“Auto Park Engaged” In Jeep – What’s This and How to Solve

Your car refusing to move because it's stuck in Park is one frustrating experience several Jeep owners can relate to. It's worse when the manual only says to close your door to disengage the feature even though you have no doors open. In some cases, the Auto Park button simply refuses to respond.

This leaves you wondering whether there's a fault with the button or if you should be worried about damages in other parts of your car.

We'll explain what the "Auto park engaged" message in Jeeps means, what you can do to fix it, and other issues that might cause your Jeep to get stuck in Park.

How Does the Auto Park Work on Jeep?

Auto Park is a feature designed to provide added safety and convenience for drivers and passengers, and it is present on a variety of Jeep models. Call it a safety feature that helps to ensure that you don't accidentally exit your vehicle while it is unsafe to do so. 

Additionally, it protects you from moving the vehicle when a door is ajar. This is particularly useful for drivers who may be prone to forgetting to shift their vehicle into Park before exiting.

The feature is typically found on the dashboard of Jeep vehicles, and located near the gear shift. Depending on your model, you can activate it by a button or switch, and receive a visual or auditory notification when the feature is engaged.

Note that Auto Park is not designed to replace the need to shift your vehicle to Park. Instead, it is intended to be an added safety feature that helps to provide added protection for drivers and passengers. So it is still important to always properly shift your vehicle into Park before exiting.

What Triggers the Auto Park Feature in Jeeps?

The first trigger is when the vehicle is not in Park and the driver presses the ignition switch to turn off the engine. When this happens, the vehicle will automatically shift into Park to prevent the vehicle from rolling or moving while the driver exits. This is a safety feature that ensures that the vehicle is securely parked, which reduces the risk of accidents or injuries.

Another Auto Park trigger is when the vehicle is not in Park and the driver exits with the engine running. This is a common mistake that drivers make, as they may forget to put the vehicle in Park before exiting. However, when this happens, the vehicle will automatically shift into Park to prevent the vehicle from moving while the driver is not in the vehicle. Engaging the Auto Park here prevents the vehicle from rolling away and causing an accident.

A third trigger is when the driver attempts to shift into Park while moving. This is a dangerous situation, as the vehicle should be stopped before shifting into Park. The vehicle may automatically shift into Park when this happens to prevent the vehicle from moving while the driver is shifting gears.

How to Turn Off Auto Park on a Jeep

Auto Park automatically engages the parking brake when the vehicle is in Park. While this feature can be useful in certain situations, it can also be a nuisance if you frequently need to move the vehicle while it is still in Park. Thankfully, there are several ways to disengage auto park on your Jeep depending on your vehicle model.

As simple as shutting the car door or having the driver's side seat buckle fastened is often enough to disengage auto park on a Jeep. But if these don't seem to be working for you, here are some steps you can take:

• Step 1: Close the door

The first step in turning off Auto Park on a Jeep is to make sure that the door is closed. Most Jeep models will not allow the Auto Park feature to be disengaged if the door is open.

• Step 2: Apply constant foot pressure on the brake pedal

The next step is to apply constant foot pressure on the brake pedal. This is important because it ensures that the vehicle is not in motion when the Auto Park feature is disengaged.

• Step 3: Put the vehicle into Park and then back into drive

Once you have applied constant foot pressure on the brake pedal, you can put the vehicle into park and then back into drive. This should disengage the Auto Park feature and allow you to move the vehicle.

To turn off Auto Park on a Jeep Renegade, follow these steps:

• Open the vehicle settings by pressing the button on the dashboard or using the touchscreen display.
• Select the "Brakes" option from the menu.
• Locate the "Auto Park Brake" option and select "Off".
• Verify that the auto park feature has been turned off by shifting the vehicle into Park and checking that the parking brake is not engaged.

If you are unsure of how to turn off Auto Park on your specific Jeep model, it is recommended that you consult the vehicle manual. The manual will typically provide detailed instructions on how to disengage the auto park feature.

Other Reasons Why Your Jeep Might be Stuck in Park

While Auto Park is a common reason why your Jeep may be stuck in Park, there are several other explanations for this. Here are a few:

• Low Transmission Fluid

Low transmission fluid can also prevent your Jeep from shifting out of Park. If the fluid is low, the transmission cannot engage properly. This can be caused by a leak in the transmission or a lack of regular maintenance.

• Faulty Brake Light Switch

A failed brake light switch can also prevent your Jeep from shifting out of Park. The brake light switch sends a signal to the transmission that the brake pedal has been depressed. If the switch is not working properly, the transmission will not be able to shift out of Park. Wear and tear over time or damage to the switch are common problems that cause this issue.

• Dead Battery

Having a dead battery is one of the most common reasons why a Jeep may refuse to move. The battery provides power to the starter, which is responsible for turning the engine over. If the battery is dead or too weak, the starter finds it difficult to engage and the vehicle will not start.

• Rusty Battery Cables

These cables play the important role of delivering power from the battery to the starter. If the cables are loose or corroded, the power cannot reach the starter, resulting in the vehicle not starting.

• Corroded Battery Terminals

Corroded battery terminals can also cause a Jeep to get stuck in Park. The corrosion prevents the battery cables from making a good connection with the terminals, which will result in a loss of power to the starter.

• Wiring Issues

Your Jeep's electrical system plays a critical role in the operation of various components, including the transmission. If there is a problem with the wiring that connects to the transmission, it can cause the vehicle to become stuck in Park. This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as damaged wiring, corroded connections, or a malfunctioning transmission control module.

• Defective Transmission Shift Cable

The transmission shift cable connects the shifter inside the vehicle to the transmission. This cable becomes damaged or disconnected can prevent the transmission from shifting out of Park. Wear and tear or impact damage can lead to this problem.

• Malfunctioning Shifter Interlock Solenoid

The shifter interlock solenoid prevents the shifter from moving out of Park unless the brake pedal is depressed. If this solenoid malfunctions, it can cause the vehicle to become stuck in park. A variety of factors, such as a failed solenoid, a malfunctioning brake switch, or a problem with the wiring that connects to the solenoid can cause this.

• Bad Ignition Switch

Since the ignition switch sends power to the transmission and other systems, a fault with it can prevent the transmission from shifting out of Park. This is sometimes caused by a problem with the electrical wiring.

• Failed Transmission

In some cases, the problem may be with the transmission itself. A failed transmission can cause the vehicle to become stuck in Park and unable to move. 

Conclusion

Remember that the "Auto Park engaged" feature is designed to protect you and your vehicle. When it becomes a problem, it is important to understand the causes and how to troubleshoot the issue.

Whether it's a simple fix such as adjusting the parking brake or a more complex issue with the transmission, consult your vehicle's manual or a professional mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair. With the proper knowledge and maintenance, you can ensure that your Jeep's Auto Park engaged feature is functioning properly, making your driving experience safer and more enjoyable.