U1428: On Jeep, U1428 is set when the transmission control module receives an engine torque value from the engine computer that it judges inaccurate or stuck

Jeep inaccurate / stuck engine torque received

Severity: Inspect soon

Jeep owners report the transmission going into limp-home with the check engine light, loss of acceleration on the highway and engine shutoffs, so drive power can drop with little warning.

It gets more serious if:

Stop: Stop if the car loses power, will not accelerate, or shuts off while driving: pull over where it is safe and arrange a tow instead of restarting and carrying on.

Source: how we rate severity

U1428 in short

On Jeep, U1428 means the transmission control module got an engine torque signal it judged inaccurate or stuck. FCA flashes new PCM software for it on 2018 Compass, and owners report limp-home and sudden power loss. Have it inspected soon, and stop driving if power drops or the engine shuts off.

The engine computer (PCM) sends a torque figure over the vehicle network, and the transmission computer (TCM) uses it to time shifts and protect the gearbox. If that figure looks wrong, or does not change when it should, the TCM stores U1428.

On the 2018 Jeep Compass, FCA bulletin summaries list U1428 next to P1DD2, a TCM code for a denied torque request, with the vehicle in limp-home mode. The prescribed repair in those summaries is reprogramming the PCM with the latest software. Owners of Compass, Cherokee and Renegade models describe the same code with lost acceleration, a transmission warning or a stall.

This page speaks only for Jeep. Chrysler 300 owners also report U1428, but we found no source stating its meaning there, so we do not claim one.

Pick your make

U1428 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

U1428 on Jeep

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Outdated PCM or TCM software
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Four FCA bulletin summaries for the 2018 Compass list U1428 with P1DD2 and prescribe PCM reprogramming. The bulletins are unverified cache summaries, so this is vehicle data and not confirmed by bulletin.
What would change this
Rises if a dealer finds an open software update for the VIN and the codes stop after it. Falls if the update is already installed.
How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)
Cause 2: Throttle body or unmetered air alongside P2172
Possible — needs testing
Why it ranks here
One Cherokee owner stored U1428 with P2172 and guessed the throttle body. That is an owner guess and nobody confirmed it, so it ranks below the software.
What would change this
Rises if P2172 is stored with it and a technician finds an air leak or throttle problem. Falls if P2172 is absent.
How to test the electronic throttle body
Cause 3: Network wiring, connector or module fault
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
Network codes do not say which part failed, and AA1Car says further testing is needed before parts are replaced. No Jeep complaint here confirms a wiring cause for U1428.
What would change this
Rises if other communication codes appear or the fault follows battery or harness work. Falls if a software update clears it.
How to test the transmission control module (tcm)

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

Step 1: Read every stored code in all modules and write them down before clearing anything. Note whether P1DD2 or P2172 is stored with U1428.
Low riskTool: scan tool that reads all modules
- IfP1DD2 is stored in the TCM with U1428 and the engine computer has no codes
  It meansThis is the pattern in the FCA 2018 Compass bulletin summaries; ask the dealer about PCM software.
  Go to step 2
- IfP2172 or other engine codes are stored with U1428
  It meansDiagnose the engine-side code first; the torque signal may be a symptom.
  Points to: Throttle body or unmetered air alongside P2172
- IfSeveral unrelated communication codes are stored
  It meansTreat it as a network fault and have wiring and power checked.
  Points to: Network wiring, connector or module fault
Step 2: Ask a Jeep dealer to check your VIN for open software updates, bulletins and recalls, and to reprogram the PCM or TCM if one applies.
Best left to a shop
Warning:Reprogramming needs a stable battery supply and dealer tools; an interrupted flash can leave a module unable to start, so do not attempt it yourself.
- IfA software update is available and applied, and the codes do not return
  It meansSoftware was the cause.
  Points to: Outdated PCM or TCM software
- IfNo update applies and the code returns
  It meansThe dealer should test the circuits and modules.
  Points to: Network wiring, connector or module fault

Symptoms

Check engine light with the transmission in limp-home or a service transmission message
Loss of acceleration on the highway Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Engine shuts off or stalls while driving Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Stability control warning with surging or lurching

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

Step 1: Write down all stored codes before clearing, then ask a Jeep dealer to check your VIN for open software updates and recalls.
Step 2: Note when it happens (idle, cruise, after a bump) and tell the shop; intermittent faults are easier to find with that.

Parts and cost context

Engine control module (ECM / PCM):Often fixed by reprogramming, not a new part; labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Jeep

2018 · Compass
Supported by vehicle data
FCA PCM-software bulletin summaries list U1428 with P1DD2 on 2018 Compass automatics; owners report lock-up feel, stalls and limp-home.
2018–2019 · Cherokee
Supported by vehicle data
Owners report U1428 with P0340 or P2172, lurching, power loss and a stall in traffic; one mechanic readout gives the meaning.
2018 · Renegade
Supported by vehicle data
One owner reports power loss at highway speed with U1428; no repair was recorded.

18-091-19Status unverified
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updates, U1428 and P1DD2
2018compass · issued December 16, 2019 · NHTSA 10169224
PCM reprogramming for a lit MIL with P1DD2 in the TCM and U1428 on automatic-transmission cars. Only the NHTSA summary was read.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
18-078-20Status unverified
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updates, U1428 and P1DD2
2018compass · issued October 26, 2020 · NHTSA 10181598
PCM reprogramming for the same code set. Only the NHTSA summary was read.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
1809119Status unverified
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updates, U1428 and P1DD2
2018compass · issued September 15, 2022 · NHTSA 10220076
PCM reprogramming for the same code set. Only the NHTSA summary was read.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
1808222Status unverified
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) updates, U1428 and P1DD2
2018compass · issued December 19, 2022 · NHTSA 10228037
PCM reprogramming for the same code set. Only the NHTSA summary was read.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

No curated relationships for U1428 yet.

All Module network (CAN bus) communication codes

U1428 questions

Is it safe to drive with U1428 on a Jeep?

Owners report sudden power loss and engine shutoffs with this code, so treat it as inspect-soon, and stop and arrange a tow if power drops while driving. We have not verified how often this happens.

Sources and review

FCA 18-091-19 (NHTSA 10169224): Powertrain Control Module software updates, 2018 Jeep Compass — NHTSA (manufacturer communication) , December 16, 2019
NHTSA complaint ODI 11638410: 2018 Jeep Renegade, loss of power on the highway with U1428 — NHTSA (owner complaint)
NHTSA complaint ODI 11617731: 2018 Jeep Compass, stalls while driving with P1DD2 and U1428 — NHTSA (owner complaint)
FCA 18-078-20 (NHTSA 10181598): Powertrain Control Module software updates, 2018 Jeep Compass — NHTSA (manufacturer communication) , October 26, 2020
FCA 1809119 (NHTSA 10220076): Powertrain Control Module software updates, 2018 Jeep Compass — NHTSA (manufacturer communication) , September 15, 2022
FCA 1808222 (NHTSA 10228037): Powertrain Control Module software updates, 2018 Jeep Compass — NHTSA (manufacturer communication) , December 19, 2022
NHTSA complaint ODI 11424210: 2018 Jeep Cherokee, shut off with P2172 and U1428 — NHTSA (owner complaint)
CAN bus U-codes — AA1Car Auto Diagnosis
NHTSA complaint ODI 11243310: 2018 Jeep Compass, transmission lock-up with U1428 and P1DD2 — NHTSA (owner complaint)
NHTSA complaint ODI 11762680: 2019 Jeep Cherokee, U1428 readout with P0340 — NHTSA (owner complaint)

Last reviewed: October 16, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Inspect soon

Pick your make

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Outdated PCM or TCM software

Cause 2: Throttle body or unmetered air alongside P2172

Cause 3: Network wiring, connector or module fault

What to test first

Step 1: Read every stored code in all modules and write them down before clearing anything. Note whether P1DD2 or P2172 is stored with U1428.

Step 2: Ask a Jeep dealer to check your VIN for open software updates, bulletins and recalls, and to reprogram the PCM or TCM if one applies.