2021-2022 Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator Check Engine Light Recall

Why This Matters

Your vehicle's check engine/malfunction indicator lamp (CEL/MIL) is a critical safety feature designed to alert you to potential issues with your engine or emissions system. If this lamp is inoperable, you might not be notified of an emission-related problem, which could lead to increased emissions or potential damage to vehicle components. This recall ensures your vehicle remains compliant with OBD II regulations and that you receive proper warnings.

What's Being Recalled

FCA US LLC has identified an issue in approximately 32,587 vehicles where the instrument panel cluster may have an inoperable "check engine/malfunction indicator lamp" (CEL/MIL). For 2020-2022 Jeep Gladiator (JT) vehicles, this issue specifically involves the CEL/MIL and cargo lamp indicator functions being swapped. For 2021-2022 Jeep Wrangler (JL) vehicles, the CEL/MIL may simply not turn on at all. This means that even if an emission issue occurs, the driver will not be alerted.

This recall, identified as 16C, aims to correct this crucial safety and compliance concern.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

To determine if your vehicle is experiencing this issue, specific inspection procedures are required. For 2021-2022 Jeep Wrangler (JL) models, the technician will perform a MIL bulb check. This involves placing the ignition in the "RUN" position (engine not started) and observing if the MIL illuminates for approximately 15 seconds as part of the normal bulb check. If the MIL illuminates, it's a "MIL Illuminated - Pass"; if it does not, it's a "MIL Not Illuminated – Fail", indicating the need for repair.

For 2020-2022 Jeep Gladiator (JT) models, the inspection involves starting the engine and allowing it to run for 2 seconds for the MIL bulb check. Then, the technician will turn the bed lamp switch ON and OFF while observing the bed lamp and MIL indicators. If the "Bed Lamp Switch controls the Bed Lamp Indicator - Pass", no further action is needed for that specific check. However, if the "Bed Lamp Switch controls the MIL Indicator - Fail", the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) requires reprogramming. Your dealer can also check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) against the DealerCONNECT Global Recall System (GRS) to confirm if your vehicle is part of this recall.

Manufacturer's Remedy

The solution for Emission Recall 16C involves reprogramming the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) with the latest available software. This update will restore the proper function of the "check engine/malfunction indicator lamp" (CEL/MIL). FCA US LLC will perform this repair free of charge for affected vehicle owners. The estimated repair time for the software update ranges from 0.2 to 0.5 hours, depending on the specific IPC configuration (3.5-inch or 7.0-inch display).

Important Warnings for Owners

• Dealer Inventory: Dealers are instructed to complete this campaign service on all involved vehicles in their new and used inventory before retail delivery.
• Repair Urgency: It is recommended that you have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. Failure to do so could be determined as lack of proper maintenance of your vehicle, potentially impacting emissions warranty provisions.
• Charging during Repair: During the reprogramming process, the vehicle MUST NOT be connected to a high voltage battery charger.
• California Residents: If you reside in California, the completion of this emission recall repair is required prior to vehicle registration renewal. Your dealer will provide a Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction Form (Form No. 81-016-1053) which you may need to supply to the California Department of Motor Vehicles as proof of compliance.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair involves a software update to the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) using the wiTECH scan tool. Technicians will connect the wiTECH MicroPod II / MDP to the vehicle's data link connector and use wiTECH Software on a laptop computer. A battery charger must be connected to maintain voltage between 13.0 and 13.5 volts during the flash process, but not a high-voltage charger. The ignition will be placed in the "RUN" position, and the wiTECH 2.0 website will be used to access the vehicle's information. The technician will compare the "Current Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Part Number" with the "New ECU Part Number" to determine if an update is needed. If so, the IPC flash part number will be selected, and the software will be updated. After the flash, any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) will be cleared, and an Authorized Modifications Label (part number 04275086AE) will be installed to indicate the recall 16C completion.

Required Tools or Parts

• Special Tools:
  • WiTECH MicroPod II / MDP
  • Laptop Computer
  • WiTECH Software
• Parts:
  • 04275086AE: Authorized Modification Label

Owner Action

If you own a 2021-2022 Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with your authorized Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM dealership as soon as possible. The repair for Emission Recall 16C will be performed free of charge. You can call the FCA Recall Assistance Center at 1-800-853-1403 or visit recalls.mopar.com for more information and to locate your nearest dealer. Remember to bring your recall notification letter with you to the dealership. For California residents, ensure you receive and retain the Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction Form (Form No. 81-016-1053) after the service is completed.

Labor Operations

• 18-16-C1-81: Inspect IPC Software is at Most Current Level (0.2 hours)
• 18-16-C1-82: Inspect/Update IPC Software to Most Current Level, 3.5 inch (Sales Code JAE or JAY) (0.3 hours)
• 18-16-C1-83: Inspect/Update IPC Software to Most Current Level, 7.0 inch (Sales Code JAL or JAJ) (0.5 hours)

Source

NHTSA ID: 11026664