2018-2022 Jeep Wrangler / Gladiator CEL/MIL Lamp Recall

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2018-2022 Jeep Wrangler (JL) and 2020-2022 Jeep Gladiator (JT) vehicles may experience an inoperable Check Engine/Malfunction Indicator Lamp (CEL/MIL) in the instrument panel cluster (IPC). For Gladiator (JT) vehicles, the CEL/MIL and cargo lamp indicator functions might be swapped. In Wrangler (JL) vehicles, the CEL/MIL may simply not illuminate. While the inoperable CEL/MIL itself does not affect emissions, it prevents the customer from being alerted if an emission-related issue occurs that would normally trigger the lamp, making the vehicle non-compliant with OBD II regulations. This recall, identified as 16C, aims to correct this critical safety and compliance issue.

Important Warnings

• Dealer Action for Unsold Vehicles: Dealers are required to perform this recall service on all unsold vehicles before retail delivery. They must also perform this repair on vehicles in their used vehicle inventory and those brought in for service.
• Battery Charger Use: During the inspection procedure, the vehicle MUST NOT be connected to a high voltage battery charger. Only a standard battery charger providing 13.0 to 13.5 volts should be used, and it should be set to continuous charge to prevent it from timing out.
• Voltmeter Accuracy: An accurate stand-alone voltmeter is necessary. The battery charger's voltmeter may not be sufficiently accurate, and incorrect voltage readings can lead to unsuccessful wiTECH operation.
• Mandatory Flash Icon: If the mandatory flash "lightning bolt" icon is displayed for the IPC module during the wiTECH routine, technicians DO NOT perform the flash unless specifically instructed to do so after following the wiTECH routine instruction steps.

Diagnostic Procedure

The diagnostic process for the inoperable Jeep Wrangler CEL/MIL lamp issue, covered by Emission Recall 16C, requires the use of a wiTECH scan tool, which must be at its latest software release level. The technician will first open the vehicle's hood and install a battery charger to maintain voltage between 13.0 and 13.5 volts, ensuring it's set to continuous charge. It's crucial that the vehicle is not connected to a high-voltage battery charger during this process. An accurate stand-alone voltmeter should be used to verify voltage, as the battery charger's voltmeter may not be precise enough.

Next, the wiTECH micro pod II / MDP device is connected to the vehicle's data link connector, and the ignition is placed in the "RUN" position. The technician then opens the wiTECH 2.0 website, logs in with their credentials and dealer code, and accepts the terms. From the "Vehicle Selection" screen, the appropriate vehicle is chosen. On the "Action Items" screen, the "Topology" tab is selected, followed by the "IPC" module icon. Within the IPC section, "Misc Functions" is chosen, and the "16C IPC Check" routine is run.

After the routine completes, one of two messages will appear on the wiTECH screen:

• "Flash Not Required Message" (Figure 1): This indicates that the "IPC recall is complete, and no further action required." If an IPC update is shown as available, it should not be performed. The wiTECH micro pod II / MDP and battery charger are then disconnected, and an Authorized Modifications Label (part number 04275086AE) is installed. California residents also require a Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction Form (Form No. 81-016-1053).
• "Flash Required Message" (Figure 2): This message states, "Please flash the IPC with the available 16C Flash." If this message appears, the technician proceeds to the Service Procedure to reprogram the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC).

Repair Procedure

If the "Flash Required Message" is displayed, the technician will proceed to reprogram the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) using the wiTECH scan tool. The wiTECH software must be at the latest release level, and the IPC software must be updated to the latest calibration level. From the IPC tab, the technician selects the IPC flash part number, reads the special instructions, and clicks "OK". They then agree to the terms on the flash ECU agreement page and select "Flash ECU" to complete the flash according to wiTECH screen instructions. After confirming the software is at the latest available calibration level, the ignition is cycled to the "OFF" position to allow the vehicle to enter network sleep, then back to "RUN" before clearing any DTCs that may have been set in any module during the flash process. The technician clicks "View DTCs", selects "Clear All DTCs", and then clicks "Continue" and "Close". Finally, the ignition is placed in the "OFF" position, the wiTECH micro pod II / MDP device and battery charger are removed, and the Authorized Modifications Label (04275086AE) is installed. For California residents, a Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction Form (Form No. 81-016-1053) must be completed. The engine compartment hood is closed, and the vehicle is returned to the customer.

Required Parts and Tools

To address the Jeep Wrangler CEL/MIL lamp issue under Emission Recall 16C, the following parts and special tools are required:

• Part Number: 04275086AE (Authorized Modification Label, Qty. 1)
• Special Tools:
  • WiTECH MicroPod II / MDP
  • Laptop Computer
  • WiTECH Software (latest release level)
• California Residents: Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction Form (Form No. 81-016-1053)

Warranty and Reimbursement

FCA US LLC will repair your vehicle free of charge for parts and labor. Claims for serviced vehicles must be submitted on the DealerCONNECT Claim Entry Screen. The following labor operation numbers and time allowances apply:

Labor Description	Number	Hrs
Perform wiTECH Inspection	18-16-C1-81	0.2
Perform wiTECH Inspection and Update IPC Software (3.5 inch, Sales Code JAE or JAY)	18-16-C1-82	0.3
Perform wiTECH Inspection and Update IPC Software (7.0 inch, Sales Code JAL or JAJ)	18-16-C1-83	0.5

For mobile service reimbursement, dealers should include standard dealer entry and mark-up for parts and labor. If you have already paid to have this specific condition repaired, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Submit your reimbursement request online at www.fcarecallreimbursement.com. Once verified, reimbursement will be sent within 60 days. Even if previous repairs were performed or reimbursed, the recall repair may still need to be completed.

Owner Action

If you own an affected 2018-2022 Jeep Wrangler or 2020-2022 Jeep Gladiator, you should schedule an appointment with your authorized Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM dealership as soon as possible. The repair for the Jeep Wrangler CEL/MIL lamp issue will be performed free of charge. The estimated repair time for the inspection and potential software update is approximately 30 minutes, though additional time for check-in and check-out should be expected. For California residents, completing this emission recall repair is required prior to vehicle registration renewal, and your dealer will provide a Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction Form.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10206168