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Radio - Perceived Loss or Change Of Station Presets

NO: 08-27-98

GROUP: Electrical

DATE: Jun. 5, 1998

SUBJECT:

Perceived Loss Or Change
Of Radio Station Presets

MODELS:

1998 - 1999 (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager

NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1998 AND JULY 2, 1998, (MDH 0301XX - 0702XX) AND EQUIPPED WITH BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM), P/N 04801062AE, AND EITHER A CASSETTE/CD/AM/FM (SALES CODE RAZ) OR CASSETTE/AM/FM WITH 5 BAND GRAPHIC EQUALIZER (SALES CODE RBN) RADIO.

DISCUSSION:

Vehicle operators may perceive what they believe to be a loss or change of radio station presets. Replacement of the radio will not change this condition.

The subject vehicles have the radio station presets linked to the last Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) key fob/transmitter that transmitted an unlock signal. The RKE system of these vehicles is capable of having four key fob/transmitters programmed to it and the first, and second can have its own selection of radio station presets. The third and fourth key fob/transmitters will have the same radio station presets as the first key fob/transmitter programmed.

For vehicles that have memory seats and mirrors, radio station presets will not change if a door mounted memory button is pushed. Radio station presets are only linked via the key fob/transmitters on these vehicles.

If the vehicle operator complains of a loss or change of radio station presets, the condition can be remedied by one of the three following methods:

A. Inform the vehicle operator that a link between the RKE system and radio station presets exists and explain how the system operates.

B. Program all key fob/transmitters to the same radio station presets. If all of the key fob/transmitters have identical programming for the radio station presets this condition will not be noticeable.

C. Disconnect the 2-way COD bus wiring connector from the back of the radio. If this action is taken, the COD bus wiring and connector should be secured to prevent any buzz, squeak, or rattle concerns. Also be aware that all DRBIII(R) radio diagnostic capabilities will be eliminated if the radio COD bus wiring is disconnected and if so equipped, steering wheel mounted radio controls will be disabled. The existing radio R&R labor operation number may be used for reimbursement.

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) KEY FOB/TRANSMITTER RADIO STATION PRESETS PROGRAMMING PROCEDURE

For vehicles built between March 1, 1998 and July 2, 1998, (MDH 0301XX - 0702XX) and equipped with Body Control Module (BCM), p/n 04801062AE, and either a cassette/CD/AM/FM (sales code RAZ) or cassette/AM/FM with 5 band graphic equalizer (sales code RBN) radio, radio station presets can be programmed and linked to the key fob/transmitters by using the following procedure:

1. Program all of the key fob/transmitters for RKE operation of the particular vehicle's power door locks, if the key fob/transmitters are already able to operate the vehicle's RKE system skip to step 2.

2. Press the unlock button on a key fob/transmitter.

3. With all vehicle doors closed, place the ignition key in the "ON" position and operate the radio to select the radio station presets desired.

4. Turn the ignition key to the "OFF" position and wait 1 minute. Do not operate any portion of the vehicle or open any doors while waiting. These radio station presets are now linked to this key fob/transmitter.

5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for the remaining key fob/transmitters.

NOTE:
A COPY OF THIS PROGRAMMING PROCEDURE CAN BE PROVIDED TO VEHICLE OPERATORS FOR LATER REFERENCE.

POLICY: Information Only