The Jeep Cherokee is famous for its off-road capabilities and for being a versatile SUV. It also popular for its spacious interior and advanced technology features. But there’s a common issue occurs that the Jeep Cherokee service shifter light on.
However, paying attention to the service shifter is essential, a key component that plays a vital role in the vehicle’s smooth operation. While the service shifter enhances driving comfort and safety. It can sometimes cause problems by staying on unnecessarily.
As for the service shifter problem, you may be referring to an issue that affected some Jeep Cherokees with automatic transmissions. The service shifter light on your Jeep Cherokee is on. It’s advisable to schedule a maintenance checkup to determine the necessary service. The problem could be with the shifter bezel, fuse, or wiring, but it’s fixable.
In this article, we will guide you on how to check the service shifter on your Jeep Cherokee and what to do if it is not functioning correctly. Follow these steps to ensure your vehicle’s continued safe and smooth operation.
Let’s hop in!
What Does the Jeep Cherokee Service Shifter Light On Mean?
The “Service Shifter” light on a Jeep Cherokee indicates a vehicle shift mechanism problem. A variety of issues could cause this, including:
- A malfunctioning shift solenoid
- A faulty shift cable
- Or a problem with the transmission itself.
When this light is displayed, it is essential to have the vehicle checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. Driving the vehicle with a malfunctioning shift mechanism could cause further damage and potentially be dangerous.
If the “Service Shifter” light is illuminated, you should also avoid shifting the vehicle into gear until the problem has been repaired. It is possible that attempting to shift the vehicle into gear could cause further damage to the transmission.
If you cannot have the vehicle repaired immediately, it is generally safe to continue driving it in “neutral” or “park” until you repair it.
However, you should avoid driving the vehicle long distances or at high speeds until the problem is fixed.
What’re The Reasons Behind The Jeep Cherokee Service Shifter Light On?
There are some significant reasons why the Jeep Cherokee service shifter light is one!
The Faulty Shifter Bezel Issue
If the light on your Jeep’s shifter has turned on, it may be because of a faulty shifter bezel. The shifter bezel is a plastic piece that encloses the shifter knob. It can damage over time, leading to warping, cracking, or tearing.
If the shifter light can’t “communicate” properly with the shifter, it may turn on. This can happen in certain situations.
The Shifter Issue Itself
If the service shifter light turns on, the shifter may need replacing, but the warning may not be reliable.
If the user notices any issues with their vehicle, they should not panic. Instead, they should calmly bring the car to the nearest workshop or dealership for inspection and potential replacement.
A Faulty Fuse Box Issue
Another possible cause for the service shifter light to turn on is a problem with the fuses or fuse box of the vehicle. If one or more fuses blow, the service shifter light may turn on.
Malfunctioning of Light Issue
Light malfunctions are often the cause of unintentional activation, not issues with the vehicle. If the light is not operating correctly, a simple resolution would be to address the switch. This can prevent any unexpected turning on or off of the light.
Is It Serious If My Jeep Cherokee Service Shifter Light On?
If the service shifter light turns on in your Jeep Cherokee, it is generally not a serious safety issue. And you can continue driving unless you have a 2014 or 2015 Jeep Cherokee with an electronic shifter.
In this case, the service shifter light can indicate a more severe issue with the electronic functionality of the shifter. And check the vehicle as soon as possible.
Having the car towed is generally unnecessary, but it is advisable to avoid taking the car on long trips or off-road drives until repairing. If you are unsure how to proceed or have any concerns about the service shifter light, consult a mechanic for further guidance.
How To Fix Service Shifter Jeep Cherokee?
There are some primary steps you can follow to fix the service shifter issue in a Jeep Cherokee:
- First, check the transmission fluid level and make sure it is at the correct level. If the transmission fluid is low, add more until it reaches the correct level.
- Check the shift cable and ensure it is well-connected to the transmission and the shifter. If the shift cable is loose or disconnected, it can cause the shifter not to work correctly.
- Check the shift interlock solenoid and make sure it is functioning properly. The shift interlock solenoid prevents the shifter from moving out of the park unless the brake pedal is pressed. If the solenoid is not working correctly, it can cause the shifter to be stuck in the park.
- Check the shift linkage and make sure it is aligned and functioning correctly. The shift linkage connects the shifter to the transmission; if it is not working correctly, it can cause the shifter not to work adequately.
- If none of these steps solve the issue, it is possible that there is a problem with the transmission itself, and it may need to be repaired or replaced. In this case, it is recommended to have a mechanic diagnose the issue and make any necessary repairs.
It is important to note that these steps are general and may not apply to every Jeep Cherokee. If you are unsure of how to proceed or if you do not feel comfortable attempting these repairs yourself, seek the help of a mechanic.
Step-By-Step Process Of Turning Off Service Shifter Light
Watch here to learn more:
Restart Your Engine
One way to try to turn off the service shifter light on a Jeep Cherokee is to stop the vehicle and restart the engine. This can sometimes clear any service shifter messages that are displayed.
This method may be particularly effective when shifting from automatic to manual on steep and rocky terrain.
If restarting the engine does not resolve the issue, other measures should take to try to deactivate the light, as described below.
Disconnect Your Battery
You can try disconnecting the battery to reset the service shifter light on a Jeep. First, unplug the battery’s positive and negative ends and wait for 30 minutes.
After this time, you can reverse the process to reconnect the battery.
This may cause other warning lights to turn on, such as the service air suspicion, vehicle display, and 4WD drive. This is because unplugging the battery can help restore the correct voltage for the vehicle’s computer (ECU). That can malfunction due to low voltage and cause warning lights to flash.
Changing the oil
Low engine oil is one possible cause of a service light turning on in a Jeep. When the oil level is low, it can cause the engine parts to overheat due to a lack of lubrication.
In some cases, the automatic transmission system may try to use the cooling system to help, which can trigger the service light.
To fix this issue and turn off the service light, you can try replacing the oil in your Jeep. This will restore regular operation and may cause the service light to turn off. Here, You got the article ”What is the best oil for Jeep Wrangler.”
Try Replacing The Bad Shifter Wiring
Faulty wiring in the Jeep shifter can cause several problems affecting the vehicle’s fuel economy and performance. Some signs of a bad shifter cable include:
- Incorrect gear shifting
- Improper gear shifting light
- A stuck shifter
- Difficulty downshifting
- Difficulty shifting into certain gears
- And the shifter is moving but not changing gears.
To fix this issue, you can try replacing the shifter wiring. To do this,
- You will need to remove the bezel shifter assembly
- Disconnect the cables from the shifter and engine control arm.
- Then, you can plug in a new cable and test the shifter’s operation and hardness.
If the replacement cable is installed correctly, it may cause the service light to turn off.
Is it possible to drive a Jeep Cherokee with the service shifter light on?
If you have a Jeep Cherokee and the service shifter light comes on while driving, you may wonder if it is safe to continue driving.
The service shifter light is a warning indicator that alerts the driver to a potential issue with the vehicle’s shifting system. Several factors can cause this. If you are stranded on the side of the road with the service shifter light on, you may wonder if it is safe to drive your Jeep Cherokee home. Or if you should call a tow truck.
Driving a Jeep Cherokee home with the service shifter light on is generally safe if no other issues are present.
However, having the vehicle inspected and repaired as soon as possible is still a good idea to address the issue that triggered the service shifter light. If you are driving a Jeep Cherokee model 14 or 15, it may be safer to call a tow truck, as these models can have more severe problems with the shifting system.
Even if the issue with your Jeep Cherokee is minor, avoiding long-distance travel is still a good idea until it is repaired.
After the repair and servicing are complete, you may still see the service shifter light come on occasionally, as this is a common issue with Jeep Cherokees.
However, if you have taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic and the light is still on, you can generally feel confident driving the vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Jeep Cherokee Service Shifter?
The cost to fix the service shift of a Jeep Cherokee can vary widely depending on the specific issue that is causing the problem. Some common issues that can cause the service to shift light on in a Jeep Cherokee include a faulty transmission, a malfunctioning shifter cable & low engine oil.
Get your car checked by a qualified mechanic to diagnose the issue and determine repair costs. The mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and provide an estimate for the repair costs.
In general, repairing or replacing a faulty transmission can be one of the more expensive repairs for a Jeep Cherokee. It costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Repairing or replacing a malfunctioning shifter cable is typically less expensive. & costs ranging from around $100 to $300.
Low engine oil can often be fixed inexpensively by adding oil and replacing the oil filter.
Remember that repair cost estimates are approximate and subject to change based on the specific repair required and parts and labor expenses in your location. To get a more accurate estimate, it is best to have your Jeep Cherokee inspected by a mechanic.
Is Jeep Cherokee Good On Gas? Explained!
Jeep Cherokees can vary in fuel efficiency depending on the specific model and engine size. Generally, Jeep Cherokees with smaller engines tend to have better fuel efficiency than those with larger engines.
For example, the Jeep Cherokee, with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, is estimated to get around 22 miles per gallon in the city. & 31 miles per gallon on the highway. While the Jeep Cherokee, with a 3.2-liter V6 engine, is estimated to get around 19 miles per gallon in the city & 27 miles per gallon on the highway.
It is important to note that these estimates are based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) testing. And may not accurately reflect real-world fuel efficiency. The fuel efficiency of a Jeep Cherokee can vary depending on driving style, road conditions, and vehicle age and condition.
Overall, Jeep Cherokees tend to have slightly lower fuel efficiency than other vehicles in their class. But they are still considered relatively fuel efficient for SUVs. If fuel efficiency is a top priority, a model with a smaller engine may be worth considering. Or look at other SUV options with a reputation for good fuel efficiency.
How Many Catalytic Converters Does A Jeep Cherokee Have?
The number of Jeep Cherokee catalytic converters can vary depending on the specific model and engine size. Some Jeep Cherokees may have only one catalytic converter, while others may have two or more.
Catalytic converters are emissions control devices that must be installed in a vehicle’s exhaust system. Catalytic converters convert harmful exhaust emissions into safer compounds like water and CO2.
The number of catalytic converters depends on the size, layout of the exhaust system & the specific emission standards.
If unsure how many catalytic converters your Jeep Cherokee has, you can check your owner’s manual or consult a mechanic.
They can tell you the number of catalytic converters your specific Jeep Cherokee model has! & provide more information about the location & function of these essential emissions control devices.
Does the warranty cover the service shifter for Jeep Cherokee?
When faced with a Service Shifter issue in your beloved Jeep Cherokee, it is disheartening to learn that warranties may not come to your rescue, as stated by dealerships and mechanics. The burden of managing the expenses for repairs falls squarely on your shoulders.
However, despite this predicament, a glimmer of hope emerges through a wise decision—to entrust your vehicle to the dealership’s expertise. By subjecting your Jeep to their meticulous scrutiny and diagnostics, the skilled mechanics can unveil the same repairs and replacements needed.
Moreover, they hold the key to potential warranties, such as the coveted Powertrain warranty. Depending on your Jeep’s model year, it can extend coverage for up to 5 years or 100,000 miles. Thus, against uncertainty, taking your vehicle to the dealership unveils the problem’s true nature and opens a realm of possibilities.
Final Thought: Jeep Cherokee Service Shifter Light On!
When it comes to the service shift of a Jeep Cherokee, it is vital to address any issues that may cause the service shift light to come on as soon as possible. Essentially, the service shift light is designed to signal the driver of a possible problem with the transmission system, prompting the operator to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic.
Ignoring the shift light can lead to more significant problems and more expenses if not addressed promptly. Getting a qualified mechanic to check and repair the vehicle is the best way to prevent further issues. According to data from Kelley Blue Book, Jeep Cherokees tend to depreciate less overtime than many other vehicles. Picking a sturdy car with high resale value is wise for long-term ownership.
FAQs
Why is the screen on my Jeep black?
Why won’t the screen on my Jeep Cherokee turn on? In summary, software bugs, short circuits, and physical damage to the screen are among the potential causes of the Uconnect touch screen not functioning. A hard reset, a soft reset, a firmware update, and a new screen are among the remedies.
How can I clear the touch screen in my car?
To begin, briefly push the power button. Open the menu tab next. Select “Factory Reset” from this menu. Wait until the car stereo restarts once the factory reset is finished.
What is the procedure for resetting the Jeep Uconnect screen?
Set the ignition to “Start” while the car is in park.
Pressing and holding the volume and tuner knobs together for 20 to 30 seconds is recommended.
If done successfully, the brand of your car will flash and the display will restart.
How much does a Jeep shifter repair cost?
Jeep Cherokee automatic transshift cable replacement often costs between $316 and $351.
How can I tell if the cable in my shifter is damaged?
If the shift cable breaks, your shifter handle won’t automatically return to neutral. The horizontal cable must remain intact, or shifting will not be possible. Only third or fourth gear will be available if the vertical cable breaks.