Safety Recall P74/NHTSA 14V-749 Reprogram Instrument Cluster (RC-P74-14)

SAFETY RECALL P74/NHTSA 14V-749 REPROGRAM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

MODELS

2015 (LA) Dodge Challenger 

SUBJECT

The instrument cluster software on about 11,600 of the above vehicles could cause the instrument cluster to go into a "reset" condition and fail to perform a "bulb check" on safety warning lamps during vehicle start-up. This condition fails to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 101, "Controls and Displays".

REPAIR

The instrument cluster must be reprogrammed with new software. Models

PARTS INFORMATION

No parts are required to perform this service procedure.

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

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 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 VCI pod to the vehicle data link connector located under the steering column.
3. Place the ignition in the "RUN"  position.
4. Open the wiTECH Diagnostic application.
5. Starting at the "Select Tool" screen, select the row/tool for the wiPOD device you are using.
6. Enter your "User id"  and "Password"  , then select "OK"  .
7. Select the "Next"  tab at the bottom of the screen.
8. From the "Vehicle View"  screen, click on the "IPC"  icon.
9. From the "IPC View"  screen select the "Flash"  tab. Compare the "Current ECU Flash Number"  with the "New Part Number"  listed on the "sort table"  . If the "Current ECU Flash Number"  is the same as the "New Part Number"  continue to Step 17. If the part numbers are not the same, continue with Step 10.
10. With the cursor over the desired flash file, click the small green arrow button on the right side of the screen.
11. From the "ECU Flash" screen follow the wiTECH screen instructions to complete the flash.
12. Once the flash is complete click the "OK"  button on the "ECU Flash" screen.
13. From the "ICP View"  screen, compare the "Current ECU Flash Number"  with the "New Part Number"  listed on the "sort table"  . If the "Current ECU Flash Number"  is the same as the "New Part Number"  the flash is complete. Continue with Step 14. If the part numbers are not the same, repeat Steps 8 through 13.
14. Select "Vehicle View"  from the "ICP View"  screen.
15. From the "All DTC's"  tab, select the "Clear Stored DTC's"  button.
16. Select "OK"  from the pop-up text box.
    NOTE: Any active Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) may require an additional key cycle from "ON" to "OFF" to change DTC status from "active" to "stored".
17. Turn the ignition to the "OFF"  position, remove the wiPOD and battery charger from the vehicle and then close the hood.
18. Return the vehicle to the customer.

COMPLETE PROOF OF CORRECTION FROM 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 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	Time Allowance
Instrument cluster previously updated	18-P7-41-81	0.2 hours
Reprogram instrument cluster	18-P7-41-82	1.1 hours

Add the cost of the recall parts package plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.

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 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 Group LLC

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

P74/NHTSA 14V-749 

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

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

Dear: (Name)

Chrysler has decided that certain 2015 model year Dodge Challenger  vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 101 - "Controls and Displays".

The problem is... The instrument cluster software on your vehicle could cause the instrument cluster to go into a "reset" condition and fail to perform a "bulb check" on safety warning lamps during vehicle start-up. 

What your dealer will do... Chrysler will repair your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor).  To do this, your dealer will reprogram the instrument cluster with new software. The work will take about 1 1/2 hours 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 Chrysler Group Recall Assistance Center at 1-800-853-1403.

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 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 recall has been performed.

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. You may also update this information on the web at CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

If you have already experienced this 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: Chrysler 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 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 Group LLC

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