Error Messages and Warning Lights in Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, and Fiat Cars

Stellantis cars are now sold all over the world. But they have a lot in common. Their error messages are all the same and are telling you about the same problems, whether you drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee or a Fiat 500X. The majority of warnings, lights, and messages are similar, so I decided to group them in this article.

I will tell you about all the common error messages in Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, and Fiat vehicles that I've written about in this blog. Usually, we write about the messages when we are asked in the comments, so these are the real-life messages people got in their Stellantis vehicles.

Let's see what the reasons and fixes are for them!

"Key Fob Not Detected" message in Chrysler

The majority of Stellantis cars will throw the "Key Fob Not Detected" message once something is wrong with the fob initialization.

Modern keyless fobs are not made to live long in terms of the battery. It may die within 8-12 months after replacement even if the fob was just lying calmly at home (like the spare key, for example). So, if the vehicle can't recognize the fob because of the weak signal, it will throw this message.

In 99% of cases, you will just need to install the new battery in the fob which is an easy DIY job thanks to YouTube tutorials. But in some rare cases, this message may also mean that there are problems with the antenna and other keyless-entry modules.

Key fob not detected message highlights:

• Common reasons:dead fob battery, bad antenna in your vehicle
• How to fix:replace the battery in the fob
• Possible consequences:car won't start, use the physical key to start it
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$1-$150

"Key Fob Has Left the Vehicle" message in Chrysler

Modern Jeep cars have a variation of the previous message - they may say "Key Fob Has Left the Vehicle". In this case, the scenario may be different. When you started the car, it was OK, but then the fob battery died and the Jeep may suddenly inform you that the key fob has left the vehicle. The reasons and fixes are absolutely the same as in the previous case.

Key fob has left the vehicle message highlights:

• Common reasons:dead fob battery, bad antenna in your vehicle
• How to fix:replace the battery in the fob
• Possible consequences:car won't start, use the physical key to start it
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$1-$150

"Service Transmission" plus "Service Parking Brake" messages in Chrysler

Modern Stellantis vehicles, mainly Jeep cars, may light up the Christmas tree on your dash sometimes. And, unfortunately, it won't give you any holiday mood. When your car says "Service Transmission" and "Service Parking Brake" at the same time along with some other possible warnings and lights, it's usually an electrical problem.

For example, I've seen one Jeep with these two messages and it appeared to be the faulty steering wheel angle sensor. After the replacement, everything was OK. One of my friends-mechanics had the same sequence of messages in his Chrysler and it appeared to be caused by the dead steering rack.

Service transmission and service parking brake messages highlights:

• Common reasons:electrical problem, faulty sensors
• How to fix:read the codes with the scanner before any decisions
• Possible consequences:depend on the actual problem
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$100-$500

"Service Shifter" message in Chrysler

Stellantis engineers thought this message would pop up when the control modules can't get the readings from one of the shifter's sensors. For example, the ECU may not see the position of the shifter and it will throw this message. But it hardly ever is the reason for this message.

In most cases, you will see the "Service Shifter" message in a Chrysler or Jeep when the 12V battery is barely alive. In this case, the voltage will drop and the control modules will start glitching heavily.

Usually, after replacing the battery, you will see the problem disappearing. But sometimes, it will require erasing the codes with a scanner.

Service shifter message highlights:

• Common reasons:low battery, faulty shifter sensors
• How to fix:replace or recharge the battery, use the scanner to clear the codes
• Possible consequences:dead battery will leave you stranded
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$150-$500

"Battery of Uconnect Box Is Temporarily Low" message in Chrysler

If your Chrysler or Jeep says "Battery of Uconnect Box Is Temporarily Low", you can be sure the problem is with the little rechargeable battery in the TBM module. This battery backs up the Uconnect system in terms of connectivity.

It may go bad if the car was sitting for too long. Also, it can go bad because the battery was sitting for too long on the shelf before being installed in your vehicle. In some cases, this message may pop up when the 12V battery is weak and the electrical system of your car is freaking out.

Replacing the Uconnect battery is not that easy, so it's better to go to the dealership for this. But there are tutorials out there, so it may be a DIY job.

Battery of Uconnect box is temporarily low message highlights:

• Common reasons:low TBM battery, low 12V battery
• How to fix:run the car for some time, have the TBM battery replaced, check the 12V battery
• Possible consequences:connectivity features in your Uconnect may not work
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$50-$300

"Uconnect Box Requires Service" message in Chrysler

This is yet another wording of the same message. But in this case, the system tells you that there is a problem with the Uconnect battery.

So, if you see the "Uconnect Box Requires Service", there is a high chance that the TBM battery is faulty and doesn't charge anymore. It will most likely need to be replaced with a new one. In a lot of Chryslers, Jeeps, and Rams this was made under the warranty, so I can imagine that Stellantis had a ton of bad batteries in their stocks and they used them in cars.

Uconnect box requires service message highlights:

• Common reasons:low TBM battery
• How to fix:have the TBM battery replaced, check the 12V battery
• Possible consequences:connectivity features in your Uconnect may not work
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$50-$300

"Not Equipped with Uconnect" message in Chrysler

A lot of base-trim Stellantis vehicles will attack you with the message saying "Not Equipped with Uconnect". The problem is that a lot of base cars aren't actually equipped with the connectivity module called Uconnect. But all the other stuff in your car is set to work with this feature.

So whenever something tries to connect to the Uconnect box, you will see this message on the screen. This is not a problem or a fault - this is just your car saying that you have the cheap trim and there is no Uconnect in it.

Basically, you can solve it by installing the Uconnect equipment. But, in my opinion, it isn't worth the money at all.

Not equipped with Uconnect message highlights:

• Common reasons:no Uconnect in your car
• How to fix:install Uconnect if you want
• Possible consequences:seeing this message pretty often
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$1,500

"Stop Start Not Ready, Cabin Cooling or Heating" message in Chrysler

If you are getting the "Stop Start Not Ready, Cabin Cooling or Heating" message in your Stellantis car, it means that the vehicle can't use the start-stop feature. The primary reason for this is that the temperature you've set for the climate system hasn't been reached yet.

For example, if you have 75 degrees on your climate control settings but it's 85 degrees in the cabin, the start-stop won't be working till the AC cools down the temperature to 75 degrees. After that, it will start working.

The same works with heating in the cold time of the year.

Also, there may be problems with temperature sensors in the climate control system, so your vehicle will never go to the start-stop mode just not knowing the temperature inside your car.

Stop start not ready, cabin cooling or heating message highlights:

• Common reasons:cabin temperature is too high or low, climate control sensors aren't working
• How to fix:wait till AC or heater does its job, check the sensors
• Possible consequences:this may result in worse gas mileage
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$200

"Stop Start Unavailable, Service Stop Start System" message in Chrysler

New Stellantis cars have new misleading messages that keep attacking their owners. And the "Stop Start Unavailable, Service Stop Start System" is one of them. Why wouldn't the company just create simple messages like The Battery is DEAD - Change it!

So, this message essentially means that either your auxiliary battery is dead or the main battery is about to die. This happens when you use your vehicle a lot in the city traffic with the stop-start feature on.

Also, the AGM batteries don't tend to live much longer than 3-4 years. Fortunately, you can replace both batteries on your own and save the money on labor a lot.

Also, along with the message, you will most likely have the Auto Start Stop warning light on the dash.

Stop start unavailable, service stop start system message highlights:

• Common reasons:aux battery is dead, main battery is dying
• How to fix:check and charge the batteries, replace the faulty battery
• Possible consequences:if the batteries are dead, you may get stranded easily
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$200-$700

"SVC 4WD" message in Chrysler

While the "SVC 4WD" warning usually means that there are problems with the 4-wheel-drive system, it may also have other reasons.

First of all, you need to check if the check engine light is on the dash. If it's not, the problem may be just some software glitch and your car may need to be restarted.

If the check engine light is on, read the codes behind it using a good scanner. You will see what exactly is happening with your Chrysler and easily identify the problem.

Sometimes, the issue is with such small things as the wheel-speed sensor or some other sensor that takes part in the work of your 4WD system. Also, low fluids in the 4WD modules may trigger this message sooner or later.

SVC 4WD message highlights:

• Common reasons:sensors, fluid levels, 4WD units problems
• How to fix:read the codes, replace the faulty sensors, add fluid to the 4WD units
• Possible consequences:4WD units are expensive to replace, they may fatally fail
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Possible but complicated
• Repair price range:$100-$2,500

"4WD Overheated, Temporarily Unavailable" message in Chrysler

Whenever you see the "4WD Overheated, Temporarily Unavailable", you may be sure that something is wrong with the 4WD actuator or some wiring. This message in Chrysler or Jeep cars means that the 4WD system is active when it shouldn't be - for example, at high speed.

It does mean that you need to urgently solve the problem. Otherwise, it may lead to fatal 4WD problems including issues with the differentials and other expensive units. Of course, it's cheaper to fix the actuator or change the fluid when the problem only started.

But sometimes, you will also need to use the scanner to get the codes and understand what exactly is happening with the sensors and other electronic units.

4WD overheated, temporarily unavailable highlights:

• Common reasons:4WD actuator problems, low differential fluid, faulty sensors
• How to fix:check the fluid in diff, check the 4WD actuator, read the codes
• Possible consequences:differential failure, no 4WD available
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Possible but complicated
• Repair price range:$250-$1,500

"ACC/FCW Limited Functionality" message in Chrysler

The "ACC/FCW Limited Functionality" is the message you can see in Stellantis cars. It covers the problems with adaptive cruise control (ACC) and forward collision warning (FCW).

Those two systems rely on the camera and radar sensor. So, this message will mostly be connected to the problems with either the front camera or the radar sensor. For example, the camera may be blocked by the fogged window. Or the radar may be blocked by heavy snow buildup on the grille.

Also, this message may be caused by problems with wiring and connections. I've seen this happening when the alternator was faulty and the battery was about to die. So, proper inspection is needed before any repairs. Sometimes, you will just need to wait for certain conditions to stop affecting the systems like the fog, snow, or direct sun beams.

ACC/FCW limited functionality message highlights:

• Common reasons:blocked camera, blocked radar, faulty camera or radar, weather conditions
• How to fix:clean the radar and camera areas, check the connections
• Possible consequences:some functions may not be available
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$200

"ACC/FCW Unavailable. Service Required" message in Chrysler

The "ACC/FCW Unavailable. Service Required" message in your Stellantis vehicle is absolutely the same as the previous one but it may show that there are problems with the camera or radar. So, it usually shows more problematic issues with your vehicle and this may require a visit to the dealership for proper inspection.

ACC/FCW unavailable, service required message highlights:

• Common reasons:blocked camera, blocked radar, faulty camera or radar, weather conditions
• How to fix:clean the radar and camera areas, check the connections
• Possible consequences:some functions may not be available
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$1,000

"Service ESC System" message in Chrysler

While the ESC system is the Electronic Stability Control and embraces hundreds of different sensors and units, the "Service ESC System" error message will pop up in your Stellantis car when the battery is about to die, in most cases.

Also, there are chances that the message means something from the stability control system is dead. For example, this may be one of the wheel-speed sensors or the steering wheel angle sensor. There are literally hundreds of things that may trigger the "Service ESC System" message and it's not possible to just guess.

Use the scanner to read the codes. But before you do this, just check if the battery has over 12 volts. If it doesn't this explains your problem immediately.

Service ESC system message highlights:

• Common reasons:bad 12V battery, broken sensors or control units
• How to fix:check the battery, use the scanner to locate the problem
• Possible consequences:you may get stranded easily
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$200-$700

"Electric Mode Temporarily Unavailable. Fuel and Oil Refresh in Progress" message in Chrysler

This is a relatively new message that only hybrid vehicle owners will see. The "Electric Mode Temporarily Unavailable. Fuel and Oil Refresh in Progress" message says that you can't use the all-electric mode and the car is in the Fuel and Oil Refresh mode.

In most cases, this happens because of the short trips using mostly all-electric mode. The engine will still need some work to lubricate itself and it needs to use up gas sometimes to prevent the gas in your tank from going bad over time.

There is nothing you may do with the Fuel and Oil Refresh mode, just wait till it finishes. If it continues for too long, like several days, you should go to the dealer and check for the electric mode faults.

Electric mode temporarily unavailable. Fuel and oil refresh in progress message highlights:

• Common reasons:all-electric mode and short drives, seldom work of the ICE
• How to fix:just wait and drive the vehicle
• Possible consequences:no consequences
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$150

"Dynamic Steering Torque, Service Required" message in Chrysler

If you are seeing the "Dynamic Steering Torque, Service Required" in your Chrysler vehicle, the most common reason for this is the low battery. Also, it can be a software glitch that will just clear itself after you turn the engine off and then on again.

In some rare cases, this can be the problem with the steering angle sensor or the wheel-speed sensor. The system uses these two types of sensors to decide if it needs to apply more power for the steering assist. But these cases are not really common.

The first thing I would try is disconnecting the battery for 5-7 minutes to see if this resets the codes and clears the problem.

Dynamic steering torque, service required message highlights:

• Common reasons:software glitch, battery issues, faulty sensors
• How to fix:check the 12V battery, disconnect the battery for some time, check the sensors
• Possible consequences:power steering may work incorrectly
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$200

"Service Transmission. Restart in Park with Vehicle in Zero Speed" message in Chrysler

The scary Service Transmission error message may just be shocking to you. But you should know that modern Stellantis cars have pretty misleading messages and they don't always mean what they say.

With the "Restart in Park with Vehicle in Zero Speed" you usually have three options: the shifter problems, shifter cable issues, or some internal problem with the transmission. It's very likely the issue with the cable which is more or less common for Stellantis cars.

Ask someone to shift the vehicle out of P and look at the transmission under the hood. Confirm that the cable and the arm on the transmission move. This will mean that the cable is OK. Still, you will need some proper inspection. But if the cable doesn't move, you may be sure it's the cable that is broken.

Also, the check engine light may be illuminating on the dash.

Restart in park with vehicle in zero speed message highlights:

• Common reasons:shifter cable, shifter, transmission issues
• How to fix:check if cable moves when you shift, inspect the transmission
• Possible consequences:this may leave you stranded
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Usually no
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$500-$5,000

"Stop Safely, Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" message in Chrysler

This is one of the most dreadful messages you can see in your Stellantis car. If your vehicle says "Stop Safely, Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon", there is a high chance that the transmission is faulty and will require replacement.

Fortunately, you still have your warranty because otherwise, you are going to spend thousands of dollars. Even the inspection of your car after this message pops up is insanely long and expensive. The dealer will open cases with Stellantis, you will need to wait for literally weeks or even months.

My advice - don't try to solve the problem on your own. Take your car to the dealer and use any available recall or TSB to make them do the repair for you.

Stop safely, vehicle will shut off soon message highlights:

• Common reasons:transmission problems, control modules faulty
• How to fix:take it to the dealer, there are no DIY fixes
• Possible consequences:transmission may be dead
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$500-$12,000

"Service Hill Holder" message in Chrysler

When you get the "Service Hill Holder" message in your Stellantis car, this will most likely mean that the transmission control module is malfunctioning.

There are two obvious reasons for this: the module's software needs to be updated or the module itself is done and has to be replaced. The majority of dealers in the US will just replace the module when you have this message and clunking noise when shifting between transmission modes.

But you can ask them to update the software or to completely reset the module and see if this solves the problem.

In European Stellantis cars, this message has another wording: "Hill Holder Unavailable, See Handbook".

Service hill holder message highlights:

• Common reasons:transmission control module problems
• How to fix:update TCM software, replace the TCM
• Possible consequences:you may get stranded
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$200-$1,000

"Service Electronic Parking Brake" message in Chrysler

While the "Service Electronic Parking Brake" message in Stellantis cars may actually mean that there is a problem with the parking brake motor or actuator, in most cases, the issue is with the battery or electrical connections.

I would start by verifying that the battery has over 12 volts. Also, I would check if there are no disconnected wires near the parking brake system. If your car doesn't start, this is a strong indication that the battery is in charge of the fault.

Please pay attention to the other wording of this message: "Service Electronic Braking System". This is just the same and this message will require the same approach to deal with.

Service electronic parking brake message highlights:

• Common reasons:EPB problems, 12V battery dying, connection and wiring problems
• How to fix:check the battery, check wires, inspect the EPB motor
• Possible consequences:the parking brake may not be available, car may not start
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Yes, if it starts
• DIY repair:Possible but complicated
• Repair price range:$150-$800

"Service Antilock Brake System" message in Chrysler

When you see the "Service Antilock Brake System" error message in your Stellantis car, this will almost always mean that one of the ABS sensors has lost its connection with the ABS control module. The problem may be with the wiring or with the sensor itself.

In most cases, the dealer will offer you the new sensor and this will solve the problem. But before paying the money for this, you may also try leaning the wheel-speed sensor. Very often, in Chrysler and Jeep cars, these sensors get dirty and stop sending readings to the control module.

In some cases, DIY repair is possible but you will need some knowledge and tools for this.

Service antilock brake system message highlights:

• Common reasons:ABS sensor faulty or disconnected
• How to fix:clean or replace the ABS sensor
• Possible consequences:ABS won't work, this is a safety issue
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Possible but complicated
• Repair price range:$100-$700

"Exhaust Filter Full" message in Chrysler

This message you will most likely see in Ram trucks equipped with diesel engines. The "Exhaust Filter Full" warning means that the DPF filter is almost full of soot. This usually happens when you use your vehicle for short rides and always in the city.

The regeneration process is never completed and the DPF is getting full. After that, you need to drive your vehicle at high RPM for some time or make any manual regen if it's possible with your engine.

Obviously, you shouldn't ignore this message because the engine may derate or go to limp mode and you will only drive it at 5 MPH.

Exhaust filter full message highlights:

• Common reasons:DPF is clogged
• How to fix:run regeneration, have the DPF cleaned professionally
• Possible consequences:engine may go into limp mode
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$150-$1,500

Lightning Bolt warning light in Chrysler

The lightning bolt warning light in Stellantis cars may be of red or amber color. The red light means a serious problem while the amber one allows you to drive but draws your attention to the possible issues.

The lightning bolt warning light is almost always about the throttle control. All modern Chrysler vehicles have the electronic throttle control and it may fail or glitch pretty often. In most cases, you may disconnect the battery and reset the codes to solve the issue. But if the throttle actually has problems, it will require service.

This is certainly not a DIY task, so you will need some help from professional mechanics.

Lightning bolt warning lights highlights:

• Common reasons:throttle control problems
• How to fix:disconnect the battery for some time, use scanner and get trouble codes
• Possible consequences:you may get stranded
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$800

Red Dot on dashboard in Chrysler

When your dashboard has a flashing or illuminating red dot on it, you may easily deduce that this is the alarm system indication. When the red dot is flashing, the alarm is activated and your vehicle is under theft protection.

This doesn't mean that something is wrong with your car. It just means that the vehicle has been sitting for some time with the engine off and the car automatically activated some anti-theft functions.

So, there is nothing to worry about - this red dot doesn't mean you need to repair your car.

Red dot light on dash highlights:

• Common reasons:alarm system activated
• How to fix:no need to repair
• Possible consequences:no consequences
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:No need
• Repair price range:$0