Wiring Problems
Several different electrical components are used to operate a Jeep Cherokee’s automatic transmission. These electrical components help manage and operate the gear shifter and automatic transmission functions.
These are activated on the basis of the flow of electricity in the electrical components. But sometimes a faulty wiring connection or a blown fuse can cause the gear shifter to be unable to function properly or at all. Therefore, in many cases, electrical issues can also be responsible for the service shifter warning signal appearing in the Jeep Cherokee.
3. Low Battery Voltage
Often, the warning light on the dashboard of the Jeep Cherokee can also be caused by low battery voltage, as the gear shifter system is unable to function properly when the battery is low or drained.
When the battery voltage is low, the electrical components that work with the gear shifter do not get adequate power supply, and hence it becomes difficult for the gear shifter to shift gears.
When the service shifter light is displayed in a Jeep Cherokee, you should check the battery voltage so you can easily eliminate this problem.
4. Faulty Shift Interlock Solenoid
The service shifter warning light in a Jeep Cherokee can also be caused by a faulty solenoid, as the solenoid helps operate the gear shifter and allows the gears to shift smoothly.
But in many cases, a faulty solenoid can cause the service shifter warning light to appear in the Jeep Cherokee’s cluster meter.
5. Software Glitches
In many cases, the “Service Shifter” warning light in a Jeep Cherokee can be caused by software errors in the vehicle’s ECU (computer) system.
In many cases, outdated software goes without updates for too long, which can also lead to software bugs or glitches. However, you can try to turn off the service shifter light by resetting the ECU.
But if the software is really asking for an update or there are some glitches, it will need to be updated to the latest version.
6. Faulty Fluid Pressure Sensor
In many cases, the Jeep Cherokee service shifter light can be caused by a faulty fluid pressure sensor. This fluid pressure sensor plays a vital role in enabling the functioning of the automatic transmission and shifter mechanism by maintaining fluid pressure.
But if the fluid pressure sensor in the transmission is faulty or not working properly, it can also cause the service shifter light to appear on the dashboard. So when the service shifter light appears in the Jeep Cherokee, the fluid pressure sensor should be checked.
How To Turn Off A Service Shifter Light In A Jeep Cherokee?
- If the service shifter light is displaying on the dashboard of your Jeep Cherokee, to turn it off you must first turn off the car’s ignition and then on again.
- In the second process, you disconnect the battery cable for some time and then connect it again. If the service shifter light was on due to an error or bug, this procedure will help turn it off.
If this does not yield any results, it is possible that this light may be appearing in your car due to some mechanical fault for which you can follow the procedure given below to disable the service shifter light.
1. Check Battery Voltage
Common causes of a service shifter light in a Jeep Cherokee can also be a bad battery or low battery voltage. Because due to low battery voltage, the shifter system of the automatic transmission is not able to function properly and if it is not taken care of in time, it can fail completely.
Therefore, whenever the service shifter light comes on in the cluster meter of Jeep Cherokee, you should check the battery voltage. If the battery is damaged, replace it with a new battery and if the voltage is low, fully charge it.
2. Check Shifter Cable
In an automatic transmission, the shifter cable connects the shifter lever to the transmission, and the gear is operated by the shifter lever itself through the shifter cable.
But in many cases, due to old age, the shifter cable may break or get stuck, and there may be problems changing gears through the shifter lever.
Hence, the service shifter light starts appearing on the dashboard. To troubleshoot this problem, the shifter cable should be examined, and the shifter cable should be replaced if it is bad.
3. Check Transmission Fluid Level
In any type of transmission, it is essential to have a full fluid level, as low levels of transmission fluid can impair the functioning of the transmission. Often low fluid level in automatic transmission causes many problems.
If the fluid level gets too low, it can even cause complete failure of the automatic transmission. A low transmission fluid level in a Jeep Cherokee may cause the service shifter light to appear on the dashboard.
So whenever the service shifter light comes on, check the fluid level and top up as necessary.
4. Update Software
In some models of Jeep Cherokee, the service shifter light may be caused by a software bug or un-updated software. There is a software update available for service shifter problems in some models of Jeep Cherokee that helps troubleshoot shifter problems. You will have to update it with the updated version.
If the service shifter light is on in your Jeep Cherokee, contact your dealership for a software update. However, you can also get it updated from a certified garage mechanic if they provide the facility to update it.
5. Check or Replace Shifter Wiring
In many cases, the reason why the service shifter light is on in a Jeep Cherokee can be caused by damage to the shifter wiring.
Therefore, when the service shifter light is displayed in the Jeep Cherokee, the shifter wiring should be checked, and damaged wiring should be replaced with new wiring.
6. Replace Shifter Assembly
If none of the above steps fixed the Jeep Cherokee service shifter light, then you should check the gear shifter assembly, and the shifter assembly may need to be replaced if it is damaged.
However, this can be a more complex job and should be done by a certified mechanic or for the same, you can contact your nearest dealership mechanic.
7. Check Fluid Pressure Sensor
In many cases, the cause of the Jeep Cherokee service shifter light coming on can be a faulty fluid pressure sensor.
Therefore, the fluid pressure sensor should be checked when the service shifter light is on. If the fluid pressure sensor is faulty, it must be replaced.
Jeep Cherokee Service Shifter OBD Codes & Meanings
The service shifter related fault codes in the Jeep Cherokee may display differently on the OBD scanner.
- P0750 Shift Solenoid A Malfunction
- P0755 Shift Solenoid B Malfunction
- P0760 Shift Solenoid C Malfunction
- P0765 Shift Solenoid D Malfunction
- P0841 Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance
- P0846 Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch B Circuit Range/Performance
- P0871 Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch C Circuit Range/Performance
Can I Drive A Jeep Cherokee With The Service Shifter Light On?
Driving the Jeep Cherokee with the service shift light on is not recommended. Doing so can prove harmful for you and the vehicle. A service shifter light in a Jeep Cherokee indicates a problem with the automatic transmission or shifter mechanism.
Driving a Jeep Cherokee with the service shifter light on for an extended period of time can lead to more damage and, in some cases, complete failure of the Jeep Cherokee’s transmission.
Ignoring the service shifter light in a Jeep Cherokee and driving it for an extended period of time can seriously damage the transmission system and shifter mechanism.
Cost To Fix A Service Shifter Light in A Jeep Cherokee?
Service shifter light repair cost in Jeep Cherokee may vary depending on the specific problem and the location of the mechanic.
There are some common reasons why the service shifter light might come on in a Jeep Cherokee. Such as a faulty shift solenoid, sensor and shifter linkage or cable. You may have to pay $100 to $600 to repair or replace these components.
But in many cases, a faulty transmission or a faulty shifter assembly can also be the cause of the service shifter light coming on in the Jeep Cherokee. Repairing or replacing the transmission or shifter assembly is a more complex task.
For this you may have to pay $1500 to $3800. These estimated costs may include labor costs for mechanics.
Jeep Cherokee Recalled For Service Shifter
The Jeep Cherokee shifter problem affected certain model-year 2014–2015 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 9-speed automatic transmission. Certain models of the Jeep Cherokee were recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) due to a problem with the shifter lever in the electronic transmission in the Jeep Cherokee.
The reason for the recall was a design issue with the electronic shift lever in the Jeep Cherokee, which was a poor design for vehicle and driver safety, and the electronic shift lever design could be confusing to some drivers.
Accordingly, the vehicle had trouble properly shifting into “park mode” or into another gear, and the vehicle’s shifter lever could cause the vehicle to roll over if the driver was confused. Due to the design of this electronic shifter lever, the position of the lever may in some cases cause a driver to mistakenly believe that the vehicle is in “Park Mode” when the shifter lever position is, in fact, not such that unexpected running movements of the vehicle may occur.
To address an issue with the recall related to the Jeep Cherokee service shifter, a software update was made to the automatic transmission software for greater performance. The updated software updated the function and position of the automatic transmission and shift levers.
According to this software, the driver actually had to actuate the shifter lever in the designated mode, and the recall also included the installation of a new shift lever module that provided the driver with improved tactile and visual feedback of the Jeep Cherokee’s shift lever so that the driver could know that the vehicle is in gear.
In 2016, a problem with the Jeep Cherokee shifter affected approximately 811,200 vehicles in the United States, and these affected vehicles were recalled. At that time, local Jeep dealerships provided free service to affected vehicle owners to repair the shifter problem.
Information Jeep Cherokee Recall Detail
If you are the owner of a Jeep Cherokee, then you will get information related to it. If your car is recalled under the recall, you can book a service appointment with your Jeep dealership mechanic.
If you want to check whether your Jeep is subject to recall, you can check the Jeep recall information by visiting the official website, or you can confirm it by contacting the given contact number.
- Jeep Customer Care Center – 1-800-853-1403
- Official Jeep website – www.jeep.com
- NHTSA HOTLINE – 1-888-327-4236 (1-888-ASK-NHTSA)
FAQ’s
How Do I Know If My Jeep Cherokee Transmission is Bad?
If there is a problem with your Jeep’s transmission, the first indication will be a transmission light.
Along with this, the vehicle will experience jerks, stalls, or jumps without any reason, and in many cases, there will be difficulty in gear shifting.
If these symptoms appear, then you should understand that there is a problem with the transmission.
Why is My Jeep Grand Cherokee Not Shifting?
There can be many reasons for this. But common causes may indicate a problem with your Jeep’s shifter lever or cable. However, in many cases, this may indicate transmission failure.
