February 5, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V068000
Transmission Software May Cause Abrupt Downshift
If a downshift occurs, the vehicle will suddenly decrease speed, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V068
Manufacturer Chrysler
(FCA US LLC)
Components POWER TRAIN
Potential Number of Units Affected 8,933
Summary
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Fiat Spider 124 vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. Due to incorrect programming of the Transmission Control Module (TCM), certain conditions may cause the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift and abruptly decelerate.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the TCM software, free of charge. The recall began March 28, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is V20.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Check if your Vehicle has a Recall
March 2019
Dealer Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall V20 / NHTSA 19V-068 Reprogram Transmission Control Module
Remedy Available
| 2017-2019 | (BA) | FIAT Spider |
NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.
NOTE: Some vehicles above may have been identified as not involved in this recall and therefore have been excluded from this recall.
| IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer new vehicle inventory. Federal law requires you to complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also consider this requirement to apply to used vehicle inventory and should perform this recall on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process. |
Subject
On about 8,900 of the above vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, electrical noise in the range signal may be detected while driving in Drive mode (including “Manual” mode). Due to inappropriate control logic of the clutch control software in the Transmission Control Module (TCM), this signal noise may cause the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift, causing an abrupt deceleration of the drive wheels. A sudden decrease in the speed of the drive wheels while driving may negatively affect the directional stability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control, and can cause vehicle crash without prior warning.
Repair
Inspect the software level of the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and if necessary, reprogram the TCM. Inspect the software level of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and if necessary, reprogram the PCM.
Parts Information
No parts are required to perform this service procedure.
Parts Return
No parts return required for this campaign.
Special Tools
The following special tools are required to perform this repair:
| wiTECH micro pod II |
| Laptop Computer |
| wiTECH Software |
Service Procedure
CAUTION: Do not interrupt the software update process in any way once it has begun. It may cause permanent damage to the PCM which will require replacement.
NOTE: The wiTECH scan tool must be used to perform this recall. The wiTECH software is required to be at the latest release level before performing this procedure.
- Open the hood. Install a battery charger and verify that the charging rate provides 13.0 to 13.5 volts. Do not allow the charger to time out during the flash process. Set the battery charger timer (if so equipped) to continuous charge.
NOTE: Use an accurate stand-alone voltmeter. The battery charger volt meter may not be sufficiently accurate. Voltages outside of the specified range will cause an unsuccessful flash. If voltage reading is too high, apply an electrical load by activating the park or headlamps and/or HVAC blower motor to lower the voltage.
- Connect the wiTECH micro pod II to the vehicle data link connector.
- Place the ignition in the “RUN” position.
- Open the wiTECH 2.0 website.
- Enter your “User id” and “Password” and your “Dealer Code”, then select “Sign In” at the bottom of the screen. Click “Accept”.
- From the “Vehicle Selection” screen, select the vehicle to be updated.
- From the “Action Items” screen, select the “Topology” tab.
NOTE: The TCM must be at the latest software calibration level after completing this recall.
- From the “Topology” tab, select the “TCM” module icon.
- From the “Flash” tab, compare the “Current Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Part Number” with the “New ECU Part Number” listed.
- If the “Current ECU part Number” is the same as the “New Part Number”, proceed to Step 15.
- If the “Current ECU part Number” is NOT the same as the “New Part Number”, continue with Step 10.
- From the TCM tab, select the TCM flash part number. Read the flash special instructions page. Select “OK” to continue.
- From the flash ECU agreement page, agree to terms by checking the box.
- Select “Flash ECU” and then follow the wiTECH screen instructions to complete the flash.
- Confirm the software is at the latest available calibration level.
- Click “View DTCs”, select “Clear All DTCs”, click “Continue” and then click “Close”.
- From the “Action Items” screen, select the “Topology” tab.
- From the “Topology” tab, select the “PCM” module icon.
- From the “Flash” tab, compare the “Current Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Part Number” with the “New ECU Part Number” listed.
- If the “Current ECU part Number” is the same as the “New Part Number”, proceed to Step 22.
- If the “Current ECU part Number” is NOT the same as the “New Part Number”, continue with Step 18.
- From the PCM tab, select the PCM flash part number. Read the flash special instructions page. Select “OK” to continue.
- From the flash ECU agreement page, agree to terms by checking the box.
- Select “Flash ECU” and then follow the wiTECH screen instructions to complete the flash.
- Confirm the software is at the latest available calibration level.
- If equipped with cruise control, depress the cruise On/Off switch until the cruise indicator in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) illuminates.
- Click “View DTCs”, select “Clear All DTCs”, click “Continue” and then click “Close”.
- Remove the battery charger from the vehicle.
- Close the vehicle hood.
- Return the vehicle to the customer.
DEALERSHIP INSTRUCTIONS
Please reference Safety Recall V20.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Reprogram Transmission Control Module
Dear [Name],
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. FCA has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain [2017 through 2019 model year (BA) FIAT Spider] vehicles.
It is extremely important to take steps now to repair your vehicle to ensure the safety of you and your passengers.
WHY DOES MY VEHICLE NEED REPAIRS?
In some vehicles [1] equipped with automatic transmissions, electrical noise in the range signal may be detected while driving in Drive mode (including “Manual” mode). Due to inappropriate control logic of the clutch control software in the Transmission Control Module (TCM), this signal noise may cause the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift, causing an abrupt deceleration of the drive wheels. A sudden decrease in the speed of the drive wheels while driving may negatively affect the directional stability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control, and can cause vehicle crash without prior warning.
HOW DO I RESOLVE THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE?
FCA will repair your vehicle [2] free of charge (parts and labor). To do this, your FIAT Studio will reprogram the transmission control module with the updated software. The estimated repair time is one hour. In addition, your FIAT Studio will require your vehicle for proper check-in, preparation, and check-out during your visit. Your time is important to us; please be aware that these steps may require more time. We recommend that you schedule a service appointment to minimize your inconvenience. Please bring this letter with you to your dealership.
TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE REPAIR,
CALL YOUR FIAT STUDIO TODAY
WHAT IF I ALREADY PAID TO HAVE THIS REPAIR COMPLETED?
If you have already experienced this specific condition and have paid to have it repaired, you may visit www.fcarecallreimbursement.com to submit your reimbursement request online. [3] Once we receive and verify the required documents, reimbursement will be sent to you within 60 days. If you have had previous repairs performed and/or already received reimbursement, you may still need to have the recall repair performed.
We apologize for any inconvenience, but are sincerely concerned about your safety. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Customer Assistance/Field Operations Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC
[1] If you no longer own this vehicle, please help us update our records. Call the FCA Recall Assistance Center at 1-800-853-1403 to update your information.
[2] If your dealer fails or is unable to remedy this defect without charge and within a reasonable time, you may submit a written complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E., Washington, DC 20590, or you can call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-4249153), or go to safercar.gov.
[3] You can also mail in your original receipts and proof of payment to the following address for reimbursement consideration: FCA Customer Assistance, P.O. Box 21-8004, Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8007, Attention: Recall Reimbursement.
Note to lessors receiving this recall notice: Federal regulation requires that you forward this recall notice to the lessee within 10 days.
3 Affected Products
Vehicle
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
| FIAT | SPIDER | 2017-2019 |
11 Associated Documents
Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)
RCONL-19V068-0908.pdf 56.677KB
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-19V068-8568.pdf 245.253KB
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-19V068-7150.PDF 213.905KB
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-19V068-4881.PDF 213.905KB
Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – 02/12/2019 New Safety Recall Advanced Communication – V20
RCMN-19V068-2916.pdf 198.611KB
Remedy Instructions and TSB
RCRIT-19V068-4873.pdf 418.503KB
Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2019-1
RCLQRT-19V068-1996.PDF 211.149KB
Recall 573 Report-Amendment 2
RCLRPT-19V068-7457.PDF 213.902KB
Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2019-2
RCLQRT-19V068-4481.PDF 211.26KB
ISSUED Renotification Notice
RCRN-19V068-1775.pdf 173.489KB
Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2019-3
RCLQRT-19V068-3291.PDF 211.347KB
Latest Recalls Documents
Reprogramming
Chrysler J2534 Application Overview
Flash Availability - J2534/Pass Thru Device
Vehicle to Diagnostic Tool Reference Chart
Chrysler Recommended J2534 Devices
For Chrysler recommended J2534 device, see below table.
| J2534 Device | Firmware Version |
| CTC Vehicle Box * | 1.9 |
| UCAN 2 | 1.0 |
| Blue Streak -2534 Global Programmer | 2.10 |
| Actia I+ME Passthru | 2.07 |
* Chrysler recommends the CTC Vehicle Box Device for Chrysler SCI ECU reprogramming. SCI reprogramming is used on most PCMs and TCMs prior to the introduction of CAN bus vehicles which began in 2004 (Durango).
Click on the link below to:
Download J2534 Application
(Install the wiTECH 2.0 J2534 Application on your computer)
Download the Setup Utility
(Configure your microPod/MDP device)
Launch wiTECH 2.0
(Once subscription and users are assigned to a tool please follow this link to access wiTECH)
https://www.mopartsp.com/support
www.techauthority.com
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