2018 JLUR significant electrical issues

[ransom1]

My dealer is disconnecting the aftermarket light bar and the non OEM fog lights. If that doesn’t work, we are going to try the two simple things suggested above in sequence. I’ve replaced the BCM and the Power steering module 2x.
If all of these doesn’t work, I’ll keep posted and praying an electrical “Yoda” from Mopar will surface who says “I can fix it”. The really really challenging thing for me is that I WAS a huge huge Jeep fan. Mopar has left me so far out in the cold, I honestly can’t come back. I still have hope I’ll get to the bottom of this but it’s been absolutely and completely without MOPAR help and thats tough.

UPDATE: wasn’t the light bar or aftermarket fog lights. Now they are replacing the canbus and checking the connections. If that doesn’t work, we will replace the aux battery and fhen the main.

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[cmb396]

It slides out - left or right, I don't remember which. Look at the bottom side of the replacement and you'll see the 2 clips and be able to determine which way it slides out. No need to remove any bracket.

To the left, just removed both of mine the other day.

 

[ransom1]

Dealers ALWAYS say “it is not the battery.” Yet two thirds of the time all the problems go away after YOU replace BOTH batteries.

I suggest you:

1. Make sure all the fuses are pushed all the way day, and all terminals are tight
2. Replace both batteries yourself. Go to Auto Zone or O’Reillys, at the parts counter give your vehicle year, make and model, and get two of their direct replacement batteries and change them yourself. This step fixed all the electrical issues I was having on my 2018 JL. If you are going to wait for the dealer to touch the batteries, you will die of old age
3. A number of JL owners have found that the CAN BUS connectors located behind the glove compartment became faulty. Replacing the connectors solved the Christmas tree lights situation

There’s a 99% probability that these three steps will fix your electrical issues.

Good luck.

I’ve got a 2018 JL and was thankful for these recommendations.

since early May, my Jeep two door soft top JL has had electrical problems similar to the one mentioned here.

guages go off or go crazy. Power steering goes out. Wipers-come on and won’t stop.

I spent $2,300 on two power steering modules, one new computer and then, when that still didn’t work, replaced the can-bus and both batteries.

I traded it in on another car (not a jeep)and thedelivery guy drove my jeep back to Daytona with no and no power steering.

my dealer was at a loss. BTW, Step One Automotive was amazing and let me have a loaner for more than 4K miles for the three months it took to give up.

I’ve had six Jeeps since 2000. Loved them all. I’ve had a 75 CJ5, a 2000 4.0 sport, a 2007 4.0 two door unlimited, a 2009 Rubicon, 2013 4.0 sport, and now this one I bought with 3500 miles. I loved them all. I even loved this one!

BUT when I called Mopar and asked whether these problems were “usual and customary wear And tear” and they said “of course not” and confirmed it as manufacturer defects AND then STILL said, “You are on your own” I decided, as much as it pains me to
say, I’m out.

My advice to all, “Caveat Emptor

I still love the brand but I will never buy another Jeep. There is no excuse for leaving the loyal customers so far out to dry.

Not with the great 4x4 competition from everyone from Ford to Toyota to Nissan to even Subaru and Mazda. So bummed.

 

[ransom1]

UPDATE: wasn’t the light bar or aftermarket fog lights. Now they are replacing the canbus and checking the connections. If that doesn’t work, we will replace the aux battery and fhen the main.

I had the can bus repaired and the connections checked. NOPE.
So, in spite of their recommendations. I also replaced BOTH batteries. NOPE. $2,300 and 3 months later, I’ve tapped out. I traded my JL paperweight for another car and I will never buy another Jeep. So bummed. I loved all six of mine and perhaps this one the most. But Mopars approach to my 42,000 mile JL was Caveat Emptor. Message received.

 

[cmb396]

I had the can bus repaired and the connections checked. NOPE.
So, in spite of their recommendations. I also replaced BOTH batteries. NOPE. $2,300 and 3 months later, I’ve tapped out. I traded my JL paperweight for another car and I will never buy another Jeep. So bummed. I loved all six of mine and perhaps this one the most. But Mopars approach to my 42,000 mile JL was Caveat Emptor. Message received.

I did the same, only didn't spend the money at the dealer. Two new batteries, new pcm, replaced both canbus modules, checked and cleaned every ground on the jeep. By happenstance, discovered where the short was, and only happened when the aux battery was connected. So I inspected that harness, but couldn't find it. Pulled the aux fuse, disconnected the aux battery, took it all back to stock and traded it in. So long! Dealer was absolutely ZERO help in finding anything.

 

[Phillpry46]

I have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler, built July 2018, which started having electrical issues this past November (2022) and have gotten worse effectively limiting the use of my Jeep to near home, low risk trips (groceries, commute, but not airport).

The Jeep periodically (1 out of 5 trips) has what I can only describe as an electrical storm where all the dashboard warning indicators illuminate, power steering (sometimes) shut downs, "Service ABS" indicates failure, "Service Electronic Stability Control", "Stop/Start Unavailable Service Stop/Start System", "Sway Bar Disconnect Unavailable" indicates failure, "SERV 4WD", parking break light comes on (brake off), check engine light illuminates, airbag indicator light illuminates, , seat belt indicator (while wearing), AutoPark disables, ParkSense "Off", Blind Spot Alert "Unavaible", "Service Shifter", etc. Sometimes the engine fans spin up as if the vehicle is overheating.

This morning on my commute I had this occur and pulled off to the last parking lot before the interstate, as I did not want to drive on the highway without power steering. Once parked the first restart resulted in all the alerts presenting again, not sure about power steering as I was parked. Second restart had alerts and would not allow me to shift the Jeep out of "Park". I let it sit for a while and then restarted the Jeep with some alerts but with the ability to shift our of 'park' into 'reverse' and the power steering was working; thinking I should take advantage of what I had working I proceeded to work. The first time this happened I sat in a turn lane for 30 mins trying to get the Jeep running and out of "Park"

The jeep has spent 3 work weeks at the dealership with no success in resolving the issue. I am still under the 60K power train warranty but I was told that does not cover these issues, even though the alerts indicate multiple drive train issues "Service Shifter" and prevent the car from being reasonably driven, so I have paid hundreds of dollars out of pocket with no fix.

The Jeep is 4 years old, still under power train warranty, but is basically untrustworthy and therefore substantially unusable.
I'm the only one who rides around in it. My wife and daughters don't trust it. I can't drive my kids and other kids to sporting and recreational events.

The dealership has no ideas, they say they can see log events of what has happened but have no diagnostic error codes to indicate cause.

I am basically stuck with a $50,000 vehicle that no one knows how to fix, and I can't in good conscience sell. I've thought about trading it in but the next dealership will just pass it along to some unknowing buyer.

Anyone have any good ideas?

Try unplugging your sway bar module.

 

[Phillpry46]

I have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler, built July 2018, which started having electrical issues this past November (2022) and have gotten worse effectively limiting the use of my Jeep to near home, low risk trips (groceries, commute, but not airport).

The Jeep periodically (1 out of 5 trips) has what I can only describe as an electrical storm where all the dashboard warning indicators illuminate, power steering (sometimes) shut downs, "Service ABS" indicates failure, "Service Electronic Stability Control", "Stop/Start Unavailable Service Stop/Start System", "Sway Bar Disconnect Unavailable" indicates failure, "SERV 4WD", parking break light comes on (brake off), check engine light illuminates, airbag indicator light illuminates, , seat belt indicator (while wearing), AutoPark disables, ParkSense "Off", Blind Spot Alert "Unavaible", "Service Shifter", etc. Sometimes the engine fans spin up as if the vehicle is overheating.

This morning on my commute I had this occur and pulled off to the last parking lot before the interstate, as I did not want to drive on the highway without power steering. Once parked the first restart resulted in all the alerts presenting again, not sure about power steering as I was parked. Second restart had alerts and would not allow me to shift the Jeep out of "Park". I let it sit for a while and then restarted the Jeep with some alerts but with the ability to shift our of 'park' into 'reverse' and the power steering was working; thinking I should take advantage of what I had working I proceeded to work. The first time this happened I sat in a turn lane for 30 mins trying to get the Jeep running and out of "Park"

The jeep has spent 3 work weeks at the dealership with no success in resolving the issue. I am still under the 60K power train warranty but I was told that does not cover these issues, even though the alerts indicate multiple drive train issues "Service Shifter" and prevent the car from being reasonably driven, so I have paid hundreds of dollars out of pocket with no fix.

The Jeep is 4 years old, still under power train warranty, but is basically untrustworthy and therefore substantially unusable.
I'm the only one who rides around in it. My wife and daughters don't trust it. I can't drive my kids and other kids to sporting and recreational events.

The dealership has no ideas, they say they can see log events of what has happened but have no diagnostic error codes to indicate cause.

I am basically stuck with a $50,000 vehicle that no one knows how to fix, and I can't in good conscience sell. I've thought about trading it in but the next dealership will just pass it along to some unknowing buyer.

Anyone have any good ideas?

I had same issue they narrowed it down to a faulty electronic sway bar. Since unplugged I have had no problems except not being able to use my sway bar

 

[KMAlcorn]

My husband has a 2018 JL and his jeep has been having issues for over a year. The dealership could not figure out the issues so my husband took all his years of mechanic experience and figured out where the root of the issue is. He wants to share to help others know the root issue and what needs to be fixed.

 

[thepred]

I replaced the green can bus connection block behind the glove box early last week. It was $12 on ebay and 10 minutes to replace. Solved my electrical issues. Jeep has been driven every day and over 700 miles since replacing it. Prior to replacing the green block, we were getting a bunch of warning lights multiple times every time we drove it - as well as loss of power steering.

What did u search for on eBay. My dealer wants $116

 

[thepred]

Replace the green canbus block behind the glove box. $13 on ebay and 10 minutes to replace.

What did you search for on eBay to get it at that price?

 

[gahammerle]

What did u search for on eBay. My dealer wants $116

Oh wow. I can't find it on eBay anymore. Here's a screenshot from my purchase history that shows the seller and the item desription. Maybe contact that seller to see if he is just out of stock at the moment.

 

[ametrano]

Good morning all! I'm new to these forums. I ended up here while trying to find answers to the issues I'm having with my 2018 Wrangler Sahara. Identical issues as James in FFX STN VA but mine occurs periodically (and with varying degrees of severity) while driving in the rain. Given the discussion here I am going to assess and replace the CAN BUS connector. I wanted to mention the issue arising in the rain to see if anyone had thoughts? To me an electrical component must be exposed or improperly insulated and getting wet as water is thrown around from puddles, tires, draining, etc. Thank you!

 

[notech1]

I have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler, built July 2018, which started having electrical issues this past November (2022) and have gotten worse effectively limiting the use of my Jeep to near home, low risk trips (groceries, commute, but not airport).

The Jeep periodically (1 out of 5 trips) has what I can only describe as an electrical storm where all the dashboard warning indicators illuminate, power steering (sometimes) shut downs, "Service ABS" indicates failure, "Service Electronic Stability Control", "Stop/Start Unavailable Service Stop/Start System", "Sway Bar Disconnect Unavailable" indicates failure, "SERV 4WD", parking break light comes on (brake off), check engine light illuminates, airbag indicator light illuminates, , seat belt indicator (while wearing), AutoPark disables, ParkSense "Off", Blind Spot Alert "Unavaible", "Service Shifter", etc. Sometimes the engine fans spin up as if the vehicle is overheating.

This morning on my commute I had this occur and pulled off to the last parking lot before the interstate, as I did not want to drive on the highway without power steering. Once parked the first restart resulted in all the alerts presenting again, not sure about power steering as I was parked. Second restart had alerts and would not allow me to shift the Jeep out of "Park". I let it sit for a while and then restarted the Jeep with some alerts but with the ability to shift our of 'park' into 'reverse' and the power steering was working; thinking I should take advantage of what I had working I proceeded to work. The first time this happened I sat in a turn lane for 30 mins trying to get the Jeep running and out of "Park"

The jeep has spent 3 work weeks at the dealership with no success in resolving the issue. I am still under the 60K power train warranty but I was told that does not cover these issues, even though the alerts indicate multiple drive train issues "Service Shifter" and prevent the car from being reasonably driven, so I have paid hundreds of dollars out of pocket with no fix.

The Jeep is 4 years old, still under power train warranty, but is basically untrustworthy and therefore substantially unusable.
I'm the only one who rides around in it. My wife and daughters don't trust it. I can't drive my kids and other kids to sporting and recreational events.

The dealership has no ideas, they say they can see log events of what has happened but have no diagnostic error codes to indicate cause.

I am basically stuck with a $50,000 vehicle that no one knows how to fix, and I can't in good conscience sell. I've thought about trading it in but the next dealership will just pass it along to some unknowing buyer.

Anyone have any good ideas?

I had similar issues with 2018 jl. the wire harness going to the antilock brake module rubbed through to a bracket on the body. Under the hood on the drivers side Near the brake module. I insulated with plastic loom and tape. I hope this might help.

 

[Kyanche]

So I scrolled past a silly post on reddit about F150s and canbus errors:



And it reminded me of a thing:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/tail-light-cracks-in-housing-on-2018-jlus.8917/

Those cracks look too small to let water in, but by any chance might there be moisture getting into your tail lights?

 

[notech1]

I have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler, built July 2018, which started having electrical issues this past November (2022) and have gotten worse effectively limiting the use of my Jeep to near home, low risk trips (groceries, commute, but not airport).

The Jeep periodically (1 out of 5 trips) has what I can only describe as an electrical storm where all the dashboard warning indicators illuminate, power steering (sometimes) shut downs, "Service ABS" indicates failure, "Service Electronic Stability Control", "Stop/Start Unavailable Service Stop/Start System", "Sway Bar Disconnect Unavailable" indicates failure, "SERV 4WD", parking break light comes on (brake off), check engine light illuminates, airbag indicator light illuminates, , seat belt indicator (while wearing), AutoPark disables, ParkSense "Off", Blind Spot Alert "Unavaible", "Service Shifter", etc. Sometimes the engine fans spin up as if the vehicle is overheating.

This morning on my commute I had this occur and pulled off to the last parking lot before the interstate, as I did not want to drive on the highway without power steering. Once parked the first restart resulted in all the alerts presenting again, not sure about power steering as I was parked. Second restart had alerts and would not allow me to shift the Jeep out of "Park". I let it sit for a while and then restarted the Jeep with some alerts but with the ability to shift our of 'park' into 'reverse' and the power steering was working; thinking I should take advantage of what I had working I proceeded to work. The first time this happened I sat in a turn lane for 30 mins trying to get the Jeep running and out of "Park"

The jeep has spent 3 work weeks at the dealership with no success in resolving the issue. I am still under the 60K power train warranty but I was told that does not cover these issues, even though the alerts indicate multiple drive train issues "Service Shifter" and prevent the car from being reasonably driven, so I have paid hundreds of dollars out of pocket with no fix.

The Jeep is 4 years old, still under power train warranty, but is basically untrustworthy and therefore substantially unusable.
I'm the only one who rides around in it. My wife and daughters don't trust it. I can't drive my kids and other kids to sporting and recreational events.

The dealership has no ideas, they say they can see log events of what has happened but have no diagnostic error codes to indicate cause.

I am basically stuck with a $50,000 vehicle that no one knows how to fix, and I can't in good conscience sell. I've thought about trading it in but the next dealership will just pass it along to some unknowing buyer.

Anyone have any good ideas?

Do you still have this jeep?

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