Clutch Hot warning

[Joy]

Has anyone gotten the Clutch Hot warning after they had the recall repair? I have a 2021 Wrangler and I had the recall repair done in September 2024. Today while my husband was driving in the snow in my driveway we got the warning. I don’t want to take it to the dealer who did the recall repair because the broke the slave cylinder and had my Jeep for 3 weeks. I’m near Louisville, KY. Any suggestions are appreciated.

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[OminousSkitter]

You seem to know it's connected to the software in the recall(s). It was pretty common at first, as the software is pretty sensitive to things like tire size. Are you looking for how to clear the warning or for a shop to look at it and clear the warning for you?

Edit: You said the recall was done in 2024? This post says there was an update in 2025 to help reduce false warnings.

 

[Joy]

I’m concerned there may have been damage done but it doesn’t appear to be. I haven’t started the Jeep back up to see if the warning has cleared. I think the new software update you mentioned is only for 2025 models, mines a 2021

 

[OminousSkitter]

... applies to vehicles built on or before June 03, 2025 ...

Given it's a software update, when I read that, I interpret that to mean any manual Jeep with PCM software released before June 03, 2025. Your recall was done in 2024, so it should qualify*.

Anyway, if the clutch isn't slipping, it should be OK. If your Jeep is in limp mode (associated with those clutch warnings), you'll need JScan, a tazer, or the dealer to get it out of limp mode.

Edit: *It's worth at least calling them and asking if that TSB applies to your Jeep. I note it does say "2025 (JL) Jeep Wrangler" and doesn't mention other years, but again, it's software, and your software is from before that.

 

[Sardaukar]

My '23 manual JLUR had the recall done before I purchased it. I occasionally had the clutch hot warning. You couldn't feather the clutch in traffic without the warning coming on. Shortly after upgrading to 35" tires, I had it struggle to back-up a hill over a 1-inch rise. Nothing a Jeep should struggle with. But my dash lit up with clutch overheating warning and then it failed. Smoke billowing out from under both front fenders and a strong burnt ceramic smell. That was last June. I had a CenterForce CFII clutch installed instead of repairing under warranty, but I've had nothing but problems with the new clutch trying to get it in and out of gear from a dead-stop. Once it is in gear and moving it works fine. It has been in multiple shops and has been in the shop more than it has been out since June.

 

[Rubi-Con]

Had it happen to me only once (before I had the recall clutch rebuilt) and it cleared itself within a few minutes. (Presumably once it had cooled down). I have a 2021 JLR.

At the time I was attempting to leave an arena parking lot in bumper to bumper traffic for an hour after a concert...constant stop and go.

Never happened again and never any issues after. I actually wasn't able to get the recall repair done for quite some time after this because parts weren't available for over a year.

I'd at least start 'er up & see if the warning has cleared. Good luck!

 

[OminousSkitter]

My '23 manual JLUR had the recall done before I purchased it. I occasionally had the clutch hot warning. You couldn't feather the clutch in traffic without the warning coming on. Shortly after upgrading to 35" tires, I had it struggle to back-up a hill over a 1-inch rise. Nothing a Jeep should struggle with. But my dash lit up with clutch overheating warning and then it failed. Smoke billowing out from under both front fenders and a strong burnt ceramic smell. That was last June. I had a CenterForce CFII clutch installed instead of repairing under warranty, but I've had nothing but problems with the new clutch trying to get it in and out of gear from a dead-stop. Once it is in gear and moving it works fine. It has been in multiple shops and has been in the shop more than it has been out since June.

Yesterday, I got my jeep back after having the recall done, as I could no longer reliably shift with my ACT clutch. The new clutch was free; the new slave cylinder because the ACT clutch destroyed the original one wasn’t. So, just a heads up if you didn’t upgrade hydraulics with your centerforce.

 

[AmericanPatriot100]

Ive had the clutch hot warning pop up while wheeling. I took it to the dealership for the update they said they would need my jeep for 4hrs. So I never got the update.

 

[Sardaukar]

Yesterday, I got my jeep back after having the recall done, as I could no longer reliably shift with my ACT clutch. The new clutch was free; the new slave cylinder because the ACT clutch destroyed the original one wasn’t. So, just a heads up if you didn’t upgrade hydraulics with your centerforce.

It was the full clutch kit from CenterForce. And I've already had the new slave cylinder replaced because it kept leaking air into the hydraulic line, but it still didn't resolve the problem. Right now I'm waiting on another part from CenterForce to replace more factory parts. Something about a redesign in the transmission on the newer JLs that doesn't work right with the CenterForce clutches, so swapping it out back to the older design. I don't remember what the part was. The guy at the Jeep shop said it on the phone and I didn't write it down. I'm on the verge of just selling this thing, so just get it into a working state.

 

[OminousSkitter]

It was the full clutch kit from CenterForce. And I've already had the new slave cylinder replaced because it kept leaking air into the hydraulic line, but it still didn't resolve the problem. Right now I'm waiting on another part from CenterForce to replace more factory parts. Something about a redesign in the transmission on the newer JLs that doesn't work right with the CenterForce clutches, so swapping it out back to the older design. I don't remember what the part was. The guy at the Jeep shop said it on the phone and I didn't write it down. I'm on the verge of just selling this thing, so just get it into a working state.

I’ve considered the same thing. It’s a darn shame Jeep effed up the manual so much and that the aftermarket can’t seem to get it right either.

 

[NHJeepOwner]

Last year I picked up a manual '22 JLU. I love it, other than towing. It is really my first experience with towing with a stick.

I initially got this message a fair amount...mainly when backing the boat trailer (~2500 lbs) down the boat ramp (backing up with holding in the clutch for portions), parking the boat trailer (a lot of slow moving back and forth), or sometimes even when parking the utility trailer when heavily loaded.

The recall was done before I bought it. I took it back and they said a follow up to the recall was re-setting all of the data in the computer, which they did. Since then it is "better" but I still get it some.

When going down the boat launch I can keep it in neutral most of the time. That is a fairly easy solution... but when parking a trailer how does one not use the clutch to keep the movement controlled? Are there specific tactics to moving a trailer small distances with a stick?

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