FixVault

Safety Recall H29 Reprogram Wireless Ignition Node (H29)

Publication date: 2008-09-01
Reference number: H29

SAFETY RECALL H29 REPROGRAM WIRELESS IGNITION NODE

SAFETY RECALL H29 REPROGRAM WIRELESS IGNITION NODE

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): H29, Date of Issue:  September 2008
CHRYSLER: 2008 - 2009 (LC) Dodge Challenger

SERVICE INFORMATION

NOTE: Effective immediately all repairs on involved vehicles are to be performed according to this notification. Rapid Response Transmittal (RRT) 08-066 is being cancelled. Vehicles that have had RRT 08-066 performed are still required to have this recall performed.

MODELS

2008 - 2009 (LC) Dodge Challenger 

NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and "Keyless Go" option (sales code GX4)  built through August 19, 2008 (MDH 081914).
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

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitters on about 6,600 of the above vehicles can be removed from the vehicle when the transmission gear selector has not been placed in the "Park" position. If the driver turns the engine off but does not place the gear selector in the "Park" position, the vehicle could move inadvertently and cause a crash without warning. As a result, these vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention.

REPAIR

The Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) must be reprogrammed and the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitters must be resynchronized to the vehicle. After this repair, the engine will only turn off when the transmission gear selector has been placed in the "Park" position

The new software will also correct an intermittent RKE condition and add a time-out feature to prevent draining the battery if the vehicle remains in the "Accessory" or "Run" mode for more than 30 minutes with the engine off.

NOTE: The reprogramming procedure can only be performed  with the StarMOBILE.

PARTS INFORMATION

No parts are required to perform this service procedure.

SPECIAL TOOLS

The following special tools are required to perform this repair: 

SERVICE PROCEDURE

NOTE: Only StarMOBILE can be used to perform this recall.  Attempting to use the StarSCAN will cause an error message indicating "This ECU cannot be flashed by StarSCAN. Please flash this ECU with StarMOBILE."

This procedure must be performed with software at the latest release. If this WIN flash 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 StarMOBILE scan tool to the vehicle data link connector located under the steering column and place the ignition to the "RUN"  position.
  3. Power ON the StarMOBILE scan tool.
  4. Connect the CH9410 StarMOBILE scan tool ethernet cable to the StarMOBILE and the dealer's network drop.
  5. From the desktop, launch the "StarMOBILE Desktop Client" software.
  6. Establish a connection with the StarMOBILE scan tool.
  7. Select "ECU View"  .
  8. Select "WCM Wireless Control". 
  9. Select "More Options"  .
  10. Select "ECU Flash". 
  11. Select "Browse for New File". 
  12. Enter your ID and password.
  13. Compare the highlighted software part number with the software part number displayed at the top of the screen.
    • If the part numbers are the same, the module is up to date and reprogramming is not required.  Continue to Step  20.
    • If the software part numbers are different, continue with Step 14 to reprogram the module.
  14. Highlight the required flash file and select "Download to Client". 
  15. Click the "Close" button and then the "Back" button. 
  16. Highlight the desired file.
  17. Select "Update Controller,"  press the select button and follow the on-screen instructions.
  18. Resynchronize each Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter (also known as a FOBIK) using the following procedure:
    1. Remove the "Start" button cover, insert the RKE transmitter into the ignition switch and start the engine.
    2. Allow the engine to run for a minimum of 5 seconds.
    3. Turn off the vehicle and remove the RKE transmitter from the vehicle.
    4. Verify the function of the RKE transmitter to ensure proper operation.
    5. Repeat Steps  a through  d for all additional RKE transmitters.
    6. Install the "Start" button cover.
      NOTE: If the customer did not bring both RKE transmitters, be sure to explain the synchronization process to them so that he/she can synchronize their other RKE transmitter(s).
  19. Clear any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) as follows:
    NOTE: Due to the WIN programming procedure, DTC(s) may be set in other modules (PCM, TCM, ABS, BCM, MIC, WCM, etc.) within the vehicle, if so equipped. Some DTC's may cause the MIL to illuminate.
    1. From the "Standalone Home"  screen highlight "All DTC's"  and then press the select button.
    2. Highlight "Clear All Stored"  and then press the select button.
    3. Follow the screen prompts on the StarMOBILE screen.
  20. Turn the ignition key to the "OFF"  position and remove the StarMOBILE unit, StarMOBILE cable, 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 Chrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.

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

LABOR OPERATION NUMBER AND TIME ALLOWANCE

  Labor Operation Number  Time Allowance 
Wireless Ignition Node update previously performed 08-H2-91-81 0.2 hours
Reprogram Wireless Ignition Node 08-H2-91-82 0.3 hours
NOTE: See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions.

DEALER NOTIFICATION

All dealers will receive one copy of this dealer recall notification letter by mail. 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 Chrysler 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 Chrysler 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

Chrysler

SAFETY RECALL H29 - REPROGRAM WIRELESS IGNITION NODE

Dear: (Name)

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

Chrysler has decided that some 2008 and 2009 model year Dodge Challenger  vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention.

The problem is...  The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitters can be removed from your vehicle (VIN: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) when the transmission gear selector has not been placed in the "Park" position. If the driver turns the engine off but does not place the gear selector in the "Park" position, the vehicle could move inadvertently and cause a crash without warning.

What your dealer will do... Chrysler will repair your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor).  To do this, your dealer will reprogram the Wireless Ignition Node and resynchronize your RKE transmitters. After this repair, the engine will only turn off when the transmission gear selector has been placed in the "Park" position.

The new software will also correct an intermittent RKE condition and add a time-out feature to prevent draining the battery if the vehicle remains in the "Accessory" or "Run" mode for more than 30 minutes with the engine off.  The work will take about 1/2 hour to complete. However, additional time may be necessary depending on service schedules.

What you must do to ensure your safety...  Simply contact your dealer  right away to schedule a service appointment. Remember to bring this letter and BOTH RKE transmitters with you to your dealer. 

If you need help...  If you have questions or concerns which your dealer is unable to resolve, please contact Chrysler at 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 already experienced this condition and have paid to have it repaired, you may send your original receipts and/or other adequate proof of payment to the following address for reimbursement: Chrysler Recall Customer Assistance, P.O. Box 21-8007, Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8007, Attention: Reimbursement.

If your dealer fails or is unable to remedy this noncompliance 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 http://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

Chrysler

Notification Code H29

Buckle up for Safety! 

Note to lessors receiving this recall: Federal regulation requires that you forward this recall notice to the lessee within 10 days.