Transaxle Desensitization To Intermittent Faults (21-03-98)

Publication date: 1998-02-13
Reference number: 21-03-98

TRANSAXLE DESENSITIZATION TO INTERMITTENT FAULTS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 21-03-98, Date of Issue: February 13, 1998

TRANSAXLE DESENSITIZATION TO INTERMITTENT FAULTS/DRIVEABILITY IMPROVEMENTS

Model(s): 1998 Chrysler (FJ) Sebring

1998 Dodge (FJ) Avenger

1998 Eagle (FJ) Talon

1998 Chrysler (GS) Chrysler Voyager (European Market)

1998 Chrysler (JA) Cirrus

1998 Dodge (JA) Stratus

1998 Plymouth (JA) Breeze

1998 Chrysler (JX) Sebring Convertible

1998 Chrysler (LH) Concorde

1998 Dodge (LH) Intrepid

1998 Chrysler (NS) Town & Country

1998 Dodge (NS) Caravan

1998 Plymouth (NS) Voyager

Group: Transmission

Bulletin No.: 21-03-98

Date: February 13, 1998

NOTE: This information applies to vehicles built prior to December 13, 1997 (MDH 1213XX) with a 41TE/AE or 42LE transaxle.

DISCUSSION

New software has been released to address the following:

ALL MODELS

Be more tolerant of intermittent conditions that may cause MIL illumination, limp-in or DTC generation. Following is a list of symptom/conditions made more fault tolerant:

Corrects an error in extreme cold temperatures -27° C (-16° F) degrees or below. This allowed the transaxle to switch to the cold schedule too quickly. This may cause MIL illumination and limp-in conditions with associated DTC's due to slower than expected response from the fluid.
Reduce excessively long (more than 3 second) 3-2 shifts as the vehicle is coasting or braking to a stop with 4° C (40° F) degree or below fluid temperature. The driver may experience slight engine flare accelerating from a stop and/or sluggish acceleration due to the transaxle still being in 2nd gear instead of 1st.

ON FJ/GS/JA/JX/NS MODELS

Improves the shift schedule while towing in hilly conditions. The driver may describe this condition as being in the wrong gear or delayed upshifts after cresting a hill.

ON NS/GS MODELS

Reduces a shudder condition that may be experienced during a light to moderate throttle 1-2 upshift with -1° C (30° F) degree fluid temperature or higher. This condition can be experienced more frequently as the fluid becomes hotter.
Reduces a shudder condition that may be experienced during a 2-3 upshift just after a 3-2 or 4-2 kick-down.

ON FJ 2.0L (NON TURBO) MODELS

Reduces a closed or light throttle engine sag experienced between 9 and 27 mph with 7° C (45° F) degree or below fluid temperature.

DIAGNOSIS

Using the Mopar Diagnostic System (MDS) or the Diagnostic Scan Tool (DRB III) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures Manual, verify all engine/transmission systems are functioning as designed. If unrelated Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's) are present, record them on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin. If DTC's that relate to the above conditions are present or if the customer describes any of the conditions listed above, perform the Repair Procedure.

NOTE: Whenever a Transmission Control Module (TCM) is replaced due to failure, the software of the replacement controller should be verified for the latest revision level. Use the flash procedure to update replaced controllers as necessary.

EQUIPMENT/PARTS INFORMATION

Part Number	Description	Qty.
CH6000	Scan Tool (DRB III)	1
CH7035	General Purpose Interface Bus Cable (GPIB)	1
CH7000/7001	J1962 Cable	1
CH7010	J1962 MMC Cable	1
4669020	Label - Authorized Software Update	1
4275086	Label - Authorized Modification	1

NOTE: The MDS and DRB III ARE REQUIRED to perform this repair and the system MUST be operating with Release 21 or higher AND TIL CD Release 1151 or higher MUST be installed.

REPAIR PROCEDURE

This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Transmission Control Module (TCM) with new software (calibration changes).

Connect the MDS (Mopar Diagnostic System) and DRB III (Scan Tool) to the vehicle and power them up.
Use the arrow keys and select #2 MDS DIAGNOSTICS on the DRB III MAIN MENU Screen.
Use the arrow keys and select DIAGNOSTIC MENU on the MDS, then press NEXT MENU.
Use the arrow keys and select VEHICLE CONTROLLER PROGRAMMING on the MDS, then press NEXT MENU.
Use the arrow keys and select PROGRAMMING OF ALL OTHER CONTROLLERS USING MDS & DRB III on the MDS, then press NEXT MENU.
Follow the steps presented on the MDS and DRB III which will allow the DRB III to obtain the current part number of the TCM.
The MDS will display the part number of the TCM on the vehicle and the appropriate replacement part number, then press NEXT MENU to begin programming.
If the PCM on the vehicle has already been updated or programmed, a NO UPDATES AVAILABLE message will be displayed. Check the part number of the PCM on the vehicle and compare it to the part number displayed. If the TCM has already been updated, then another condition exists that will require further diagnosis and repair.
The MDS and DRB III will prompt for any operator action needed during the remainder of the programming process.
NOTE: THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW.
Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Software Update Label" P/N 04669020. See Fig 1 . Attach the label to the PCM and cover the label with the clear plastic overlay.
Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Modification Label" P/N 04275086 and attach the label near the VECI Label. See Fig 2 .
After the flash update is complete, verify the repair by attempting to duplicate the condition experienced by the customer. If DTC(s) or 1 trip faults can be set, further diagnosis and repair will be required.

Fig 1: Authorized Software Update Label

Fig 2: Authorized Modification Label

WARRANTY INFORMATION

POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

Labor Operation No.: 08-19-50-93

Time Allowance: 0.5 hr.

Failure Code: FM - Flash Module