Vehicle(s): 2014 – 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2012 – 2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300

Many of you are probably aware of the 2014 – 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2012 – 2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 safety recall # S27. Lengthy reprograming of four modules and other procedures are necessary to fix a dangerous roll away condition, which happens when the engine is running, the parking brake is not engaged, and the transmission is not in the “PARK” position before the driver exits the vehicle. You can find all the details on this, and other Dodge/Chrysler electronic shifter recalls, in ALLDATA Repair of ALLDATA Collision.

Details: The ALLDATA Tech-Assist team has been getting calls about a different, but just as dangerous, problem with Jeep Grand Cherokee electronic shifters.

The primary complaint owners have is that they are able to shift the transmission without depressing the thumb switch on the shift handle. Just a simple bump on the shift lever can shift the transmission into Park, Neutral or Reverse. I don’t need to tell you how dangerous this is. Often, there is also a “Shifter Service” message on the instrument panel.

What we have found is the electronic shifter switch retainer assembly in the shift handle breaks and causes the shift switch contacts to be constantly activated by the thumb switch button.

Vehicles Involved: So far, it’s been 2014 or 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee models.

Suggested Diagnostics: First, connect a scan tool and check for diagnostic trouble code (DTC): P1C87-2A – Trigger Switch Stuck. This is the DTC that is usually set.

Next, confirm that you can shift the transmission without pushing the button on the handle. Once that’s confirmed, go to the perimeter identification data (PID) screen on your scan tool. Look at the electronic shift module (ESM) status. Does it say “Set” without pushing the shift switch on the handle? NOTE: The ESM PID should read, “Not Set”.

There is one more diagnostic check. Remove the shift handle and disassemble the switch. You’ll see two contact switches. Reconnect only the switch assembly to the shifter arm. The ESM PID should read, “Not Set”. If you push down on both switch contacts, the PID will read “Set”. It’s good to complete all the diagnostics before ordering a new switch assembly… they are expensive!

Suggested Repairs: The best repair is to replace the shift handle assembly with a new OE part. You could get one from a junk yard or try to repair the switch, but you may end up with the same problems. Since this problem can become a dangerous safety issue, it’s best to go with factory parts.