June 11, 2020 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V343000

Power Transfer Unit Input Splines May Break

A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343

Manufacturer Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Components POWER TRAIN

Potential Number of Units Affected 67,248

 

Summary

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.

 

Remedy

FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA’s number for this recall is W47.

 

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

 

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06/12/2020

New Safety Recall Advanced Communication – W47

FCA US LLC (FCA US) has announced a safety recall on certain 2014 through 2017 Model Year (KL) Jeep_® Cherokee vehicles equipped with Power Transfer Unit (PTU) sales code DK4.  

 

REASON FOR THIS SAFETY RECALL

Some of the above vehicles may have been built with a PTU which allows relative movement between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft. This condition may result in the teeth of the input splines wearing off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, torque cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission, which will result in a loss of motive power while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the PARK function while stationary. A loss of motive power or PARK function can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside the vehicle.

 

SERVICE ACTION

FCA US will conduct a voluntary safety recall to reprogram the affected vehicles with software for the Drive Train Control Module (DTCM) and the Electric Park Brake (EPB) that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive function and prevent rolling in the PARK selection by activating the electric park brake if a failed input spline occurs. Dealers will be notified of the launch of this safety recall by way of established communication methods. This recall is estimated to launch in the 3rd Quarter of 2020.

We ask that you please take the time to ensure that your personnel are aware of this communication and are prepared to execute a customer friendly process for inquiries regarding involved vehicles.

 

Customer Services Field Operations
FCA US LLC

 

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06/18/2020

New Safety Recall Advanced Communication – W47

FCA US LLC (FCA US) has announced a safety recall on certain 2014 through 2017 Model Year (KL) Jeep_® Cherokee vehicles equipped with Power Transfer Unit (PTU) sales code DK4.

 

VINs identified as being involved in this campaign are currently live and searchable. Stop sale is in effect for the above-identified vehicles.

 

Vehicles impacted by a stop sale are eligible for reimbursement allowance through the Recall Floorplan Reimbursement Policy (RFPRP), which can be requested upon recall claim submission.

 

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.  Violation of this requirement by a dealer could result in a civil penalty of up to $21,000 per vehicle.  Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process.

 

REASON FOR THIS SAFETY RECALL

Some of the above vehicles may have been built with a PTU which allows relative movement between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft. This condition may result in the teeth of the input splines wearing off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, torque cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission, which will result in a loss of motive power while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the PARK function while stationary. A loss of motive power or PARK function can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside the vehicle.

 

SERVICE ACTION

FCA US will conduct a voluntary safety recall to reprogram the affected vehicles with software for the Drive Train Control Module (DTCM) and the Electric Park Brake (EPB) that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive function and prevent rolling in the PARK selection by activating the electric park brake if a failed input spline occurs. Dealers will be notified of the launch of this safety recall by way of established communication methods. This recall is estimated to launch in the 3rd Quarter of 2020.

 

We ask that you please take the time to ensure that your personnel are aware of this communication and are prepared to execute a customer friendly process for inquiries regarding involved vehicles.

 

Customer Services Field Operations

FCA US LLC

 

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July 2020

Dealer Service Instructions for:

Safety Recall W47 / NHTSA 20V-343 PTU Input Spline

 

Remedy Available

2014-2017

(KL)

Jeep Cherokee

 

NOTE:  This recall applies only to the above vehicles equipped with a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) (sales code DK4).

 

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 used vehicle inventory.  Dealers should complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery.  Dealers should also perform this recall on vehicles in for service.

Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process.

 

Subject

The PTU on about 67,240 of the above vehicles may have been built to allow relative movement between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft. This condition may result in the teeth of the input splines wearing off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, torque cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission, which will result in a loss of motive power while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the PARK function while stationary. A loss of motive power or PARK function can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside the vehicle.

 

Repair

Reprogram the affected vehicles with software for the Drive Train Control Module (DTCM) and the Electric Park Brake (EPB) that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive function and prevent rolling in the PARK selection by activating the electric park brake if a failed input spline occurs.

 

Alternate Transportation

Dealers should attempt to minimize customer inconvenience by placing the owner in a loaner vehicle if inspection determines that reprogramming is required and the vehicle must be held overnight.

 

Parts Information

No parts are required to perform this service procedure.

 

Parts Return

No parts return is required for this campaign.

 

Special Tools

NPN	wiTECH MicroPod II
NPN	Laptop Computer
NPN	wiTECH Software

 

The following special tools are required to perform this repair:

 

Service Procedure

A.  Drive Train Control Module (DTCM)

 

NOTE: The wiTECH scan tool must be used to perform this recall.  If the reprogramming flash for the DTCM or EPB is aborted or interrupted, repeat the procedure. 

 

1. 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.

 

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

 

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

 

4. Open the wiTECH 2.0 website.

 

5. Enter your “User id” and “Password” and your “Dealer Code”, then select “Sign In” at the bottom of the screen.  Click “Accept”.

 

6. From the “Vehicle Selection” screen, select the vehicle to be updated.

 

7. From the “Action Items” screen, select the “Topology” tab.

 

NOTE: The DTCM must be at the latest software calibration level after completing this recall.

 

8. From the “Topology” tab, select the “DTCM” module icon.

 

9. 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 B. Electric Park Brake.
   • If the “Current ECU part Number” is NOT the same as the “New Part Number”, continue with Step 10.

 

10. From the DTCM tab, select the DTCM flash part number. Read the flash special instructions page.  Select “OK” to continue.

 

11. From the flash ECU agreement page, agree to terms by checking the box.

 

12. Select “Flash ECU” and then follow the wiTECH screen instructions to complete the flash.

 

13. Confirm the software is at the latest available calibration level.

 

14. Click “View DTCs”, select “Clear All DTCs”, click “Continue” and then click “Close”.

 

 

B.  Electric Park Brake (EPB)

 

1. Go back one page to the Topology screen.

 

NOTE: The EPB must be at the latest software calibration level after completing this recall.

 

2. From the “Topology” tab, select the “EPB” module icon.

 

3. 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 9.
   • If the “Current ECU part Number” is NOT the same as the “New Part Number”, continue with Step 4.

 

4. From the EPB tab, select the EPB flash part number. Read the flash special instructions page.  Select “OK” to continue.

 

5. From the flash ECU agreement page, agree to terms by checking the box.

 

6. Select “Flash ECU” and then follow the wiTECH screen instructions to complete the flash.

 

7. Confirm the software is at the latest available calibration level.

 

8. Click “View DTCs”, select “Clear All DTCs”, click “Continue” and then click “Close”.

 

9. Place the ignition in the “OFF” position and then remove the wiTECH micro pod II device from the vehicle.

 

10. Remove the battery charger from the vehicle.

 

11. Close the vehicle hood.

 

 

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 paid 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
Inspect DTCM/EPB Software Levels	18-W4-71-81	0.2 hours
Inspect DTCM/EPB Software Level and Reprogram DTCM and EPB with New Software	18-W4-71-82	0.3 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.

 

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

 

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This notice applies to your vehicle,

 [Model Year and Model]  VIN XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX W47/NHTSA 20V-343

 

LOGO

VEHICLE PICTURE

YOUR SCHEDULING OPTIONS

 

1. RECOMMENDED OPTION Call your authorized Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep_® / RAM Dealership

 

2. Call the FCA Recall Assistance Center at 1-800-853-1403. An agent can confirm part availability and help schedule an appointment

 

3. Visit mopar.com, scan the QR code below, or download the Mopar Owner’s Companion App.

 

QR Code

 

Get access to recall notifications, locate your nearest dealer, and more through this website or Mopar Owner’s Companion App. You will be asked to provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to protect and verify your identity. The last eight characters of your VIN are provided above.

 

DEALERSHIP INSTRUCTIONS

Please reference Safety Recall W47.

 

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

PTU Input Spline

Dear [Name],

 

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

 

FCA US has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain [20142017 (KL) Jeep Cherokee] 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?

The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) on your vehicle may allow relative movement between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft. This condition may result in the teeth of the input splines wearing off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, torque cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission, which will result in a loss of motive power while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the PARK function while stationary. A loss of motive power or PARK function can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside the vehicle.

 

HOW DO I RESOLVE THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE?

FCA US will repair your vehicle ^[2] free of charge (parts and labor).  To do this, your dealer will reprogram your Drive Train Control Module and Electric Park Brake. The estimated repair time is one hour. In addition, your dealer will require your vehicle for proper check-in, preparation, and check-out during your visit, which may require more time. Your time is important to us, so 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 CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP OR RAM DEALER 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

FCA US LLC

 

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Mr. Mrs. Customer
1234 Main Street
Hometown, MI 48371

[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.

 

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4 Affected Products

Vehicle

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
JEEP	CHEROKEE	2014-2017

 

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10 Associated Documents

Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-20V343-4903.pdf 517.223KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB – Dealer Service Instructions re Safety Recall W47 / NHTSA 20V-343 PTU Input Spline

RCRIT-20V343-3789.pdf 784.624KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-20V343-9959.PDF 214.637KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – Media Release re safety recall on certain 2014 through 2017 Model Year (KL) Jeep® Cherokee vehicles equipped with Power Transfer Unit (PTU) sales code DK4.

RCMN-20V343-7975.pdf 197.61KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-20V343-1945.pdf 244.937KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – Media Release re safety recall on certain 2014 through 2017 Model Year (KL) Jeep® Cherokee vehicles equipped with Power Transfer Unit (PTU) sales code DK4.

RCMN-20V343-7934.pdf 203.431KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2020-4

RCLQRT-20V343-7250.PDF 211.26KB

 

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ISSUED Renotification Notice

RCRN-20V343-0245.pdf 138.794KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2020-3

RCLQRT-20V343-8908.PDF 211.152KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2021-1

RCLQRT-20V343-8242.PDF 211.359KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

For the Latest and Most Recent Recalls Information Visit the link below…

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=20V343&docType=RCL

 

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Reprogramming

Chrysler J2534 Application Overview

 

DRB III Emulator

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).

 

Compatible J2534 Devices

	CarDAQ-Plus 3 All Makes J2534 Reprogramming Tool
	CarDAQ-Plus 2 Diagnostic Code Reader and J2534 Programming Tool
	CarDAQ-Plus
	CarDAQ-M
	VSI J2534 ECU Reprogrammer
	Bosch Automotive Tools MTECH2 Mastertech II J2534 VCI with Wired/Wireless Capability for OEM Reprogramming and Diagnostics on GM, Ford, FCA, Nissan/Infiniti, Honda/Acura, and Toyota/Lexus Vehicles
	RAP2 OEM J2534 Remote Reprogramming Tool
	BOSCH Automotive Tools MTECH2 Mastertech II J2534 VCI
	Autel MaxiFlash VCI Vehicle Communication Interface J2534 PassThru ECU Programming Device Bluetooth Connection Internet Update Support CAN FD, 4 CAN Channels, DoIP, D-PDU Works with PC or Autel MS909
	GODIAG J2534

 

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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

 

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Chrysler J2534 Manual

wiTECH Software

www.techauthority.com

 

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