2021-2023 Jeep Compass Radio Display Red Stripes TSB

Important Warning for Owners

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 08-078-26 is specifically for 2021-2023 Jeep Compass vehicles sold in the Enlarged Europe (EE) and Switzerland (CH) markets. It is not applicable to vehicles built for the U.S. market, and Jeep is not notifying consumers in North America about this particular service action.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2021-2023 Jeep Compass vehicles may observe one or more of the following issues with their Uconnect 5 radio display:

• "Red stripes on the radio display."

This visual anomaly on the screen indicates an underlying software problem affecting the display's stability.

Cause

The root cause of the "Red stripes on the radio display" symptom is identified as Radio Software Stability Issues. These issues can lead to display malfunctions, requiring a software update to restore proper functionality.

Diagnosis

To diagnose this condition, technicians should use a Scan Tool, such as wiTECH, along with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures available in DealerCONNECT/Service Library. This allows for verification that all related systems are functioning correctly. If the customer's reported symptom matches the "Red stripes on the radio display" described in TSB 08-078-26, the repair procedure should be performed. Any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) or other symptoms not listed in this bulletin should be recorded and addressed separately.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for the "Jeep Compass radio red stripes" involves a multi-step software update process for the Uconnect 5 radio system. This update is performed using a USB flash drive.

1. Check Current Software Version: The technician first checks the radio's current software version by navigating to "Vehicle Settings" > "System Information" and looking under "Build Number" for the "Radio Version." An example version might be 00.41.00.56.00.
2. Determine Update Path:
   • If the radio software is already R62.00.23 or higher, no update is needed for this issue.
   • If the software is at or above R45.00.06 but below R62.00.23, only one USB update to R62.00.23 is required.
   • If the software is below R45.00.06, two USB updates are necessary: first to R45.00.06, then to R62.00.23.
3. Prepare USB Flash Drive(s): A 4 GB USB flash drive, formatted as FAT32, is required for each software version. A quality, name-brand drive (e.g., Kingston®) is recommended. The drive must be formatted using the "Quick Format" option with a "Default allocation size."
4. Download Software: Software files are downloaded from the Uconnect Command Center via DealerCONNECT. During the download process, if a security warning appears (e.g., "Do you want to view only the web page content that was delivered securely?"), select "No" to continue. It is crucial to select the "MAC" radial button for all downloads, regardless of the computer's operating system.
5. Extract Files to USB: The downloaded software files must be extracted to the prepared USB flash drive. This process can take several minutes.
6. Safely Eject USB: Before removing the USB drive from the computer, it must be properly ejected to prevent data corruption. Once extracted, it's recommended to label the USB drive with the bulletin number and radio Sales Code.
7. Prepare Vehicle for Update: Ensure the vehicle's fuel level is at least 1/8 of a tank. Turn the ignition on and shut off all non-essential accessories (flashers, climate controls) for the duration of the update. The radio must fully power on and initialize, displaying all splash screens and the home screen before proceeding.
8. Perform In-Vehicle Update: With the engine running and the radio powered on, insert the correct USB flash drive into the vehicle's USB port. The radio will prompt to update. Select "Update Now" and then "Continue." The update typically takes 15-20 minutes.
9. Verify Update and Clear DTCs: After the radio reboots, confirm the software has been updated to R62.00.23. Finally, use the wiTECH tool to clear any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that may have been set during the reprogramming process.

Required Tools or Parts

• USB Flash Drive: A blank USB flash drive with at least 4GB of space, formatted to FAT32. A quality brand like Kingston® is recommended.
• wiTECH: A diagnostic scan tool or equivalent for checking software levels and clearing DTCs.

Important Advisories for Owners

• Do NOT remove the USB flash drive during the update. Doing so can prevent the radio from updating correctly and may cause connectivity issues.
• The engine must be running and the radio powered on during the entire update process. Failure to maintain these conditions can lead to an incomplete update and potential connectivity problems.
• Always eject the USB flash drive properly from your PC after extracting files. Improper ejection can corrupt the file size and prevent the update from downloading fully to the vehicle.

Warranty Information

This software update for the "Jeep Compass radio red stripes" issue is reimbursable under the provisions of the vehicle's warranty.

NHTSA Source Citation

Source: NHTSA ID: 11029743