Safety Recall R23 / NHTSA 15V-460 Reprogram Occupant Restraint Control Module – 2013-2015 RAM Pickup

NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V460
Component(s): AIR BAGS , SEAT BELTS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 667,441

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

 

SUMMARY:

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks manufactured June 20, 2012, to January 26, 2015.

In the affected vehicles, the side impact sensor calibrations may be overly sensitive, and as a result, the side air bag inflatable curtains and seat air bags may unexpectedly deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioners may activate.

 

CONSEQUENCE:

Air bags that unexpectedly deploy increase the risk of a crash or injury.

 

REMEDY:

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Restraint Control module calibration, free of charge.

The recall began on September 8, 2015.

Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Chrysler’s number for this recall is R23.

 

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

 

August, 2015

Dealer Service Instructions for:

 

Safety Recall R23 / NHTSA 15V-460 Reprogram Occupant Restraint Control Module

 

Models

2013 – 2015

(DS)

RAM Pickup

 

NOTE: This recall applies to the above vehicles built at the Warren Assembly Plant (“S” in the 11^th VIN Position) through January 26, 2015 (MDH 012611).

2013 – 2015

(D2/DJ/DS)

RAM Pickup

 

NOTE: This recall applies to the above vehicles built at Saltillo Assembly Plant (“G” in the 11^th VIN Position) through December 8, 2014 (MDH 120808).

IMPORTANT: Some 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 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

Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module software on about 667,000 of the above vehicles may contain side impact calibrations that are overly sensitive. Inadvertent Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC), seat airbag, and/or seatbelt pre-tensioner deployment during certain driving conditions may increase the risk of a crash and/or vehicle occupant injury.

 

Repair

The ORC module must be reprogrammed with new software.

 

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:

NPN	wiTECH VCI Pod Kit
NPN	Laptop Computer
NPN	wiTECH Software

 

Service Procedure

NOTE: The wiTECH scan tool must be used to perform this recall. This procedure must be performed with the latest software release level. If the reprogramming flash for the ORC is aborted or interrupted, repeat the procedure.

1. Open the hood. Install a battery charger  and verify that the charging rate provides 13.2 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.

2. Connect the micro pod II to the vehicle data link connector.

3. Place the ignition in the “RUN” position.

4. Open the wiTECH Diagnostic application.

5. Starting at the “Select Tool” screen, highlight the row/tool for the wiPOD device you are using. Then select “Next” at bottom right side of the screen.

6. Enter your “User id” and “Password”, then select “Finish” at the bottom of the screen.

7. From the “Vehicle View” screen, click on the “ORC” icon.

8. From the “ORC View” screen, compare the “Current ORC Flash Number” with the “New Part Number” listed on the “sort table”. If the “Current ORC Flash Number” is the same as the “New Part Number” continue to Step 14. If the part numbers are not the same, continue to Step 9.

9. With the cursor over the desired flash file, click the small green arrow button onthe right side of the screen.

10. From the “ORC Flash” screen follow the wiTECH screen instructions to complete the flash.

11. Once the flash is complete click the “OK” button on the “ORC Flash” screen.

12. Select the “Clear Stored DTC’s”

13. From the “ORC View” screen, compare the “Current ORC Flash Number” with the “New Part Number” listed on the “sort table”. If the “Current ORC Flash Number” is the same as the “New Part Number” the flash is complete. If the part numbers are not the same, repeat Steps 7 through 12.

14. Turn the ignition to the “OFF” position and back “ON”.

15. From the “Vehicle View” screen, click on the “ABS” icon and select “ Functions”.

16. Perform an “ABS Initialization” routine and follow on screen prompts.

17. Clear any DTC’s that may have been set.

18. Turn the ignition to the “OFF” position and remove the wiTECH micro pod II and battery charger from the vehicle.

 

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 dealer payments.

Use one of the following labor operation numbers and time allowances:

 

	Labor Operation Number	Time Allowance
ORC module update previously performed	18-R2-31-81	0.2 hours
Reprogram ORC module	18-R2-31-82	0.2 hours

 

NOTE: See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions.

 

Dealer 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 dealers. 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.

Dealers are encouraged to consider alternative scheduling and servicing approaches for this recall. This repair does not require hoists or other full service facility special equipment and is a FCA Mobile Service approved repair.

 

Vehicle Lists, Global Recall System, VIP and Dealer Follow Up

All involved vehicles have been entered into the DealerCONNECT Global Recall System (GRS) and Vehicle Information Plus (VIP) for dealer inquiry as needed.

GRS provides involved dealers 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 dealer’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.

Dealers must perform this repair on all unsold vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers 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 OCCUPANT
RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
R23 / NHTSA 15V-460

 

This notice applies to your vehicle (VIN: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx).

This notice is sent to you in accordance with 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 Ram Pickup vehicles.

The problem is…	The Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) Module on your vehicle may have software that contains side impact calibrations that are overly sensitive. Inadvertent Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC), seat airbag, and/or seatbelt pre-tensioner deployment during certain driving conditions may increase the risk of a crash and/or vehicle occupant injury.
What your dealer will do…	FCA will repair your vehicle free of charge. To do this, your dealer will reprogram the ORC module 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 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or RAM dealer right away to schedule a service appointment. Please bring this letter with you to your dealer.
If you need help…	If you have questions or concerns which your dealer is unable to resolve, please contact the FCA Group Recall Assistance Center at either recalls.mopar.com or 1-800-853-1403.

 

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, please send your original receipts and/or other adequate proof of payment to the following address for reimbursement: FCA Customer Assistance, P.O. Box 21-8007, Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8007, Attention: Reimbursement. Once we receive and verify the required documents, reimbursement will be sent to you within 60 days.

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 call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to https://www.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:
	Application Usage and Support
	Provides support for 2010 and newer model years.
	New J2534 Application requires users to work online. An active internet connection and bandwidth (1.5 Mbps) is required to use J2534 application.
	ECU reprogramming files are automatically downloaded via the application.
	J2534 Applicable ECUs can be reprogrammed, if a flash is available.

 

The Chrysler J2534 Flash Application:
	Application Usage and Support
	Provides support for 2009 – 1996 model years.
	ECU reprogramming support for emission control modules only (ECM, PCM, TCM and CTV).
	User is responsible to download the correct ECU reprogramming files. Click here to download ECU reprogramming files.

 

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:

• 1996 – 2008 5.9L ECM (Cummins)

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.

 

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