2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee ESM Update for U114C-00 P1C86-00
A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 08-371-26) has been issued for the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L regarding an Electronic Shift Module (ESM) software update. Owners may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination, DTCs U114C-00 or P1C86-00, a "Service Shifter"…

Also applies to
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L
- 2023
Owners of the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L may encounter issues related to the Electronic Shift Module (ESM). These problems are addressed by Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 08-371-26, which involves updating the ESM software to the latest available version. This 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee ESM update aims to correct various symptoms stemming from software anomalies.
Symptoms
Customers might notice a few distinct symptoms indicating a potential issue with the Electronic Shift Module (ESM). The most common sign is a "Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination" on the dashboard. In addition to the MIL, owners may see a specific warning message on the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) stating, "Service Shifter". Another clear indicator of a problem is when the PRNDL (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low) lights are not illuminating as expected.
Fault Codes / DTCs
When these symptoms occur, a diagnostic scan will typically reveal one or more specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the vehicle's system. The TSB 08-371-26 identifies the following codes:
- U114C-00: "Lost Communication With PRNDL Display"
- P1C86-00: "PRNDL Display"
These codes directly point to communication or functionality issues with the PRNDL display, which is managed by the ESM.
Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions
To properly diagnose these issues, technicians will use a wiTECH scan tool. This tool allows them to perform appropriate diagnostic procedures and verify that all related systems are functioning correctly. If the customer's reported symptoms match those described in TSB 08-371-26, and the specific DTCs U114C-00 or P1C86-00 are present, the repair procedure outlined in this bulletin should be followed. Any other DTCs or symptom conditions should be recorded and addressed separately before proceeding with the ESM update.
Repair Procedure Summary
The repair for this condition involves reprogramming the Electronic Shift Module (ESM) with the most current software. The process is straightforward but requires specific precautions. First, a battery charger must be connected to the vehicle to maintain voltage between 13.2 and 13.5 volts throughout the flash process. It is crucial not to allow the charging voltage to exceed 13.5 volts. If the flash process is interrupted or aborted for any reason, it must be restarted. After successfully reprogramming the ESM using the wiTECH Diagnostic Application, all Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that may have been set during the reprogramming process will be cleared.
Required Tools or Parts
The primary tool required for this 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee ESM update is a wiTECH diagnostic scan tool or an equivalent device. This tool is essential for both diagnosing the issue and performing the necessary software reprogramming of the Electronic Shift Module.
Important Warnings
During the ESM reprogramming process, it is critical to install a battery charger to ensure the battery voltage remains between 13.2 and 13.5 volts. Technicians are specifically warned: "Do not allow the charging voltage to climb above 13.5 volts during the flash process." If the flash process is interrupted or aborted, it must be restarted to ensure proper software installation.
Owner Action
If your 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee or Grand Cherokee L is experiencing a "Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination", displaying the "Service Shifter" message, or if the PRNDL lights are not working, you should contact your authorized Jeep dealer. Inform them of the symptoms and mention TSB 08-371-26. The repair, which is a software update for the Electronic Shift Module, is reimbursable under the provisions of the warranty. The estimated labor time for this 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee ESM update is approximately 0.3 hours.
Source: NHTSA ID: 11038492
Gallery
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What Jeep Grand Cherokee owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 38 model years.
- 29,433
- Owner complaints
- 148
- Recalls
- 4,246
- Service bulletins
- 2,065
- Crashes reported
- 612
- Fires reported
- 1,599
- Injuries reported
The 2023 model year
505 complaints, the 23rd most of 38 model years on file. Owners reported 17 crashes, 6 fires and 21 injuries for this year, which also has 23 recalls on file.
Electrical System, the system this article covers, accounts for 7,685 of 29,433 complaints (26%), including 229 for 2023.
Complaints by model year
| 1999 | 1,638 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 1,447 | |
| 2002 | 1,476 | |
| 2004 | 1,295 | |
| 2005 | 2,052 | |
| 2011 | 1,642 | |
| 2012 | 1,644 | |
| 2014 | 2,384 | |
| 2015 | 1,369 | |
| 2023 | 505 |
Most-reported systems
- Electrical System — 7,685
- Power Train — 4,582
- Service Brakes — 4,144
- Engine — 2,957
- Hydraulic — 2,590
Latest recalls for the 2023 model year
- 26V562000 — Suspension (Sep 2026)
- 26V413000 — Power Train (Jun 2026)
- 26V328000 — Air Bags (May 2026)
Recent owner reports about electrical system
While driving in active traffic at approximately 6 PM, our 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe experienced a catastrophic, sudden loss of propulsion/driving power with no prior warning.
Read owner complaints →The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart. The electrical functions became inoperable.
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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