Service Shifter

[Vahdettin]

I have a 2018 JLU and in my case, the issue was a bad ground at the connector under the passenger seat. I believe this one grounds most of the components in the center console. What finally provided me an aha moment was when I started getting a new error code of "Lost connection to PRNDL display". That's a fairly basic circuit so I figured the issue was fairly elementary as well.

I had to solder on a new lug BTW. This problem was apparently caused by a super long-legged back seat passenger who just couldn't get comfortable...

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[Wapiti]

Posting here since this thread was super helpful when I went through this a few days ago, and I hope this tip will be helpful for others, too. I got the "Service Shifter" message while on a hunting trip in Eastern Oregon; NBD at first, but it progressed to a check engine light, and then the power steering stopped working and it took multiple attempts to start. I cut the trip short and headed home (300 mile trip). Multiple system errors showed up, and the tranny would occasionally get stuck in gear. Made it home, google searched, and found this thread. Fortunately, it ended up being some loose connections in the block behind the glove box- very happy I didn't have to throw multiple hundreds of dollars (or thousands) at this problem. For what it's worth, when I initially took delivery multiple fuses were not properly seated in the fuse box; maybe the same deal happened with this CAN BUS block? I'm guessing washboard Forest Service roads finally did it in.

 

[TJakes29]

Hey Jeep Friends!

Seems like we’re all having the same problem. I’ve read through the submissions but haven’t had any luck finding a solution.

I bought my Jeep Wrangler in May and started having the service shifter message problem in June. Traction Control, E-Brake, ABS, Check Engine, and essentially all other dash lights came on. I also got the service shifter and CAN Bus message.One time, it wouldn’t let me shift from Park to Drive and another time, I lost power steering while driving. Thankfully, I was on a back road not too far from my apartment. Two days later, all the lights and problems are gone and it’s as if nothing ever happened. It’s done this repeatedly for a few months.

Since June, my Jeep has been in and out of the dealer three times for weeks at a time. The dealer is paying for all the repairs but it’s all just inconvenient. They said they found a bad star connector under the right front wheel well and also found a bad terminal and loose wire connector. Unfortunately, my car has to go back to the shop because none of those fixes worked.

Anyone have any idea in which direction I should go now?

 

[kellywi]

Yes look at replacing the canbus unit behind the glovebox. 6 dollar fix and I have zero issues for months. The part is buried in here somewhere. It's a super simple replacement that takes maybe 5 mins.

 

[MiKo74]

Greetings from the Czech Republic, I had the same problem for the first time in 08/2023 (various lights were flashing, the power steering stopped working), after restarting everything was working. Later, the problem recurred more and more often. At the authorized service center, diagnostics showed 76 defects, but the mechanics did not find anything specific. Thanks to your insights on this discussion forum, I discovered that the cable leading to the sway bar disconnect behind the two lower front bumper covers was damaged. It rubbed against the lower edge of the cooler. After fixing this cable everything works fine so far. Thank you again, and I wish you much success.
Milan.
JEEP WRANGLER RUUBICON 2.0 eTorque 2019, 40 000 Km

 

[Deleted member 78153]

Hi, dpd7558. We can certainly assist you here; however, if you have already started the lemon law process, you will have to continue working with that team and we won't be able to help you. Send us a private message to discuss.

Kate
Jeep Cares

Kate

I have the same issue and a case number. Odd that with all these instances of "service shifter" and my dealership has no clue. Maybe a bulletin needs to be put out? Can you assist me? The vehicle has been handed back to me 4 times with no resolution. This is a danger. The power steering failed doing 80 mph on a highway.

 

[Deleted member 78153]

Update to my "Service Shifter". US Customer Care took over and sent a tech to the dealership. They have concluded the issues is with the RFH module. Radio Frequency Hub. I don't have my hopes up this will resolve the issue. I will say once Customer Care became involved, a long process of calls to get there, things began to happen.

 

[Drew_doc1]

FOUND A FIX! I had the same issue every time I was out in the snow and mud. The dealership tried a couple times to find the issue and actually told me not to drive my Jeep through puddles bc I was getting all my electronics soaked. Through this website I found a couple references to wiring harness issues up front. People having to pay the dealership to change out a portion if not all of the wiring harness fixed the issue. Some mentioned a couple spots to check and we searched for worn wires. Finally found and fixed with a little electrical tape. With the hood open, I looked down the hole where the hood latch goes and towards the passenger side between the condenser and the radiator there's a 1/4 wire bundle held up tight to the bottom with clips going from the condenser to the radiator. Pain to get to, but sure enough when we released a couple clips and were able to pull the wire away from the bottom of the radiator, it had been partially worn through on the top. Never would have seen it from underneath. We put some electrical tape and then some aluminum tape and I haven't had a problem since. Back to splashing through puddles. Hope this helps some of you

 

[Belmontclan]

It seems to be a wiring harness issue. I had the same problem. The found a part of the harness was rubbing and causing a short. That was replaced and i havent had an issue since (been 1 day though). The part that is rubbing is up near the front bumper around the swaybar disconnect is what they told me.

Any photos of that harness location?

 

[Drew_doc1]

Any photos of that harness location?

Repost- I had the same issue every time I was out in the snow and mud. The dealership tried a couple times to find the issue and actually told me not to drive my Jeep through puddles bc I was getting all my electronics soaked. Through this website I found a couple references to wiring harness issues up front. People having to pay the dealership to change out a portion if not all of the wiring harness fixed the issue. Some mentioned a couple spots to check and we searched for worn wires. Finally found and fixed with a little electrical tape. With the hood open, I looked down the hole where the hood latch goes and towards the passenger side between the condenser and the radiator there's a 1/4 wire bundle held up tight to the bottom with clips going from the condenser to the radiator. Pain to get to, but sure enough when we released a couple clips and were able to pull the wire away from the bottom of the radiator, it had been partially worn through on the top. Never would have seen it from underneath. We put some electrical tape and then some aluminum tape and I haven't had a problem since. Back to splashing through puddles. Hope this helps some of you

 

[Belmontclan]

Repost- I had the same issue every time I was out in the snow and mud. The dealership tried a couple times to find the issue and actually told me not to drive my Jeep through puddles bc I was getting all my electronics soaked. Through this website I found a couple references to wiring harness issues up front. People having to pay the dealership to change out a portion if not all of the wiring harness fixed the issue. Some mentioned a couple spots to check and we searched for worn wires. Finally found and fixed with a little electrical tape. With the hood open, I looked down the hole where the hood latch goes and towards the passenger side between the condenser and the radiator there's a 1/4 wire bundle held up tight to the bottom with clips going from the condenser to the radiator. Pain to get to, but sure enough when we released a couple clips and were able to pull the wire away from the bottom of the radiator, it had been partially worn through on the top. Never would have seen it from underneath. We put some electrical tape and then some aluminum tape and I haven't had a problem since. Back to splashing through puddles. Hope this helps some of you

Cant find it. Thanks anyways

 

[Drew_doc1]

Cant find it. Thanks anyways

Sorry, it was tough to find. When looking at the front of the Jeep, it is under/attached to the bottom left side of the radiator oriented front to back. hope this helps

 

[Belmontclan]

Yes! The wiring harness repair solved the service shifter issue. When the dealer contacted Jeep tech they even directed the dealer to check the trans wiring harness which leads me to believe that Jeep knows that the wiring harness is the cause of the problem. From what the dealer told me the wiring harness was rubbing on the catalytic converter & was burning through causing a short. Jeep even has a wiring repair kit available under warranty to repair the harness for this issue.

There is no harness anywhere near my catalytic converter

 

[cherl]

Hi Willcbooth,
Have you had the opportunity to address this concern with your dealer? We would be happy to escalate a case for you regarding this! Send us a private message if you would be interested in this process.
Alex
Jeep Social Care Specialist

Has anyone found a solution for these issues? My Jeep has been in the down for 3 weeks. Nobody can figure out an issue. I had a recall for the PIM, which was done, I was hoping that way the issue, the issues are still there. I'm wondering if there needs to be a recall to address this issue as it seems the dealers/shops are at a loss.

 

[BigIslandJeeep]

@JeepCares has there been a Service Bulletin or recall on this issue yet? We got this message yesterday and are taking the Jeep to the dealer today, but they don't have any information on the issue and want to charge a Diagnostic fee, even though it is still under full warranty, 2023 JL with 7K miles.

Is there anything I can reference for the technician?

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