U1109 on Jeep: How to Diagnose & Fix
Lost Communication With LIN Steering Wheel Controls
1 Jeep model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical
U1109 on Jeep by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
FCA bulletin 08-005-17 REV. A covers an airbag or traction-control warning light on 2011-2016 JK Wranglers caused by the steering-column clockspring, with driver-airbag circuit, steering-angle-sensor, speed-control switch or steering-wheel control codes stored. A failed clockspring can leave the driver airbag circuit open. It applies to 2011-2016 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited (JK) left-hand-drive models built on or after February 16, 2010 and before May 2, 2016, when one of the bulletin's trouble codes is stored. A 2016 built on or after May 2, 2016 is outside the bulletin. Right-hand-drive JKs were covered instead by safety recalls S40 (NHTSA 16V-288, built through May 2, 2016) and 27B (NHTSA 24V-196, 2016 models built May 3 to September 16, 2016).
Common Symptoms
- Airbag warning light on
- Traction-control warning light on
- Cruise control not working
- Steering-wheel controls not working
How to Fix
If the airbag light is on, have a dealer read the codes; the bulletin applies only when one of its codes is found. The repair replaces the clockspring, the upper and lower steering-column shrouds and the steering-wheel back cover. The bulletin notes a 15-year, unlimited-mile warranty for this repair on included vehicles, counted from the in-service date; the dealer must confirm that your VIN is included. This is not a recall. Do not work on the airbag yourself.
Sources for this issue (3)
U1109 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does U1109 mean on a Jeep?
U1109 stands for "Lost Communication With LIN Steering Wheel Controls." A Stellantis/FCA network code (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM). The instrument cluster stopped receiving messages from the steering wheel control switches over the LIN bus — the low-speed single-wire network linking simple switch modules to the cluster. The vehicle drives normally, but the steering wheel buttons (radio volume, cruise control, phone, menu) stop responding, and on some models the horn is affected as well. It is an electrical/communication fault, not a mechanical one. On Jeep it is documented across 1 model: Wrangler.
What are the most common causes of U1109?
The most common causes of U1109 are: Failed steering wheel switch module (left or right switch pod), Damaged clockspring in the steering column — the ribbon that carries these circuits through the rotating wheel, Open, shorted, or chafed LIN bus wiring between the steering wheel and the cluster, Poor or corroded connector contact at the switch pod or clockspring, Failed instrument cluster (the LIN master for this circuit), Low system voltage or a weak battery causing intermittent LIN dropouts. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix U1109 on a Jeep?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Jeep model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.