2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude intermittent P0934 “service transmission”

I have a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude with the 9 speed transmission with around 75,000 miles. Since September 2020, it has randomly displayed a “Service Transmission” message on the dash and goes into limp mode. Restarting the engine sometimes clears the message and allows the car to drive normally. If that doesn’t work, letting the car sit for a few minutes while completely off, then starting it will sometimes clear it. If that doesn’t work, pulling the TCM fuse will work. Occasionally, the check engine light will come on afterward, but even then, it doesn’t always stay on. All recalls have been addressed.

If I scan for codes, P0934 is the only one active or stored. The check engine light will randomly be on or off after the “service transmission” message appears and we restart the car. That P0934 code is always stored regardless of the light but if I use a bidirectional scanner and clear the stored code it doesn’t appear to come back until the next time it happens.

We’ve taken it to the dealership multiple times, leaving it for weeks—months, in one case. The dealership always says something along the lines of: “Checked transmission opera tion, found code P0934, checked fluid level and condition (OK), checked for related TSBs or STAR cases, cleared code, road tested 30 miles.”

We’ve also taken it to a transmission shop, which reported: “Evaluated voltage and readings from the electrical system, checked TSBs, reprogrammed computer, performed computerized diagnostic testing and electrical circuit testing, road tested.” They suggested going back to the dealership if the issue happened again.

It’s also been to a few independent shops. The most recent one told us they believe it’s either an electrical issue or a software update issue with the TCM, but they didn’t have access to a wiTECH scanner or the necessary software. We replaced the battery and it actually was working quite well for about a year and a half. It started again so I tested the battery at an auto parts store and ended up replacing it again which didn’t help. Not entirely sure the battery was the issue or if we just got lucky for a while.

At this point, I’m at a loss. It wasn’t a major issue before, but our situation has changed, and now we both need a reliable vehicle. We’re ready to trade it in, but with this ongoing issue, I doubt anyone will want it.

Any ideas on what else to do?