D flashing on gear shift?

INKDOLL

MEMBER
2018 JEEP CHEROKEE
2.4L
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
31,000 MILES

When I start to slow down at a stop, the car goes into neutral can't move, and the drive ("D") on the gear shifter starts flashing. I have to shift to park. Then I have to turn the car off. Wait for the D to stop flashing then turn the car on. No dashboard indicators.

Update: I was checking my gauges and I found out that this happens when I 1st get in my car for the day. My oil temperature is low (before the 1st line)
and I have to warm up my car until the oil temperature is at least to the 2nd line. So, this doesn't happen.
but I've never been a person to "warm up" the car before driving. I read somewhere you don't have to. I live in California

As of today, my oil life is at 26% (I'm getting an oil change tomorrow) but this problem started about 2 months ago.

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,602 POSTS

It sounds like the transmission could be low on fluid, here is how you can check it to see if this is the problem. When you warm the engine up it expands the transmission fluid and fixed the problem.

Use only MOPAR ZF 8&9 Speed ATF Automatic Transmission Fluid, or equivalent. Failure to use the correct fluid may affect the function or performance of your transmission.

Or you can just add a little fluid to see if the problem goes away. Also, let's run the codes to see if any are stored.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.

Images (Click to make bigger)