Safety Recall U01 / NHTSA 18V-049 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module – 2017 Chrysler Pacifica

January 11, 2018

Engine Stall Due to Software Issue

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V049

Manufacturer Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Potential Number of Units Affected 153,859

 

Summary

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles equipped with a 3.6l engine. The engine control software may become out of sync with the crankshaft position sensor, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

 

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. The recall began March 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is U01.

 

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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Revised March 2018

Dealer Service Instructions for:

Safety Recall U01 / NHTSA 18V-049 Reprogram Powertrain Control Module

 

NOTE: Some 2017 RU vehicles were previously repaired under Technical Service Bulletin 18-069-17 or Customer Satisfaction Notification T23 – EGR Valve Function and will show as repaired in VIP without Service History Information.  No further action is needed for this campaign. 

U01 and T23 campaigns use the same remedy flash; If T23 has not been completed, reprogram the PCM and use LOP 18-U0-11-82 to close the U01 campaign, then claim the T23 inspection LOP 18-T2-31-81 to close T23.  If T23 has been completed, use inspection LOP 18-U0-11-81 to close the U01 campaign. 

 

Models

2017

(RU)

Chrysler Pacifica

 

NOTE:  This recall applies only to the above vehicles equipped with a 3.6L engine, without Engine Stop/Start (Sales Code ERF) and with Engine Stop/Start (Sales Code ERC) from November 23, 2015 through June 29, 2017 (MDH 112310 through 062923).

 

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

Engine control software on about 153,800 of the above vehicles may cause an engine stall without prior warning, without lighting a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and without setting any Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). In the majority of cases the stalling occurs at low speed, while decelerating, while at idle or while negotiating a turn.  Engine stalling results in a loss of motive power, which can cause vehicle crash without prior warning.

 

Repair

The PCM 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

 NOTE: The wiTECH 2.0 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.

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 wiTECH micro pod II to the vehicle data link connector.
3. Place the ignition in the “RUN” position.
4. Open a wiTECH 2.0 Diagnostic session.
5. Enter your “User id” and “Password”, and then select “Finish”.
6. Starting at the “Vehicle Selection” screen, select the row/tool for the wiPOD device you are using.
7. Select the “Next” tab at the bottom of the screen.
8. From the “Action Items” on the “Topology” tab, click on the “PCM” icon.
9. From the “PCM View” screen select the “Flash” tab. Compare the “Current Flash Number” with the “New Part Number” listed on the “sort table”.  If the “Current Flash Number” is the same as the “New Part Number” continue to Step 16.  If the part numbers are not the same, continue with Step 10.
10. Select the desired flash file.
11. From the “PCM Flash” screen follow the wiTECH 2.0 screen instructions to complete the flash.
12. Select view all DTC’s.
13. From vehicle view screen select “PCM” icon.
14. Select the “Clear Stored DTCs” button.
15. From the “PCM View” screen, compare the “Current Flash Number” with the “New Part Number” listed on the “sort table”. If the “Current Flash Number” is the same as the “New Part Number” the flash is complete.  Continue with Step 16.  If the part numbers are not the same, repeat Steps 9 through 15.
16. Turn the ignition to the “OFF” position, remove the wiTECH micro pod II and battery charger from the vehicle and then close the hood.
17. 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 paid will be used by FCA to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.

Use the following labor operation number and time allowance:

	Labor Operation Number	Time Allowance
PCM update previously performed	18-U0-11-81	0.2 hours
Reprogram PCM	18-U0-11-82	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.

 

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 U01/NHTSA 18V-049

 

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 U01.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

Reprogram Powertrain 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 (RU) Chrysler Pacifica] 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 Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software on your vehicle ^[1] may cause an engine stall without prior warning, without lighting the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or setting any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). In the majority of cases the stalling occurs at low speed, while decelerating, while at idle or while negotiating a turn.  Engine stalling results in a loss of motive power, which 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 dealer will reprogram the PCM with new software.  In addition, your dealer 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 1-800-853-1403
OR YOUR CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP OR RAM DEALER TODAY

 

CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS

The State of California requires the completion of emission recall repairs prior to vehicle registration renewal.  Your dealer will provide you with a Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction Form after the Emission 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 Emission Recall has been performed.

 

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

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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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This notice applies to your vehicle,

[Model Year and Model]  VIN XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX U01/NHTSA 18V-049

 

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 U01.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

Reprogram Powertrain 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 (RU) Chrysler Pacifica] vehicles.

 

YOUR VEHICLE HAS ALREADY BEEN REMEDIED

According to our service records, your vehicle ^[1] was previously repaired under Technical Service Bulletin 18-069-17 or Customer Satisfaction Notification T23 – EGR Valve Function.  Your Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software was reprogrammed at that time, which resolved an engine stalling issue without prior warning, without lighting the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or setting any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC).  This campaign does not need to be performed on your vehicle.

There is nothing more that you need to do. 

 

CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS

The State of California requires the completion of emission recall repairs prior to vehicle registration renewal.  This letter serves as your Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction for this Emission Recall.  Be sure to save this letter since the California Department of Motor Vehicles may require that you supply it as proof that the Emission Recall has been performed.  Your dealer can also provide you with a Vehicle Emission Recall – Proof of Correction Form if necessary.

 

WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS RECALL?

If you believe the PCM software in your vehicle ^[2] has not been reprogrammed or have questions or concerns which your dealer is unable to resolve, please contact the FCA Group Recall Assistance Center at either fcarecalls.com or 1 800-853-1403.

 

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

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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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1 Affected Product

Vehicle

CHRYSLER

PACIFICA

2017

 

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14 Associated Documents

ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-18V049-1765.pdf 314.539KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577) – U01 Owner Repaired

RCONL-18V049-2735.pdf 332.829KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB – Revised March 2018

RCRIT-18V049-7650.pdf 866.924KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – U01Safety Recall -VINCompletions By Mopar on Thursday, February 22, 2018

RCMN-18V049-5886.pdf 178.93KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB – February 2018

RCRIT-18V049-9906.pdf 530.514KB

 

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U01 Fleet Communication Email

RMISC-18V049-1839.pdf 314.913KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-18V049-8191.pdf 247.419KB

 

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Chronology

RMISC-18V049-6672.pdf 73.7KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-18V049-3499.PDF 215.806KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – 01/18/2018 New Safety Recall Advanced Communication – U01

RCMN-18V049-1317.pdf 71.176KB

 

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Chronology

RMISC-18V049-0362.pdf 196.033KB

 

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Renotification Representative Copy

RMISC-18V049-1459.pdf 41.793KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2018-3

RCLQRT-18V049-8740.PDF 211.337KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #4, 2018-4

RCLQRT-18V049-7704.PDF 211.456KB

 

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1 Associated Investigation

Stall/Loss of Motive Power
NHTSA ID: DP17003
Dated opened: December 1, 2017

By letter dated November 30, 2017, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requesting it open an investigation into allegations of engine stalling in the model year (MY) 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, a new vehicle platform. In support of its petition, CAS cited 57 NHTSA complaints alleging an engine stall in the subject Pacifica vehicles, in addition to other information it provided.

On December 1, 2017, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened Defect Petition 17-003 as requested by CAS. ODI sent an information request letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the manufacturer of the subject Pacifica vehicles, on December 12, 2017 requesting information related to engine stalling in Pacificas. The letter requested FCA provide the information by January 23, 2018.

On January 11, 2018, and after technical discussions with ODI, FCA filed a defect information report advising the agency that it would conduct a safety recall of certain MY2017 Chrysler Pacificas to address a condition resulting in engine stalling without warning. The recall would address nearly 154,000 MY2017 Pacificas manufactured with engine control software that did not contain a routine intended to address loss of crankshaft position information required to keep the engine from stalling. FCA noted the condition could lead to a stall without illuminating a Malfunction Indicator Lamp, and without setting any Diagnostic Trouble Code. Given these conditions, dealer technicians would be unable to properly diagnose, much less correct the cause of the stalling, which resulted in additional stalling events and significant consumer frustration.

ODI reviewed consumer complaints it received through the date of FCA’s recall filing and identified 88 alleging engine stalling. The ODI complaints generally describe stalling that occurs at low engine (RPM) and/or vehicle speeds, and are consistent in that regard with most of the 445 reports FCA provided. Also both the ODI and FCA reports note that the engine could be readily restarted after stalling. Both circumstances are consistent with the root cause FCA identified and is conducting a recall to address. Additionally, FCA was able to identify an older vehicle population that used the same engine as the MY2017 Pacifica, however the vehicles were manufactured with the remedy level software; according to FCA reports of stalling in this population were significantly lower. No crash or injury reports were identified in either the ODI or FCA reports. Certain MY2017 and all MY2018 Pacificas were manufactured with the remedy level software and are thus not included in the recall action.

In view of the recall action FCA has announced, ODI considers the petition moot and is closing the action without a grant or deny decision. The closing of the petition does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.

Reference (ODI) numbers for the above NHTSA complaints: 11060960, 11060808, 11060711, 11057809, 11057520, 11057493, 11057171, 11057169, 11057025, 11055566, 11055031, 11054808, 11054746, 11054717, 11054274, 11054085, 11053669, 11053588, 11053553, 11053322, 11052905, 11052892, 11052654, 11052336, 11051390, 11051158, 11048832, 11048728, 11048720, 11048661, 11048626, 11048175, 11047936, 11047831, 11047793, 11047687, 11047684, 11047399, 11045061, 11042619, 11040610, 11040502, 11040294, 11039494, 11035468, 11034698, 11033417, 11032016, 11030729, 11029903, 11025266, 11025119, 11023691, 11023539, 11022835, 11022154, 11021223, 11019457, 11016083, 11015915, 11015757, 11014899, 11014582, 11012731, 11012221, 11012083, 11011729, 11011395, 11010468, 11010349, 11006647, 11006279, 11005211, 11004116, 11003783, 11003546, 10995833, 10994417, 10993002, 10992294, 10992144, 10991789, 10991548, 10991298, 10991282, 10990761, 10984974, 10983009

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=18V049&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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