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

Publication date: 2017-04-01
Reference number: RC-T19-17

SAFETY RECALL T19/NHTSA 17V-192 REPROGRAM POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): RC-T19-17, Date of Issue: April, 2017

CHRYSLER:

2014 (BF) FIAT 500L

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.

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.
Connect the wiTECH micro pod II to the vehicle data link connector.
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.
Open the wiTECH 2.0 website.
Enter your "User id" and "Password" , and then select "Finish" at the bottom of the screen.
From the "Vehicle Selection" screen, select the vehicle to be updated.
From the "Action Items" screen, select the "Topology" tab.
From the "Topology" screen, click on the "PCM" icon.
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.
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.
Select "Flash ECU" then follow the wiTECH screen instructions to complete the flash.
Once the flash is complete, select the "DTCs" tab.
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.
Turn the ignition to the "OFF" position and then remove the wiTECH micro pod II device from the vehicle.
Remove the battery charger from the vehicle and then close the hood.
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 AND TIME ALLOWANCE

	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

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL - REPROGRAM POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE

This notice applies to your vehicle,

[Model Year and Model]

VIN XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

T19/NHTSA 17V-192

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.

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

LOGO

VEHICLE PICTURE

YOUR SCHEDULING OPTIONS

RECOMMENDED OPTION Call your authorized FIAT Studio
Call the Fiat Information Center at 1-888-242-6342. An agent can confirm part availability and help schedule an appointment
Visit our Recall Website, recalls.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.