"Service Shifter" in Chrysler 300 – What Does It Mean and What to Do?

If you drive a Chrysler 300, you may have seen the "service shifter" warning message on your dashboard. This message shows you that your Chrysler shifter might be unwell and require mechanical attention.

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

What Does "Service Shifter" Mean In Chrysler 300?

The "service shifter" warning coming up on your Chrysler 300 means you need to visit a mechanic for some diagnosis and repair. A few factors could cause this warning to show up on your vehicle. Your mechanic will inspect the shifter bezel, the fuse box, the shifter itself, and other related areas to determine the actual cause of the warning.  

What Causes the "Service Shifter" Warning to Come On?

The following causes the "service shifter" warning in your Chrysler 300.  

1) Bad Shifter Bezel

If you have the "service shifter" warning on your dashboard, the bezel is most likely the cause. A bezel is a plastic material surrounding your shifter knob. Over time, this material wears out, causing the bezel to warp or crack.

A broken shifter bezel affects the proper sitting of the shifter knob. As a result, your computer system issues the "service shifter" warning, meaning you should repair the bezel.

2) Faulty Fuse Box

Another possible reason for the "service shifter" warning in your Chrysler 300 is that your fuse box is faulty. Several issues could happen to the fuse box to cause it to interfere with the proper functioning of the shifter.

• Blowing Fuses

One of the common issues with fuse boxes is that fuses blow pretty frequently. If the fuse box containing the shifter fuse develops any problem, such as a short, it could blow a fuse. Your Chrysler 300 could also blow the shifter fuse for no reason.

If the problem is with the fuse, you may need a technician to disassemble the fuse box to root out the cause of the blowing fuse.

• Loose Fuse

A loose fuse is another fuse box problem that could cause your Chrysler 300 to issue this warning. If, when running a diagnosis, you realize that your shifter fuse fell off by itself, you may have some damaged panel terminals.

A loose panel in your fuse box could cause electrical components such as your shifter to lose power intermittently, causing your computer system to issue the "shifter service warning.

• Burnt Fuse and Terminals

A fuse box may also have burned fuses and terminals. This is a severe issue, as it has nothing to do with the electrical current blowing a fuse. When your vehicle overheats around the fuse box, the excess heat burns up the plastic housing of the fuses, affecting their effectiveness.

When fuses or terminals overheat and melt, the best remedy is to replace the entire fuse box. If you have an expert technician, you can rewire the fuse box instead of replacing the whole unit.

3) Faulty Shifter

Another reason your "service shifter" warning comes on is that the shifter itself could be faulty. If the shifter has a problem, the warning may not be consistent. It will pop up after every few minutes.

Therefore, when you see this warning message show up and disappear at uneven intervals, it should not alarm you, nor should it trick you into thinking everything is okay. You should calmly drive your Chrysler to your mechanic for diagnosis to root out the problem and fix it. You may need to replace the shifter.

What Should I Do When My Chrysler 300 Says "Service Shifter?"

When the "service shifter" warning comes on, you should consider erasing it. To switch off this warning, you should fix the problem causing it. Other tricks like restarting your engine or disconnecting the battery can also help erase this message from your system and dashboard.

The following hacks will help you switch off the "service shifter" warning.

1) Switch Your Engine Off and Back On

The first thing to try when this warning shows up is to restart your engine. If you were driving, switch your engine off and back on. This method can clear any trouble codes in the system, including the "service shifter" message. If this does not yield, try the next trick.

2) Disconnect your Battery

Another way of fixing the "service shifter" message in your Chrysler 300 is by unplugging your battery. To perform this hack, you will need to find a comfortable parking area because you will be waiting for around 30 minutes before reconnecting the battery.

When you unplug the battery, you lower your vehicle's standard (12 volts) operating voltage. This causes other warning signals, such as the 4WD light and air suspension, to come on. The low voltage causes the ECU to malfunction, triggering other warning signals. You may need an OBDII scanner to erase the trouble codes after reconnecting the battery.

3) Fix Faulty Components

As mentioned earlier, the "service shifter" warning may appear because of a faulty shifter bezel, fuse box, or malfunctioning software.

• Fixing the Shifter Bezel

One of the most noticeable problems is the faulty bezel. You can physically identify a warped or cracked bezel. Visit a professional mechanic to fix the lousy bezel. You can also purchase the Chrysler 300 shifter bezel online and install it at home. YouTube has several DIY video guides on replacing a faulty shifter bezel.

• Fixing Software Malfunction

If the issue is with the software or another technical malfunction, you may need a professional technician to help you. Updating the software may erase the "service shifter" warning. If the problem is a minor technical glitch, restarting your engine could erase the problem.

• Fixing the Fuse Box

If the above hacks do not work, you should check and fix the fuse box. Replacing faulty fuses and repairing burned terminals can erase the "service shifter" warning. You will need to take your Chrysler 300 to a dealership or expert technicians to perform this fix.

Can I Drive With the "Service Shifter" Warning On?

The Chrysler 300 has been in the market since 2005. As such, the answer to this question depends on the model you own. As long as your Chrysler does not have other underlying problems, the "service shifter" warning does not pose severe threats to you or the vehicle. You can keep driving even with faulty wiring or software malfunction.

You will need to choose between remaining stranded on the road as you wait for a tow truck or driving on to your destination. In most cases, the "service shifter" warning means nothing is wrong with your vehicle.

However, if you own a 2012 to 2014 model, you may want to take the warning more seriously. FCA recalled these models to fix a shifter problem that allowed drivers to egress their cars without engaging the PARK gear. If your vehicle does not have the recall fix from the factory, you should park and call a tow truck.

In addition, if you purchased a used Chrysler 300 or are unaware of your vehicle's model year, contacting your mechanic before driving further would be safer. Also, even if your car is in the safe model years, do not take long-distance journeys before fixing the problem.

Can I Fix the "Service Shifter" Problem At Home

Yes!

You can fix the "service shifter" problem at home if it is a minor technical glitch causing the problem. However, you may need to reconsider your options if the issue involves replacing the shifter or other components. You should seek professional assistance when dealing with complex repair jobs such as the shifter repair of your Chrysler 300.

You may not eradicate the problem permanently if you perform this fix in your home garage. It involves several trials, and only a professional mechanic may understand when the shifter problems are 100 percent gone. Moreover, you may need to import some components to fix the shifter.

You should take your Chrysler to the recommended service center for repairs than attempting the repairs at home. Also, consult your dealership to see if your warranty covers shifter repairs. If it does, repairing your Chrysler at home will void your warranty.  

Conclusion

The "service shifter" warning may appear in your Chrysler 300 without an apparent cause. However, if your vehicle falls under the recalled model years, do not drive before fixing the problem. If this warning shows up while driving, find a safe parking place and call your mechanic or a tow truck.

Although it might be nothing, it is essential that you drive your vehicle to a mechanic for diagnosis. Avoid long-distance journeys before fixing the "service shifter" warning.