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NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V291
Component(s): POWER TRAIN
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3,851
Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
SUMMARY:
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Fiat 500 battery electric vehicles manufactured March 8, 2013, to March 7, 2015.
The Electric Vehicle Control Unit (EVCU) of the affected vehicles may set a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that may cause the transmission to unexpectedly shift to neutral.
CONSEQUENCE:
If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, the loss of drive could increase the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EVCU, free of charge.
The recall began June 19, 2015.
Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Chrysler’s number for this recall is R20.
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
June 2015
Studio Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall R20 / NHTSA 15V-291 Reprogram Electric Vehicle Control Unit
Models
| 2013 – 2015 | (FF) | Fiat 500e |
NOTE: This recall applies only to the above Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) built through March 07, 2015 (MDH 030715).
IMPORTANT: Many of the vehicles within the above build period have already been inspected or repaired and, therefore, have been excluded from this recall.
| IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in studio new vehicle inventory. Federal law requires you to complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Studios should also consider this requirement toapply to used vehicle inventory and should perform this recall on vehicles in forservice. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process. |
Subject
The Electric Vehicle Control Unit (EVCU) on about 3,800 of the above vehicles may set a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that can result in a shift to neutral condition. This could cause a loss of motor power, increasing the risk of a crash under certain driving conditions.
Repair
The EVCU software must be updated.
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 VCI Pod Kit |
|
Laptop Computer |
|
wiTECH Software |
Service Procedure
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. If the reprogramming flash for the EVCU is aborted or interrupted, repeat the procedure.
- Open the hood.
- Remove and save the plastic engine cover.
- Install a battery charger to the 12 volt battery 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 voltmeter 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 located under the steering column.
- Place the ignition in the “RUN” position.
- Open the wiTECH Diagnostic application.
- Starting at the “Select Tool” screen, select the row/tool for the wiPOD device you are using.
- Enter your “User id” and “Password”, then select “OK”.
- Select the “Next” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- From the “Vehicle View” screen, click on the “EVCU” icon.
- From the “EVCU View” screen select the “Flash” tab. Compare the “Current ECU Flash Number” with the “New Part Number” listed on the “sort table”. If the “Current ECU Flash Number” is the same as the “New Part Number” continue to Step 17. If the part numbers are not the same, continue with Step 12.
- With the cursor over the desired flash file, click the small green arrow button on the right side of the screen.
- From the “ECU Flash” screen follow the wiTECH screen instructions to complete the flash.
- Once the flash is complete click the “OK” button on the “ECU Flash” screen.
- Select the “Clear Stored DTC’s” button.
- From the “EVCU View” screen, select the “Flash” tab. Compare the “Current ECU Flash Number” with the “New Part Number” listed on the “sort table”. If the “Current ECU Flash Number” is the same as the “New Part Number” the flash is complete. Continue with Step 17. If the part numbers are not the same, repeat Steps 10 through 15.
NOTE: If there are other modules that require reprogramming, refer to the appropriate Service Bulletin for reprogramming procedures, labor operation numbers, and time allowances. Do not return the vehicle to the customer until all modules are at the latest software level.
- Turn the ignition to the “OFF” position.
- Remove the wiTECH micro pod II and battery charger from the vehicle.
- Install the plastic engine cover.
- Close the hood.
- Return the vehicle to the customer.
Complete Proof of Correction Form for California Residents
This recall is subject to the State of California Registration Renewal/Emissions Recall Enforcement Program. Complete a Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction Form (Form No. 81-016-1053) and supply it to vehicle owners residing in the state of California for proof that this recall has been performed when they renew the vehicle registration.
Completion Reporting and Reimbursement
Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DealerCONNECT Claim Entry Screen located on the Service tab. Claims submitted will be used by FCA to record recall service completions and provide studio payments.
Use one of the following labor operation numbers and time allowances:
| Labor Operation Number | Time Allowance | |
|---|---|---|
| Update previously performed | 18-R2-01-81 | 0.2 hours |
| Reprogram EVCU with new software | 18-R2-01-82 | 0.2 hours |
Add the cost of the recall parts package plus applicable studio allowance to your claim.
NOTE: See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions.
Studio Notification
To view this notification on DealerCONNECT, select “Global Recall System” on the Service tab, then click on the description of this notification.
Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
All involved vehicle owners known to FCA are being notified of the service requirement by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this service with their studios. A generic copy of the owner letter is attached.
Enclosed with each owner letter is an Owner Notification postcard to allow owners to update our records if applicable.
Vehicle Lists, Global Recall System, VIP and Studio Follow Up
All involved vehicles have been entered into the DealerCONNECT Global Recall System (GRS) and Vehicle Information Plus (VIP) for studio inquiry as needed.
GRS provides involved studios with an updated VIN list of their incomplete vehicles. The owner’s name, address and phone number are listed if known. Completed vehicles are removed from GRS within several days of repair claim submission.
To use this system, click on the “Service” tab and then click on “Global Recall System.” Your studio’s VIN list for each recall displayed can be sorted by: those vehicles that were unsold at recall launch, those with a phone number, city, zip code, or VIN sequence.
Studios must perform this repair on all unsold vehicles before retail delivery. Studios should also use the VIN list to follow up with all owners to schedule appointments for this repair.
Recall VIN lists may contain confidential, restricted owner name and address information that was obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles of various states. Use of this information is permitted for this recall only and is strictly prohibited from all other use.
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Service and Parts District Manager.
Customer Services / Field Operations
FCA US LLC
REPROGRAM ELECTRIC VEHICLE
CONTROL UNIT
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
R20 / NHTSA 15V-291
This notice applies to your vehicle (VIN: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx).
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Dear: (Name)
FCA has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2013 through 2015 model year Fiat 500e vehicles.
| The problem is… | The Electric Vehicle Control Unit (EVCU) on your vehicle may set a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that can result in a shift to neutral condition. This could cause a loss of motor power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| What your studio will do… | FCA will repair your vehicle free of charge. To do this, your studio will reprogram the EVCU with new software. The work will take about ½ hour to complete. However, additional time may be necessary depending on service schedules. |
| What you must do to ensure your safety… | Simply contact your Fiat studio, at your convenience, to schedule a service appointment. Although not required, we recommend bringing this letter with you to your studio, when you bring your vehicle in for this service. |
| If you need help…
California residents… |
Please contact the Fiat Customer Assistance Center at 1-888-242-6342.
The State of California requires the completion of emission recall repairs prior to vehicle registration renewal. Your studio will provide you with a Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction Form after the recall service is performed. Be sure to save this form since the California Department of Motor Vehicles may require that you supply it as proof that the recall has been performed. |
Please help us update our records by filling out the attached prepaid postcard if any of the conditions listed on the card apply to you or your vehicle. If you have further questions go to recalls.mopar.com.
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 or you can mail 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. Once we receive and verify the required documents, reimbursement will be sent to you within 60 days. If you’ve had previous repairs and/or reimbursement you may still need to have the recall repair performed on your vehicle.
If your studio 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 1-800-424-9153), or go to safercar.gov.
We’re sorry for any inconvenience, but we are sincerely concerned about your safety. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Customer Services / Field Operations
FCA US LLC
Note to lessors receiving this recall: Federal regulation requires that you forward this recall notice to the lessee within 10 days.
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Chrysler J2534 Application Overview
The Chrysler J2534 System is a combination of the J2534 Application (2010 and newer Model Year Support) and the Chrysler J2534 Flash Application (2009-1996 Model Year Support). J2534 aftermarket users are required and responsible for installing the J2534 device driver provided by the device manufacturer. If you need support installing the device driver software contact the device manufacturer. See the related article “Chrysler J2534 Manual” for additional information. Chrysler J2534 application provides below capabilities:
| New J2534 Application: | |
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Application Usage and Support |
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| The Chrysler J2534 Flash Application: | |
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Application Usage and Support |
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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).
Chrysler J2534 System Support:
Support for Chrysler J2534 System is available on-line. For more information, please refer to Chrysler J2534 Manual and knowledge base website.
Chrysler J2534 System
PC Requirements for Chrysler J2434 System:
The Chrysler J2534 Application has been verified to work with the following operating systems using open platform PCs or laptops:
• Windows 7 (32-Bit & 64-Bit)
• Windows XP (32-Bit only)
Chrysler J2434 System Release Notes:
Please click here to view the Application Release Notes.
Chrysler J2434 System Download:
For Chrysler J2534 System support, please refer to “Chrysler J2534 Manual“. Get the J2534 system.
Chrysler ECU Flash Availability matrix:
Click Flash Availability–J2534 Application and Flash Availability–Chrysler Diagnostic Application.
Adaptor Requirements:
A harness adaptor is required to update certain vehicles. The following tables list which vehicles / modules require which adaptor. Adaptors can be purchased through the SPX Miller Special Tools program. See SPX Miller Special Tools program for details.
MLR-J2534-MMC required on:
| SBEC III | 1996 – 1997 | SEBRING / AVENGER (FJ) |
| ETAX III | 1996 – 1997 | SEBRING / AVENGER (FJ) |
| SBEC IIIA | 1997 – 1998 | SEBRING / AVENGER (FJ) |
| ETAX IIIA | 1997 – 1998 | SEBRING / AVENGER (FJ) |
| Powertrain | 2001 – 2201 | SEBRING / STRATUS COUPE (ST) |
MLR-J2534-TCM required on:
| ETAX IIIB | 2003 – 2004 | SEBRING / STRATUS SEDAN (JR) |
| ETAX IVA | 2005 – 2006 | LIBERTY (DIESEL) JEEP (KJ) |
Additional Information and Known Issues / Concerns:
If you are reprogramming the 5.9L diesel engine controller on the 1996-2008 Dodge RAM vehicle, it is necessary to also reprogram the VIN after the ECU has been flashed. To write the VIN to the ECU, you may use aftermarket software support, or use an OEM FCA US LLC scan tool (DRBIII or StarSCAN). For more information, see the FCA US LLC Scan Tool Lease Options section.
- 1996-2009 ALL PCMs
If you are REPLACING a PCM or ECM and the vehicle is equipped with a theft deterrent system (Sentry Key), it must be initialized to properly function with the Anti Theft module. You also need to reprogram the VIN when replacing a PCM or ECM. To write the VIN to the ECU and initialize the PCM to work with the theft deterrent system, you may use aftermarket software support, or use an OEM FCA US LLC scan tool (DRBIII or StarSCAN). For more information, see the FCA US LLC Scan Tool Lease Options section.
FCA US LLC Scan Tool Lease Options:
- For 2009 model year vehicles and prior, it may be necessary to use either a DRBIII or a StarSCAN to perform function required after ECU replacement. To lease the DRBIII call 1-586-532-8400 or click here.
- Beginning with 2010 MY, function required to replace an ECU will be supported via the J2534 application.
