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Safety Recall V20/NHTSA 19V-068 Reprogram Transmission Control Module (V20)

Publication date: 2019-03-01
Reference number: V20

SAFETY RECALL V20/NHTSA 19V-068 REPROGRAM TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE

SAFETY RECALL V20/NHTSA 19V-068 REPROGRAM TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): V20, Date of Issue:  March 01, 2019
CHRYSLER: 2017-2019 (BA) FIAT Spider

REMEDY AVAILABLE

2017-2019 (BA) FIAT Spider 

NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.
NOTE: Some vehicles above may have been identified as not involved in this recall and therefore have been excluded from this recall.
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

On about 8, 900 of the above vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, electrical noise in the range signal may be detected while driving in Drive mode (including "Manual" mode). Due to inappropriate control logic of the clutch control software in the Transmission Control Module (TCM), this signal noise may cause the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift, causing an abrupt deceleration of the drive wheels. A sudden decrease in the speed of the drive wheels while driving may negatively affect the directional stability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control, and can cause vehicle crash without prior warning.

REPAIR

Inspect the software level of the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and if necessary, reprogram the TCM. Inspect the software level of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and if necessary, reprogram the PCM.

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: 

SERVICE PROCEDURE

CAUTION: Do not interrupt the software update process in any way once it has begun. It may cause permanent damage to the PCM which will require replacement.
NOTE: The wiTECH scan tool must be used to perform this recall. The wiTECH software is required to be at the latest release level before performing this 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 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.
  4. Open the wiTECH 2.0 website.
  5. Enter your "User id"  and "Password"  and your "Dealer Code"  , then select "Sign In"  at the bottom of the screen. Click "Accept"  .
  6. From the "Vehicle Selection"  screen, select the vehicle to be updated.
  7. From the "Action Items"  screen, select the "Topology"  tab.
    NOTE: The TCM must be at the latest software calibration level after completing this recall.
  8. From the "Topology"  tab, select the "TCM"  module icon.
  9. From the "Flash"  tab, 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   15  .
    • If the "Current ECU part Number" is NOT  the same as the "New Part Number"  , continue with Step 10  .
  10. From the TCM tab, select the TCM flash part number. Read the flash special instructions page. Select "OK"  to continue.
  11. From the flash ECU agreement page, agree to terms by checking the box.
  12. Select "Flash ECU"  and then follow the wiTECH screen instructions to complete the flash.
  13. Confirm the software is at the latest available calibration level.
  14. Click "View DTCs"  , select "Clear All DTCs"  , click "Continue"  and then click "Close"  .
  15. From the "Action Items"  screen, select the "Topology"  tab.
  16. From the "Topology"  tab, select the "PCM"  module icon.
  17. From the "Flash"  tab, 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   22  .
    • If the "Current ECU part Number" is NOT  the same as the "New Part Number"  , continue with Step 18  .
  18. From the PCM tab, select the PCM flash part number. Read the flash special instructions page. Select "OK"  to continue.
  19. From the flash ECU agreement page, agree to terms by checking the box.
  20. Select "Flash ECU"  and then follow the wiTECH screen instructions to complete the flash.
  21. Confirm the software is at the latest available calibration level.
  22. If equipped with cruise control, depress the cruise On/Off switch until the cruise indicator in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) illuminates.
  23. Click "View DTCs"  , select "Clear All DTCs"  , click "Continue"  and then click "Close"  .
  24. Remove the battery charger from the vehicle.
  25. Close the vehicle hood.
  26. 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 allowance:

LABOR OPERATION NUMBER AND TIME ALLOWANCE

  Labor Operation Number Time Allowance
Inspect PCM and TCM Software Level 18-V2-01-81 0.2 hours
Inspect PCM and TCM Software Level and Reprogram PCM only with New Software 18-V2-01-82 0.2 hours
Inspect PCM and TCM Software Level and Reprogram TCM only with New Software 18-V2-01-83 0.2 hours
Inspect PCM and TCM Software Level and Reprogram both PCM and TCM with New Software 18-V2-01-84 0.3 hours
Floor Plan Reimbursement 95-95-95-97 Calculate See Below

Floor Plan Reimbursement represents the vehicle's average daily allowance (see table below) multiplied by the number of days the vehicle was in dealer inventory and not available for sale. This reimbursement is limited to the number of days from the date of the stop sale to the date t the remedy was made available.

NOTE: If the vehicle was received by your dealership (KZX date) AFTER the stop sale date, you will use the KZX date instead of the stop sale date. For this Recall, the stop sale was initiated on 02/12/2019  and the remedy was made available on 03/28/2019  , therefore, the number of days cannot exceed 44  days.
VEHICLE, AVERAGE DAILY ALLOWANCE

Vehicle Average Daily Allowance
2017 - 2019 (BA) FIAT Spider  $4.64 
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 Transmission Control Module 

Dear [Name],

This notice applies to your vehicle, 

[Model Year and Model] 

VIN XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 

V20/NHTSA 19V-068 

LOGO 

VEHICLE PICTURE 

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 through 2019 model year (BA) FIAT Spider] 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? 

In some vehicles [1] equipped with automatic transmissions, electrical noise in the range signal may be detected while driving in Drive mode (including "Manual" mode). Due to inappropriate control logic of the clutch control software in the Transmission Control Module (TCM), this signal noise may cause the vehicle to unexpectedly downshift, causing an abrupt deceleration of the drive wheels. A sudden decrease in the speed of the drive wheels while driving may negatively affect the directional stability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control, and 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 FIAT Studio will reprogram the transmission control module with the updated software. The estimated repair time is one hour. 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. 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 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

YOUR SCHEDULING OPTIONS 

  1. RECOMMENDED OPTION Call your authorized FIAT Studio 
  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 recalls.mopar.com, scan the QR code below, or download the Mopar Owner's Companion App. 

QR Code 

Get access to recall notifications, locate your FIAT Studio, 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 V20.

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