A/T - MIL ON/Delayed Shifts/Shudder: Overview

NO: 21-03-98

GROUP: Transmission

DATE: Feb. 13, 1998

SUBJECT:
Transaxle Desensitization To Intermittent Faults/Driveability Improvements

MODELS:

1998 (FJ) Avenger/Sebring/Talon
1998 (GS) Chrysler Voyager (European Market)
1998 (JA) Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze
1998 (JX) Sebring Convertible
1998 (LH) Concorde/Intrepid
1998 (NS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager

NOTE:
THIS INFORMATION APPLIES TO VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO DEC. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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:

1. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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:

1. 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 REQUIRED:

1 CH6000 Scan Tool (DRB III)
1 CH7035 General Purpose Interface Bus Cable (GPIB)
1 CH7000/7001 J1962 Cable
1 CH7010 J1962 MMC Cable
1 04669020 Label - Authorized Software Update
1 04275086 Label - Authorized Modification

NOTE:
THE MDS AND DRB III ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM PART OF THIS REPAIR AND THE SYSTEM MUST BE OPERATING WITH RELEASE 21 OR HIGHER AND TIL CD RELEASE 1151 OR HIGHER MUST BE INSTALLED.

POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

TIME ALLOWANCE:

Labor Operation No: 08-19-50-93 0.5 Hrs.

FAILURE CODE: FM - Flash Module