Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles because a loose electrical connection can cause the transmission to unexpectedly lock in the Park or Neutral position. The 32,267 affected vehicles may have a Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) solenoid that has an incorrect crimp on the wire harness terminal which may result in a loss of solenoid function.
According to NHTSA’s safety report, on January 25, 2016, an assembly plant identified vehicles with a diagnostic code that indicated that the gear shift would not release from park. A subsequent investigation found the BTSI wiring harness was incorrectly crimped, so it sheared off portions of the wire strands causing weak retention of the wire to the terminal. This situation could potentially lead to the transmission shifter becoming locked in Park or Neutral without warning when the vehicle comes to a stop, possibly rendering the vehicle disabled in traffic. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge.
