Sorry if this post is long- or has already been a topic.
2015 Jeep Cherokee Check engine light came on this morning on the way to work, stayed off during lunch and was on after work. Stopped at auto zone to have codes checked and to get a bulb for my license plate since this had popped up to be changed. The code that popped up was for a fuel pump, secondary code being for engine oil temp sensor circuit high. It was suggested I take it to a mechanic for another check to just be sure. Upon doing this, it was checked and only the secondary code popped up. While the car was sitting “ service stop/start/ unavailable “ and “ service shifter” popped up, along with my mileage flashing and the car was reading as if the gas tank was empty. I could not press certain buttons like the stop/start off or traction ( pressed them to see if they would light up, but didn’t). The mechanic then tried to turn the car off, the car did not turn off but the key was out. You could still drive the car as normal, only drove it a few feet, and then out of the way. After it ran for about 30-45 minutes I went to try to turn it off and it did. When turning it back on everything was back to normal, took it to jeep. They said I could make an appt & they could do some diagnostic tests on it BUT truly can’t guarantee answers if this occurrence isn’t evident at the time of arrival because of course when you turn the vehicle off the codes are reset and thing are back to normal. Any help would be appreciated.

 

You have a newer Cherokee. The forum for the 2014+ Cherokees is at https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f87/ If it's a Grand Cherokee, then https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f5/ is appropriate. (One of the mods will likely move this for you).

Anyway, the first things I would suspect for weird computer issues is a failing battery or a poor connect at the battery. What happens is the voltage drops low enough while cranking that the various computers crash. Then you get odd error like the 4wd isn't available, power steering, start/stop isn't working, etc. Turning on/off usually solves the error messages at least temporarily. If the body control computer crashes, things like the key fob, turn signals, wipers stop working right. Rebooting that computer requires disconnecting the battery since it's on all the time.

As a side note, I've seen some cheap code readers freak out the computers too. The cheap bluetooth reader from eBay would light up the dash with all kinds of errors and chimes.

 

Thank you, my issue is that this didn’t happen when cranking up the car but happened maybe 45 mins of driving it straight after being off of work. The car wouldn’t turn off for me to be able to do anything. Things started to act abnormal and then the car would not turn off. You think this may be linked to the battery? I’m wondering what would cause things to run as normal, and then they just don’t. I have looked this up and have only found maybe 1 or 2 of the same occurrences but they don’t seem to have all of the same issues that come along with the car not turning off.
- also I am completely new to this forum, my apologies for not posting where I respectfully should have.

 

I moved your thread for ya. Welcome!!

 

For me and some others who had posted, the battery issue would be noticeable a few minutes after starting or would pop up randomly while driving. Mine started doing it about a year ago. I cleaned and tighted the battery connection and haven't any problems since.One incident, the wipers were on and the turn signals wouldn't work when I started back up at the gas station. Restarting didn't fix it, and I drove home in the bright sunshine with people thinking I was an idiot with the wipers going full tilt!

Anyway, I always suggest the battery and connections as a good place to before going down the rabbit hole of chasing wiring and replacing expensive parts, because they're easy to check.