If you’ve got a stained “service shifter” light and you own a Jeep Cherokee quite several people develop the same problem.
Many Jeep Cherokee owners struggle with this problem which can be a nuisance.
Knowing what this problem is and how to troubleshoot and correct it is important to prevent your vehicle from running erratically.
This article will explain what the service shifter light is, its common causes, symptoms, and how to repair it.
Understanding the Service Shifter Light
If your service shifter light is on, your transmission or shifter system is not working correctly.
This light should get your attention and prompt you to take steps to avert further harm to your automobile.
Failure to heed the warning can result in complications that will be expensive to fix.
Common Symptoms of Service Shifter Issues
When beginning repairs, it is important to assess if any of the service shifter problems have a symptom such as:
Illuminated Service Shifter Light: This is the most noticeable symptom. Although the light may be in a variety of colors, its management is typically lacking.
Gear Shift Indicator Malfunction: If any of the gear shift lights, P, R, N, or D lights, are blinking or if the entire gear shifter lights turn red, then this points to a mechanical failure.
Difficulty in Shifting Gears: If you are struggling to shift from park to drive or back, this could be an indication of a fault in the shifter.
Unusual Sounds: Any Core rotation is accompanied by corresponding forces and thus sounds such as grinding and clunking can indicate that there is a more serious problem.
Transmission Slippage: If the car feels as though it is losing power or the engine can be heard reeling but there is no spill in the car, then this could be related to the shifter.
Diagnosing the Problem
In most instances, to rectify a service shifter, it is important to understand the point of the problem from the beginning.
As such, the following steps can be applied:
- Check for Error Codes: Check using the OBD-II scanner to read the security digits which can give you some more details regarding the faults that exist. Some common codes associated with service shifter errors are P0700, P0710, and P0720.
- Inspect the Wiring Harness: If a section of the wiring harness is damaged or loose, there may be communication problems between the shifter and transmission. Look for any fraying and also check connectors for tightness.
- Examine the Shifter Assembly: Inspect the shifter assembly for any cracks or broken parts. If the shifter is more free than it should be, or if it is not able to fully engage, it may be worn out and need replacement.
- Test the Transmission Fluid: Gears can interfere with shifter function low or filthy transmission fluid can also be a culprit for shifter problems. Inspect the fluid for amount and condition, replacing as needed.
Repairing the Service Shifter Issue
Alright, you’ve struggled for long enough with it. Here’s the fix. Let’s discuss some repairs that you will probably need to look into.
1. Replacing the Wiring Harness
If there is a wire harness, it will need to be replaced, and here’s the procedure:
First of all, be sure to disconnect the battery so you don’t have any safety issues.
Search for the wire harness which is attached to the shifter assembly.
Take off and gently remove any clip or fastener that is keeping the harness secured.
Pull out the old harness and replace it with a new harness, making sure all connections are done.
2. Fixing or Replacing the Shifter Assembly
If it is determined that the shifter assembly is defective, it is recommended that the unit be replaced.
Do the following procedures:
- Take out the center console to reach the shifter’s assembly area.
- Take out any wiring harness that has been connected to the shifter.
- Take off the older’s screw and shifter’s assembly and throw away.
- Fit the new shifter and reconnect all the wiring harnesses.
- Remove all the screws on the center console and fit it back.
3. Checking Transmission Fluid
If the transmission fluid is either insufficient or contaminated, bear in mind the following steps:
Retrieving the transmission dipstick, monitor the automobile’s fluid levels.
In case of deficiencies, it becomes necessary to supply the proper amount of relevant components fluid for transmission.
If the fluid has a very dark color or an odd burnt odor, the fluid may be due for a change as well.
Preventive Measures
However, once you’ve repaired the service shifter problem, some preventive actions may be taken to prevent a recurrence:
- Regular Maintenance: Make a point of conducting routine maintenance to keep your vehicle in optimal condition.
- Monitor Fluid Levels: Keep an eye on your vehicle’s transmission fluid levels and check the fluid quality as well.
- Pay Attention to Warning Lights: It is also essential to recognize warning lights; and act on them with delay to circumvent severe problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is not always a difficult task if you wish to adjust or replace the service shifter light of your Jeep Cherokee.
Provided you have the right tools and the right information, you will be able to pinpoint the issue and resolve it.
Above all else, be attentive to automobile maintenance, and if various warning indicators or any other strange behavior of the machine occurs, act without delay.
This will guarantee a good service life for your Jeep Cherokee in the future.
FAQs
What does the service shifter light mean on a Jeep Cherokee?
A problem with the Jeep Cherokee’s transmission or shifter system is indicated by the service shifter light which is usually on during driving.
It could mean the error that the transmission is not engaging and the interruption is present.
Often, this light comes on as a result of transmission fluid issues, sensor problems, or even problems with the shifter.
When this light comes on, it is very important to assess the level and quality of transmission fluid within.
Specialists recommend vehicle examination if the internal aspects seem to be normal. All attention is recommended not to turn a blind eye to this warning.
It may trigger more complex problems or, even worse, lead to the failure of the transmission system.
How much does it cost to service a shifter on a Jeep Cherokee?
The cost to service a Jeep shifter in a Jeep Cherokee is not fixed but is fluid. Normally one is likely to part with an amount in the region of $100 to 300 dollars.
This is considering that labor is also needed and the parts may need to be replaced.
Labor, usually, most of the time goes for 70 dollars and up to 150 dollars, this normally depends on the type of shop.
However, if it is just a basic adjustment, then it is likely to cost less amount than that. Other than the average cost ranges.
Other factors may increase average cost ranges, for instance, the shifter assembly may be replaced, which will dramatically raise the cost.
What does service transmission mean on a Jeep?
“Service Transmission” is a common display on a Jeep that suggests there is an issue with the car’s transmission.
This warning can arise due to many reasons, for instance, low fluid levels, overheating, a system failure, and so on.
Additionally, it might also imply that certain routine checks are overdue or that a software upgrade is needed.
However, it is important to note that failure to attend to this warning could make things worse, such as a total breakdown of the transmission.
In case you come across this message, it is important to note that it needs to be resolved urgently. First, the level and the condition of the transmission fluid must be checked.
If the problem continues, it is important to go to a certified mechanic or a dealership immediately. One way to avoid problems with transmission is to keep the car maintained properly.
Can I drive my Jeep with the service shifter light on?
It is not advisable to drive the Jeep while the service shifter light is illuminated. This light usually points to a fault in the transmission or shifting system.
This can cause more problems later as well as potential problems in shifting gears which can lead to being worse off than when you started.
Performance and safety on the road may be adversely affected. If the light is on, try scanning the vehicle with an OBD-II scanner to see if there are any error codes.
This can shed light on the context of the problem. In some instances, it can be okay to drive a short distance, but long trips are not recommended until the situation is resolved.
How do I reset my Jeep transmission?
To reset the Jeep transmission, first start by putting the vehicle in park. Turn the ignition key in the steering towards the ‘On’ position, but do not start the engine.
Push the gas pedal to the bottom three times, with the interval amounting to five seconds.
Such instruction tells the transmission control module to reset the adaptive learning settings to default values.
The ignition should then be turned off and the operator should wait for at least. Give it 10 seconds. After that, start the vehicle’s engine and let it idle for some minutes.
Wait for any signs of trouble after this step. If the problems do not disappear then contact an auto technician.