Service Bulletin

2023 Jeep Wrangler Misfire DTCs PCM Software Update

A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 18-048-26) addresses Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and various misfire Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) in 2023 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Symptoms include rough idle, engine miss, and noisy valvetrain, all caused by PCM software. The fix involves…

ByAhmet Topcu — Founder & Editor-in-ChiefAutomated summary2023 Jeep Wrangler
2023 Jeep Wrangler — manufacturer_communication document image 1
Source: NHTSA manufacturer_communication 11031453
P0300P0301P0302P0303P0304P0305-00P0306-00TSB 18-048-26Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminationMultiple Cylinder Misfire

Owners of 2023 Jeep Wrangler vehicles equipped with the 3.6L V6 24V VVT ETORQUE Engine UPG I (Sales Code ERG) may encounter a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination on their dashboard. This is often accompanied by specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to cylinder misfires. This issue, detailed in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 18-048-26, is attributed to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software and can be corrected with a software update.

This bulletin applies to vehicles sold in North and South America, India & Asia Pacific, and China markets.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2023 Jeep Wrangler vehicles will typically observe a "Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination" on their instrument cluster. Alongside this warning light, the vehicle may exhibit one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):

  • "P0300 - Multiple Cylinder Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating)."
  • "P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating)."
  • "P0302 - Cylinder 2 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating)."
  • "P0303 - Cylinder 3 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating)."
  • "P0304 - Cylinder 4 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating)."
  • "P0305-00 - Cylinder 5 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating)."
  • "P0306-00 - Cylinder 6 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating)."

Beyond these technical indicators, drivers might also notice the following operational issues:

  • "The vehicle has a rough idle."
  • "The engine has a miss."
  • "Noisy valvetrain."

Fault Codes / DTCs

The following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are specifically linked to this PCM software issue:

Code Description
P0300 Multiple Cylinder Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating)
P0301 Cylinder 1 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating)
P0302 Cylinder 2 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating)
P0303 Cylinder 3 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating)
P0304 Cylinder 4 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating)
P0305-00 Cylinder 5 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating)
P0306-00 Cylinder 6 Misfire (Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating)

Diagnosis

When a 2023 Jeep Wrangler presents with these symptoms or DTCs, technicians are instructed to use a Scan Tool (wiTECH) and follow the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures available in DealerCONNECT/Service Library. It is crucial to verify that all related systems are functioning correctly. If any other DTCs or symptom conditions are present beyond those listed in TSB 18-048-26, they must be addressed and repaired before proceeding with the bulletin's specific repair.

Repair Procedure Summary

The resolution for the 2023 Jeep Wrangler misfire DTCs involves updating the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. The repair process is straightforward and typically takes about 0.3 hours of labor. Here's a summary of the steps:

  1. Prepare the Vehicle: A battery charger must be connected to the vehicle. It is critical to maintain the battery voltage between 13.2 and 13.5 volts throughout the flash process to prevent interruptions.
  2. Reprogram PCM: The PCM is reprogrammed using the wiTECH Diagnostic Application with the latest available software. If any issues arise during this step, technicians are advised to submit a ticket to the Helpdesk.
  3. Clear DTCs: After the software update, all Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that may have been set in any module due to the reprogramming must be cleared. The wiTECH application will automatically facilitate this.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this repair, technicians will need a Scan Tool, specifically the wiTECH or an equivalent diagnostic system, which is used to access and reprogram the PCM.

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware of specific conditions during the repair process:

  • "Install a battery charger to ensure battery voltage does not drop below 13.2 volts. Do not allow the charging voltage to climb above 13.5 volts during the flash process."
  • "If this flash process is interrupted/aborted, the flash should be restarted."

Owner Action

If your 2023 Jeep Wrangler is exhibiting a Malfunction Indicator Lamp, rough idle, engine miss, noisy valvetrain, or has stored misfire DTCs, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Jeep service center. The PCM software update is reimbursable under warranty provisions.


Source: NHTSA ID: 11031453

Frequently Asked Questions

What does TSB 18-048-26 address for the 2023 Jeep Wrangler?
TSB 18-048-26 addresses Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and various misfire Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) such as P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305-00, and P0306-00 in 2023 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. It also covers symptoms like rough idle, engine miss, and noisy valvetrain.
What causes the misfire DTCs and rough idle in my 2023 Jeep Wrangler?
The primary cause for the misfire DTCs and symptoms like rough idle, engine miss, and noisy valvetrain in your 2023 Jeep Wrangler is identified as outdated Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software.
How is the 2023 Jeep Wrangler misfire DTCs issue resolved?
The issue is resolved by reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software using a wiTECH diagnostic tool. This software update corrects the underlying cause of the misfires and related symptoms.
Will I be charged for the PCM software update on my 2023 Jeep Wrangler?
No, the PCM software update described in TSB 18-048-26 is reimbursable under the provisions of your vehicle's warranty.

What Jeep Wrangler owners report

Counted from the records in our database across 41 model years.

18,838
Owner complaints
104
Recalls
2,758
Service bulletins
572
Crashes reported
552
Fires reported
435
Injuries reported

The 2023 model year

378 complaints, the 20th most of 41 model years on file. Owners reported 11 crashes, 7 fires and 8 injuries for this year, which also has 16 recalls on file.

Power Train and Engine, the system this article covers, accounts for 4,482 of 18,838 complaints (24%), including 142 for 2023.

Complaints by model year

Model years with the most complaints for the Jeep Wrangler
2006730
20071,750
20081,904
2010686
2012836
20181,827
2019747
2021963
2023378
2024970

Most-reported systems

  1. Steering — 3,929
  2. Electrical System — 3,613
  3. Power Train — 2,470
  4. Engine — 2,406
  5. Fuel System — 2,015

Latest recalls for the 2023 model year

  • 26V363000 — Steering (Jun 2026) — Park outside
  • 25V741000 — Electrical System (Oct 2025) — Park outside
  • 25V710000 — Electrical System (Oct 2025)
All 2023 recalls →

Recent owner reports about power train and engine

while driving my 2023 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe at approximately 40 mph in electric mode with approximately 26% battery charge remaining, the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly lost propulsion.

2023 Jeep Wrangler owner, Oct 2026

From a stop sign vehicle would only accelerate to 4 mph and then completely lost forward propulsion, forcing a tow to the dealership.

2023 Jeep Wrangler owner, Oct 2026
Read owner complaints →

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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2023 Jeep Wrangler PCM Update for MIL & Misfire DTCs

Jeep has released TSB 18-046-26 for 2023 Wrangler models experiencing Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination, various misfire DTCs (P0300-P0306), rough idle, or a "Service Transmission" message. The fix involves a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software update to improve engine performance…

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