Previously I had taken my 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk to FairOaksMotors in Chantilly, Va and they said it was a feature they turned off on the computer setting that automatically engages the parking brake when the car is put into park.

Second visit regarding this problem after being left stranded in my work parking lot in the middle of a travel lane because the parking brake engaged when I stopped the vehicle and then would not disengage until I reset the whole system. I called the dealer to make an appointment and they told me they could see me in about 8 days. While I waited for my appointment on Oct 22 the errors increased and eventually it indicated needing not just service, but that my 4x4 drive capability had been disabled.

The Fix: When I got to the dealership they looked at the vehicle and told me the problem was the parking brake electronic control module. They indicated there was some corrosion damage to the module and it would need to be replaced. Of course my warranty had run out 7 months before, but only 4 moths before the original error. Once the module was replaced the error went away and considered the problem resolved. Little did I know that I would be back there in two weeks when the problem reappeared and they wanted to charge me $180 to diagnose the problem again!!!!!

They came to the determination that it was also the $300.00 console switch that is the problem. I asked them why they had not identified on the previous visit??? I then asked if they would fix the problem at no charge as a customer service issue? They were only willing to give me 15% off the repair. I told them I could get a coupon their website that would do that and that this would not be satisfactory. So the problem is still unresolved. They requested that I send the service manager an email regarding the case and 2 weeks later I still have not gotten a phone call or an email. I am convinced that they just don't care.

I took the car to my personal mechanic and he looked at it and reset the system and removed the "auto engage parking brake" feature and the problem has not returned now that I have not been using that feature. I will be reporting this to FCA.

Possible cause: This actually may be an issue with the main computer on the vehicle because the switch they wanted to replace seems to work just fine now that the computer does not control this anymore. I will discuss this with the dealer if they ever call.