NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V192
Manufacturer Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components POWER TRAIN
Potential Number of Units Affected 25,593

 

Incorrect PCM Software Calibration

If the vehicle does not accelerate as expected, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

 

Summary

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014 Fiat 500L vehicles.

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration maybe incorrect, limiting the engine to idle speed and torque even when accelerator pedal is fully pressed.

 

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin May 5, 2017.

Owners may the Fiat Information Center at 1-888-242-6342.

Chrysler’s number for this recall is T19.

 

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

 

April 2017

Dealer Service Instructions for:

Safety Recall T19 / NHTSA 17V-192 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module

 

Models

2014

(BF)

FIAT 500L

 

NOTE:  This recall applies only to the above vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine (sales code EAM) built from March 06, 2013 through October 21, 2014 (MDH 030600 through 102100).

 

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

About 25,500 of the above vehicles may experience a diminished ability to accelerate or to maintain vehicle speed due to a software calibration issue in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).  This incorrect PCM software calibration could limit the engine to only idle speed and torque even if the throttle is fully depressed; when the throttle is fully released and then depressed again, proper operation resumes.

This safety defect may result in the diminished ability to accelerate or to maintain vehicle speed when expected.  Diminished ability to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed may result in a vehicle crash.  This condition may occur without warning.

 

Repair

The PCM on involved vehicles 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 micro pod II
NPN	Laptop Computer
NPN	wiTECH Software

 

Service Procedure

Reprogram the PCM Module

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 PCM is aborted or interrupted, repeat the procedure. The PCM must be at the latest calibration level after completing this recall.

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 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.

NOTE: The following procedure steps are based on using the wiTECH 2.0 scan tool.  If an earlier version of the wiTECH scan tool is used, procedure steps may be different.

4. Open the wiTECH 2.0 website.

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

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

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

8. From the “Topology” screen, click on the “PCM” icon.

9. From the “Topology” screen, select the “Flash” tab, then 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 13.
   • If the “Current ECU part Number” is NOT the same as the “New Part Number”, continue with Step 10.

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

NOTE: After completing the PCM reprogramming procedure, the wiTech tool will instruct that the Target Linear Coefficient (TLC) procedure will need to be performed. The TLC procedure will require the engine to be run so be prepared to attach an exhaust ventilation hose or to perform those procedure steps in a well ventilated area.

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

12. Once the flash is complete, select the “DTCs” tab.

13. Select “Clear All DTCs” and then select “Close”.

NOTE: If the PCM reprogramming procedure was performed, be prepared to follow the TLC procedure steps as prompted by the wiTech tool.

14. Turn the ignition to the “OFF” position and then remove the wiTECH micro pod II device from the vehicle.

15. Remove the battery charger from the vehicle and then close the hood.

16. Return the vehicle to the customer.

 

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 PCM Software Level	18-T1-91-81	0.2 hours
Reprogram the PCM module	18-T1-91-82	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

 

This notice applies to your vehicle,

[Model Year and Model] 

VIN XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

T19/NHTSA 17V-192

LOGO

VEHICLE PICTURE

YOUR SCHEDULING OPTIONS

1. RECOMMENDED OPTION Call your authorized FIAT Studio

2. Call the Fiat Information Center at 1-888-242-6342. An agent can confirm part availability and help schedule an appointment 

3. Visit our Recall Website, mopar.com or scan below. 

QR Code

 

You can find your nearest dealer and review all your scheduling options from this website. 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 T19.

 

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

Reprogram Powertrain Control Module

 

Dear [Name],

 

This notification is being 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 [2014 Model Year FIAT 500L] vehicles equipped with a 1.4L engine.

 

WHY DOES MY VEHICLE NEED REPAIRS?

Your vehicle ^[1] may experience a diminished ability to accelerate or to maintain vehicle speed due to a software calibration issue in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).  This incorrect PCM software calibration could limit the engine to only idle speed and torque even if the throttle is fully depressed; when the throttle is fully released and then depressed again, proper operation resumes.

This safety defect may result in the diminished ability to accelerate or to maintain vehicle speed when expected.  Diminished ability to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed may result in a vehicle crash.  This condition may occur without 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 PCM with new software. 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. The estimated repair time is one hour. 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 1-888-242-6342

OR 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

 

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 Fiat Information Center at 1-888-242-6342 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 1-800-424-9153), 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 218004, 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.

 

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RCRIT-17V192-9140.pdf

 

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RCMN-17V192-1263.pdf

 

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V192-0394.pdf

 

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RCAK-17V192-4462.pdf

 

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RCLRPT-17V192-1460.PDF

 

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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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